Clinton: Obama is 'the man for the job'
Updated on 28 August 2008
Jon Snow writes on Bill Clinton's speech, ahead of Obama's formal acceptance of the nomination for the Democrat presidential candidate.
Hey, they've just produced Barack Obama's uncle who served in the units that liberated the Nazi concentration camps at the end of the Second World War.
This old bespectacled white man propped up by African American Michelle Obama providing yet another insight into the complexity that is the multi-racial makeup of the man who would be president.
They did so in the aftermath of Bill Clinton's critically important convention moment, and moment it was.
I tell you, strictly between you and me, my correspondent Sarah Smith and I have tussled over whether the Clinton's really ARE with Obama's candidacy.
In yesterday's Snowmail I lauded Hillary's speech as having done all that she needed to do to affirm her support. Ms Smith was more questioning, more practical, less swayed by the emotion of the moment than I.
But today, though she's still out filming, I suspect that we are agreed, Bill did it. Constantly praised Obama's capacity to be president. Clinton was flushed and visibly teared up as the Democrats went wild at his mere appearance at the rostrum.
He has pledged an all out effort to get Obama elected and it is doubtful Obama would have so much chance without him. Earlier Hillary had put Obama 'over the top' in the delegate count.
This African American man IS the Democrat presidential candidate. Clinton's listing of the Bush administration's faults was powerful, pointed and dynamitic.
So here we go.
It was a convention night few conventions have ever surpassed.
As I write, the Secret Service chopper is overhead, Barack's armoured motorcade has just passed me - he's here.
Joe Biden is selling his wares at the rostrum now. It was a convention night few conventions have ever surpassed, even dull old John Kerry played a blinder.
Tonight Obama will accept the nomination formally in the Denver Bronco's stadium across the road here. 75,000 people will witness it, the Roman pillars are ready - the awful prospect that perhaps Obama will fly in on a trapeze in a toga with laurels on his head...
In truth he has a monumental task. America still doesn't REALLY know him. Hope, compassion, change - these are easy idioms, but focused specific plans - easily digestible lines, they come harder for Barack.
Tonight's has to be the speech of a presidential lifetime...
We'll be coming to you tonight from inside the stadium - see you then,
best,
Jon Snow
