2004 Democratic National Convention

- Profiles of Likely Convention Speakers -

Which of them will have the most impact in years to come?

See Profiles of Likely Speakers at the Republican National Convention

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Jennifer Granholm  -  Ron Reagan  -  Max Cleland  -  Bill Richardson  -  Bill Clinton  -  Barack Obama  -  Edward Kennedy  -  Teresa Heinz Kerry

Which of them will have the most impact in years to come?

Back before TV, radio, and the Voting Rights Act, a national political convention was the place where a select group of party leaders met to choose their national candidates and plan their policy positions. They were loud, sweaty, raucous events that put the "party" in "political party."

Over the past four decades, the backroom maneuvering of the old political conventions has been replaced to a large extent by the modern primary system. By the time the parties' national conventions roll around, the candidates have been selected, and even the platform positions are largely worked out.

A modern national convention is little more than a marketing event for the party, but there's still some fun to be had. The keynote speeches each evening provide an opportunity for a national audience to get a look at some of the party's up and coming talent. Occasionally, one of those speakers will go on to prominence as happened with Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton after his 1988 speech. Other times, a promising star on a convention night will fade over time, like Texas Governor Ann Richards after her 1992 speech.

Which one of this year's speakers will shine and which will fade?  It's anybody's guess.  Profiles of some of the likely speakers are below:

Jennifer Granholm

Governor of Michigan.  She was the first person in her family to attend college and she made the most of the opportunity.  Graduated from UC Berkeley with honors, then attended Harvard Law School.  After a stint in the US Attorney's office, was elected Attorney General in Michigan in 1998.  Elected Governor in 2002.  She has a bright future, but she cannot run for President because she was not born in the US (born in Canada). click here to see the text of her speech

Ron Reagan

Son of former President Ronald Reagan and frequent contributor on MSNBC.  The younger Reagan has made no secret of his disagreements with the Bush administration, punctuated by his criticism during the Reagan funeral of a politician who "wears his faith on his sleeve" for political advantage.  Reagan is a political independent.  He agreed to speak at the convention to express his opinion, shared very publicly by Nancy Reagan, in favor of broader stem cell research.  It is a position opposed by the Bush administration and supported by the Kerry campaign.  click here to see the text of his speech

Max Cleland

Former Senator from Georgia and disabled Vietnam veteran.  Lost both legs and an arm in combat.  Was defeated in his 2002 campaign for re-election to the Senate by Republican Saxby Chambliss.  The campaign was particularly bitter, marked by advertisements questioning Cleland's patriotism and his commitment to the war on terror.  Cleland has become a centerpiece in the Democratic Party's efforts to win support among veterans. 

Bill Richardson

Former Secretary of Energy under Bill Clinton and current Governor of New Mexico.  Richardson is a Hispanic who some think can help solidify Democratic influence in that demographic group.  He is the chairman of the convention and he was discussed as a potential pick for Vice-President.  click here to see the text of his speech

Bill Clinton

As the little-known Governor of Arkansas, he delivered a thoroughly forgettable address to the 1988 Democratic Convention.  Four years later he won the Democratic Nomination and the White House.  If you somehow missed the rest, you can catch up with a copy of his memoir.  click here to see the text of his speech

Barack Obama

Candidate for the US Senate from Illinois.  Graduated from Columbia University and went on to Harvard Law, where he was the first black editor of the law review.  Currently a law professor at the University of Chicago.  At this time Obama has no general election opponent.  Jack Ryan, who won the Republican nomination for Senate, dropped out of the race over unsavory allegations from his divorce proceedings.  The Illinois GOP has not yet selected a replacement.  With strong performances at the convention and in the general election Barack Obama could become a household name.  click here to see the text of his speech

Edward Kennedy

Brother of John F. Kennedy and patriarch of the Kennedy clan, Ted Kennedy has represented Massachusetts in the Senate since he replaced his brother in that slot in 1962.  Unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for President in 1980.  Kennedy remains the symbol both to liberals and conservatives of the era when the Democratic Party held dominance.  click here to see the text of his speech

Teresa Heinz Kerry

Wife of John Kerry and heir by previous marriage of the Heinz family fortune, she was a registered Republican up until 2003.  Known for her independence and depth, Heinz-Kerry is a complex character.  She was born in Mozambique and educated in South Africa and Switzerland.  She married John Kerry in 1995 after they met at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.  She was sent to that summit as a representative of the first Bush Administration.   click here to see the text of her speech