What's Happening on Day Two of the DNC Convention
CHARLOTTE – The Democrats spent much of the first day of their nominating convention reflecting on the party's past and attacking Republican nominee Mitt Romney. Today you will likely see more attacks on Romney's record as governor and his time stewarding Bain Capital.
Today will features marquee speeches from Massachusetts Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren, Boston Mayor Tom Menino, New York Senator Chuck Schumer, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, and former President Bill Clinton.
Various DNC Caucuses will be meeting through the late morning and early afternoon to conduct official business while firing up their respective troops.
So here's what's happening on Day Two of the DNC:
Elizabeth Warren
The biggest national Democratic rock star without the last name Obama has the most at stake of anybody speaking tonight in the convention hall. Her campaign is currently limping along while her opponent, Senator Scott Brown, has managed to outflank her at nearly every critical juncture in their campaign battle. If Warren stumbles tonight, it could sink her campaign. But a blockbuster speech may not be enough to restart her stalled campaign.
Sandra Fluke
Remember her? For five minutes people thought she was going to end Rush Limbaugh's career. Fluke speaks during the 9:00 p.m. timeslot with two other activists. Fluke has remained in the public eye since Limbaugh made her famous, but her star no longer burns as bright. Democrats spent a significant amount of time yesterday on abortion rights, but it does not appear they will do the same tonight, preferring to focus on bashing Romney and building up Obama's achievements.
Unions and Richard Trumka
Big Labor wasn't happy with the selection of North Carolina–a right to work state with very low union membership–as a venue for the convention. Then again, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and his union allies really don't have anywhere to go. So it'll be interesting to see if Trumka touches any issues surrounding the convention, or if he just sticks to the script of attacking Romney.
Bill Clinton
One of the biggest advantages the Democrats have over the Republicans is that they can trot out a popular former president to promote their candidates and agenda. Clinton may be much older but he still has the impressive public speaking chops that got him elected in 1992. Clinton loves the spotlight but he's smart enough to not pull a Chris Christie and promote himself more than the candidate, plus he no doesn't have any aspirations for political office.
Antonio R. Villaraigosa
Rpublicans presented high profile Hispanic state officials at their convention while the Democrats have turned to municipal leaders here. Deep into his second term as the mayor of Los Angeles, Villaraigosa is the second highest profile mayor in the country after New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and is a household name in the Hispanic community. Look for Villaraigosa to hit Romney on everything, particularly immigration and economic issues.