High Hopes

DENVER - This is supposed to be M. Obama's night, but the spotlight in Denver remains on HRC and her reticent supporters. While we haven't seen PUMA's prowling the Pepsi Center, we did witness HRC surrogate Rendell give the media a lashing 8/24 for its "embarrassing" coverage of Obama.

-- In the latest USAT/Gallup, 30% of HRC voters say they'll vote for McCain or not at all. Even the folks piling into Denver this week - those who are theoretically the most committed to the Dem nominee - aren't on the same page. A NYT/CBS poll of DNC delegates shows a 22-pt. gap in enthusiasm for Obama among HRC and Obama delegates.

-- So what's holding them back? A bitter primary? Just 10% in NYT/CBS poll say they thought the nom fight affected Dem chances to win the WH. Loyalty? Numerous polls have shown Obama running better among women and Hispanics - HRC's key constituency - than Kerry '04. In the end, what seems to be keeping ex-HRC voters from picking Obama has less to do with her and everything to do w/Obama. Namely, that he's yet to convince them he's hit the "experience" threshold.

-- Biden is supposed to help fill in that gap. Strong words of support from the Clintons should help too. In the end, however, it's utlimately up to Obama to make the case.