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After two big nights in Charlotte, more rousing than anyone expected, the Democrats now have a major opportunity: if President Obama can make it three-for-three Thursday night, they could possibly break open the presidential race.

Major caveats are in order. It is possible that the electorate is so severely polarized at the moment that even a smashing convention or a smashing first debate can’t really move the needle. We will have to wait and see. It is also true, as John King emphasizes, that a bad unemployment number on Friday morning can persuade voters that the Obama team is actually incapable of reviving the economy.

But there is no doubt that the convention has already revived Democratic spirits. The roars in the hall have made it clear that the party has regained its fighting mood, newly confident they can retain the White House. While there have been stumbles, especially on the platform, the convention has been well choreographed and has had a string of successful speeches.

David Gergen

On Tuesday night, Michelle Obama gave a testimonial on behalf of her husband that wasn’t easy: her husband is so well known that it was a challenge to be fresh and inspiring. But obviously she did it, and Democrats around the country were thrilled.

Bill Clinton’s speech Wednesday was at least as effective and probably far more so. Indeed, it is stunning that for more than 20 years, Clinton has been the best political orator in the country. Wednesday’s talk was the best and most influential he has given since leaving the White House a dozen years ago.

Clinton did two things that were helpful for Democrats. First, he told the story of Obama’s stewardship better than Obama has ever told it himself. Second, he did what no other Democrat has done well: he saw the vulnerable holes in the Romney-Ryan budget plan and drove a Mack truck through them.

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article courtesy of CNN.com

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