The did just right. They had to introduce themselves and what they stand for before bringing in MaBUSH.
They did just that. They got my vote

This is surreal. Bill Clinton and James Carville were heroes to me. What has happened to the party? Who are these people now? Is it ego? Is it over achievers who can't stand the loss? Could the Clintons and Carville please stop giving the Republican party fodder? Please? Cam we unify the party and back the Democratic nominee? I would like to see a Supreme Court with a few less moral-conservatives. I would like to see a President, House and Senate all from the same party…just this once…to counteract the last 8 hellish years. Could the Democratic party leaders and strategists get over themselves for a second and back the elected nominee?

Who cares what Carvelle think, this is not bills convention. I don't know any event where we come out the box attacking except boxing. So CNN if there is no drama, create some with a Clinton supporter, his viewpoint is old and outdated. Maybe thats why hillary did'nt win they had Carvelle in their corner. I though tonight was very good afterall is was about unity and the Democrate party

Three more days to go and the heat will ramp up on the GOP. Hillary will take it to the next level tomorrow.

Michelle did a great job re-introducing the country to Sen. Obama. I especially like the shout-out to Hillary.

Start your negativity now Repubs/PUMA/justsayno whoever.

Carville represents the politics of old. That's why he has become irrelevant in today's political arena. I find his alliances and intentions questionable at best.

Carville, I know you're not that much of an idiot. The Democrats, because of the prejudice that's permeated this election cycle and because of the hard-fought primary, have a unique necessity to re-introduce their candidate to America on a personal level and to reaffirm party unity. That's what was scheduled for tonight, and that's what they did. It was not wasted in the least. The rest of the nights are scheduled for policy issues and drawing contrasts between the parties, and that's what they will do. You already know that though. You're just being a disingenuous jerk. CNN should get rid of you.

you people are always blaming cnn as not fair but in fact they are
playing fair politics………

you obama people are the cause of troubles not the hilliary faction
coz hilliary should be the nominee in the first place.

Dems are now divided……..McCain is happy.

No to Obama

Really sick and tired of the second guessing and constant comments made this evening! The important speeches by Kennedy and Michelle Obama were fantastic–each set a tone for the future and told their own stories. No Democrat needed to hear any bashing of the miserable Bush years (we call the family Shrubs), his failed war, his despicable team of Rove & Cheney. We know how bad the past eight years have been for our country–we didn't need to hear it again this first evening so it was heartwarming to hear from those who spoke in such positive manners.

The most annoying part of the evening was the endless chattering of your "REMARKABLE" political team. And it continues as I write this letter.

Carville…shut your mouth.
This was all in the plan. Youre just upset its not your plan. 1 finger salute to you, pal

Sour grapes. As soon as his ex-bosses the Clintons come on tomorrow, Mr. Carville will suddenly see brilliance from the convention. How predictable.

Some times I think Carville and his wife Mary are both, just plain crazy.

It was a fabulous, inspirational night for the Democratics. Carville can try to throw cold water on it, but that is just ugly and unfair.

Carville must have been catching only those parts of the convention that were on when there were commercials on whatever else he was watching. The focus was on the personal, and there were efforts towards emphasizing the conviction that Americans have that Obama shares their values and cares more about ordinary Americans than his opponent, but at the same time there were numerous references to McCain, his similarity to Bush on failed policies, etc. If this became the primary focus, people would ask, "Why are the Democrats spending all of their time picking on McCain — do they have nothing to offer of their own?" I think that they are hitting all the right notes and connecting with voters.

At 59 and and raised in a conservative family, always voting Republican, I am tired of hearing the chest pounding I've heard from that party. I am glad that at least the Democrat's aren't mudslinging, and I am glad they are using "hope" and "change" messages - positive communication techniques.
As far as not knowing who Barak Obama is, how many presidential candidates have we thought we've known, only to find out disappointing facts later.
I believe the Democrats are doing it right, and I'm changing parties this year.

Carvillie, relax men Obama family needs to introduce thier self to the American people, you just cant start by going after Mcsame. Watch the next 3 days as they go off about Mcsame.

You idiots!!!!!! While Carville was carping and Blitzer was blathering about the Dem. convention not having a theme and not whacking the Bush and the Republicans for the mess they put us in, you completely ignored Sen. McCaskill's speech in which she did exactly that! We had to go to C-Span to be able to listen to it.

And how about that Michelle?!? She totally wowed the convention and connected with the television viewers. Think maybe she should be running instead of Barack - but I'll still vote for him.

I agree with the poster who asked about Cindy McCain's trip to Georgia. What is that about? Is she with Cheney? is Cheney going to be VP again? This does not bode well, folks. The repugs are up to no good, per usual.

No HRC — NO obama. PUMA>

You are unbelievable CNN!
You didn't actually cover this convention. I had to watch CSpan to see what was going on. You didn't show most of the speeches or the videos (although you showed more than the other nets)
SO of course it was a wasted night; it wasn't actually shown!
You spent the whole day looking for controversy that didn't exist.
How about shutting up and let the American viewers watch the convention?
Idiots! Of course when your analyist are all Clinton lovers (Begala, Carville, Gergon, Rosen) that's the best you can do.

Please stop! It's a show, not unlike the one that you are on. The Dems will deliver their platform in a way that suits them and the times that we live in. At this point, you are treating this political race like a NASCAR event, looking for the crashes and ignoring the race. The GOP is and has always been the bashing party. It's in their nature. I know many GOP folks that wish in their heart of hearts that they hadn't voted for the current Bush. But soon, that will be in the past. How long can you beat a dead horse?

So. I ask you. Can you please take a moment and back up and just let this unfold without putting the 'take off the gloves' spin? Please!

Go Barack!
Go Cubs!

I think this Democratic Party has cooked its own goose. They plainly stated that if you aren't an Obama fan, you are not getting anything out of this party. Not only are these people not running for the government of everyone in the United States, they aren't even running for the the entire party. How many people are going to have to leave to make room for - it's Obama's party now! Republicans are evil according to their statements so why would they vote for Obama? People who supported HIllary Clinton are babies or shrill, so why would they want to vote for Obama and the Democrats. The party of unity has alienated everyone except their most ardent fans.

How can anyone even think of voting for a person with only three years of national political experience? It's like running to the mail room, and appointing the mail clerk CEO. Give me a break! I'm voting McCain.

No, they are not wasting the first night. It got real good with Ted
Kennedy, Caroline, Craig R. Michelle. Michelle was the highlight.
Beautiful woman, she shined. When CNN cast the cameras around
the room, the women were in awe and some were crying and the
rest were in full attention mode. Michelle was brilliant.
And can I say, I think Biden is a great looking man for his age.
He's a handsome man.

Absolutely wrong, the DNC team got it right tonight! Why is the media pushing so hard for the negative campaigning. We get enough of that and it is coming don't worry. They came out tonight and introduced the Obamas to the common American family and showed how their values are our values. A great opening, meet the Obamas, the fight is coming. Settle down media, you'll have the fireworks to cover soon enough. IT WAS VERY REFRESHING!

THEY COULD CARE LESS ABOUT ISSUES PERTAINING TO THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY. THEIR TOKEN CANDIDATE MUST WIN. ITS ABOUT THE KENNEDY'S AND SUCH ELITISTS WHO WANT THIS STORY BOOK CANDIDATE. HAD TO MAKE THE MICHELLE OBAMA PILL EASIER TO SWALLOW. HAD TO HAVE A DREAM OF SOME SORT AND LOVE HER COUNTRY TOO. WHAT ABOUT THOSE OF US WHO WERE TOO BUSY WITH THIS CRASHED ECONOMY TO CARE WHICH MILLIONARE IS PRESIDENT. WHAT ABOUT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHO WILL WAKE UP TOMORROW AND FIND THEIR JOB IN CHINA. WHAT ABOUT FEAR FUEL AND FOOD WILL ONLY GET HIGHER. TELL ME AGAIN HOW MANY MILLIONS OF PUBLIC TAX DOLLARS PAID FOR THIS IDIOTIC RAIN DANCE. THE DNC IS LIKE OPEC. DIDNT KNOW THERE WAS A SHORT SUPPLY OF OPPORTUNISTS. NO WONDER THE PARTY COST SO MUCH.

MSNBC knows what's what. I think CNN doesn't anymore.

Thank you Carville for your valuable tips on how to run an election.
Were these the same tips you gave Hillary during her election?

Didn't seem to work too well her for buddy.

I thought it was AWESOME!!! and I did hear talk about gas prices, forclosures, hurricane katrina ect. Maybe if CNN would have waited/listened to everything instead of trying to be the first network with something negative to say, they would have witnessed this too.

I thought it was a great first night and Michelle Obama was nothing short of what I expected. She's great and very smart……

P.S. I also think it's aweful to encourage people to be negative. We (Dems) do not need negativity to win. We have already won.

Peace

Maybe if CNN actually covered the convention and folks like Nancy Pelosi and Clare McCaskill, people would've heard the message loud and clear.

Gergen and Carville are obviously too busy listening to each other's gums flap.

Sorry James, you're off the track, once again. Everything you didn't hear, I heard. Where were you??

Don't worry I am sure that when the Republican Convention comes, Democrats are not going to be very happy. I am a proud and Loud Democrat, The Speech was great at the Beginning and End.

James Carville youre the one that is too soft, I don't know why you couldn't you be a speaker on Thrusday at Invesco Field? If it was up to me, I would do it by skype and Yell at the Democrats what happened to the fire power? I would fire up the Democrat bloggers!

This speech was very impressive and made me feel a way I haven't felt in a while.

Also, I learned plenty that I didn't know about Michelle Obama. I learned about her family and her work experience and in general, I learned about her values. I've also learned that some folks won't be happy with anything the democrats do. I've learned that some folks don't understand what a civil presidential campaign looks like and it frightens them so they act like poor sports : (

And I don't understand why folks like Carville are so blood-thirsty. Same old media, same old politics. You folks aren't happy unless our candidates are tearing into each other. In the context of Obama's historic campaign, I would say that folks like Carville have missed the forest for the trees.

The only thing wasted tonight is anytime spent listening to Carville!!! That is exactly the reason why I watched C-Span instead of CNN so that I could hear the convention without unnecessary dribble!!!

Very boring and no zip.Ya gotta wonder why are we here?

Absolutely not, they did not waste tonight. Michelle Obama's Speech was eloquent and priceless, the daughters any mother could adore, pretty and bright.

We are not the Repugs and don't want to start off our convention with hateful comments as they will do.

I feel so wonderful after the wonderful first night of our darling Obama's convention. I am a 75 year old white woman who has adored him for 4 years.

Of course Carville knows the GOP will come out nasty.

Carville and his wife Mary Matalin — Cheney's advisor — are the king and queen of nasty. They've made an industry of playing both sides, so that no matter which party takes the White House, they win — and political discourse in America loses.

The commentators completely missed the point of tonight's theme at the DNC. Speaking as a midwest democrat, I was greatlly moved by Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama creating a vision for the future. Vicious attacks on the Republicans would have been highly disrespectful of Senator Kennedy and Michelle Obama. I expect to get to the issues tomorrow night.

Take a deep breath and relax! Tonight was the first night and Jesse Jackson, Jr., Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama all gave great speechs. We still have 3 days to hit the Republicans hard. Just make sure your boy Bill Clinton and your girl Hillary do their part over the next two days. Thanks.

The night was not wasted!!!!! I wasn't sure about voting for
Obama but now I am sure!!! I felt we were pumped up by
Kennedy and Michele. Also the others, you could see excitement
and felt it. I am just an average American, not a news person,
but a retired teacher who is now t eaching refugees
coming in our country. I think our country willl be a much better
place with Obama at the helm.

I dont think people really care what carville really think at this point. I think that the first night was a great night and that we are trying to bring the country together not tear it apart. we can state our differences without tearing the opposing side apart. carville time was in the 90s and now its Obama time and time for the clintons to step aside and allow the next generation of people to take the lead.

The Obama's are the epitomy of an incredibly strong family unit - the lack of which is a huge problem in today's America. This is the kind of representation we need in the global community!

How cynical have you become, so much so that in all that has happened tonight what you find to take away from it is the negative … that they did not go negative enough.

Once again James Carville has proved that he is interviewing for a fox news position!

I actually think we need to be who we are as Democrats. That was what was put forth this evening and it was important to show the candidate as a man of the people. The theme of the night being the American Dream which over the past eight years has become more of the American Fairy tale. The Republicans will spend all their energy and air time to show the weaknesses of the Democratic Candidate, but we know the truth the Obama/Biden Ticket is strong and determined and the people of our country want and need the change that will come with not only Obama and Biden but also with Hillary Clinton, Ted Kennedy and all of those who have raised the bar and fought hard for all people not just those few elite.

Are you kidding with this criticism of the first night of the Democratic Convention? When the Obama campaign takes the high road as they did tonight the media–including CNN–says he is too soft and doesn't understand politics. When he goes after McCain the media–including CNN–says he is abandoning his pledge for a new kind of campaign. Maybe the press should try to live up to the standards you have set for Obama. Or maybe you should give up your love affair for the new John McCain–or as my family calls him "McNasty McBush".

Carville needs to go somewhere. Was he not listening to Pelosi talk about McCain being on the wrong side of the issues? McCaskill talking about McCain. What has he been listening to????

Carville jumped the shark in 1996 and has been crawling back ever since.

I expect the attacks on the second night…

This convention so far has been a huge yawn.

I don't know what you want! Is it so bad NOT to be negative????? Personally, I cannot stand negative politics. I am proud, very proud of our Democratic convention so far - no slamming. And, as to nothing going on, if you announcers would shut up and turn the cameras to the speakers, we could see more of the convention. We don't need your constant rhetoric. We want to see and hear whoever is speaking.

That's my thoughts.
Mrs. Richard
Leawood, KS

pretty easy to figure this convention out. 1st. play good cop and get sentimental. 2nd. let hill and bill go out gracefully while setting the table. 3rd. biden time to rev up the crowd and show his bad cop side and finally obama comes out swinging and engages his vision and sets the tone for the final few months. obama has been throwing jabs so far while mccain has tried to land a few haymakers, i think this campaign turns this week as the dems start going more for a knockout.

James, when does Biden speak? I'm sure he'll have plenty of words for and about John McCain and the trash-can political brand that is the republican party.

And who cares what the republicans have to say? Last time I checked, most of America was more than a little displeased with the direction the GOP has sent us on.

It is so awesome to watch the Democratic party disintegrate in front of their very eyes. Too bad you guys made such a terrible mistake by anointing BHO as your nominee. Here I was hoping that my man McCain would actually get some competition! Biden is a joke..

And don't forget people, I actually voted for Kerry in 2004 if you can believe it. But Democrats have got some serious problems and McCain is more to the middle like me! A lot better than Bush that's for sure…but to Bush's credit, he isn't swayed by polls like BHO and while the Dems are partying it up, he is dealing with big boy problems such as Russia and the news that came out tonight about their new resolution recognizing south ossetia as an independent state….not good.

Good luck Dems!!!! Suckers!!!!

Carville, are you crazy? it was a beautiful night. The negative stuff that you are itching for will come later, Mr. Mary Matelin.

Jim, you just don't get it. This is a season of CHANGE…..it is not about attacking the issues of the day, or about BUSH. We get enough of the
on a daily basis.

Tonight was a time for celebration and getting to know the candidate.

Giive tomorrow a chance…the attack dogs are lying in wait.

The dems did it just right - this is about getting our country back together - not about splitting us apart.

Best,
Jen Ford - Philadelphia

Michelle was a bomb; basic rule of public speaking for a woman - no "wardrobe malfunctions"!!!

And then the idiot woman commentator that inferred that John McCain would "turn back women's rights"…..????

And this is from a professional woman, who can no longer say I vote Democrat.

Idiots!!!

I for one am OK with the negativity. Living in the swing state of CO, I am already tired of all of the negative TV adds. So one night without it is a nice breather.

I've had my fill of Bush, McCain, Iraq, etc, etc, etc. Enjoyed the happy, uplifting feeling of unity and joy.

Carvillie, your mentality is the reason why Obama did not consult your kind.

Isn't that the point? That Democrats are different from Republicans?

I thought the convention went well tonight. We are a civilized people, not pit bulls. Let us have one night of good, and not just attacks.

CNN=McCain lovers

So when has Carville had anything good to say since his candidate lost the primary?

At least he had three sentences that didn't include a reference to what's her name.

TC

Yup! Dems blew it! Wasted an entire night and put everyone to sleep after Ted spoke. Micheal missed her chance to relate. The best part of the Obama's portion of the evening was when his little girls kept interupting him, at least that was cute.

No….They are playing hide the joker that thinks he can be president.

McCain 2008/2012

I too felt that there was no attack on Bush tonight, but maybe it is to be saved for Sen. Obama and Sen Biden to address, instead of showing one's hand on the first night.

Democrats have 3 more nights to pull this off.

I don't feel that the evening was wasted at all. Why does the media feel that the only way to people is through negativity and bashing of others. Frankly, I am quite sick of hearing that. Tonight was very refreshing and interesting. The only thing that spoiled it was the constant request by the media that they (the Democrats) bring out criticism of others.

James,

Weren't you an adviser for Hillary during the primary?

I don't think the convention has to "remind" us about the near recession, War in Iraq, etc. We know…believe me, we know!

Carville is a joke — he looks like one of the characters on "I am Legend" — give me a break!!

However mild the convention may seem to be, it does seem to go along with the theme of cutting out partisan bickering by just not addressing the other party. Though negative campaigning definitely works, if the American people want us to stop fighting then we have to stop biting at people…

I was very upset with the comments made after Michelle Obama's speech regarding the fact that the first night of the convention was wasted due to the fact that no one was negative toward the Republicans. Seems that reporters love the negativity that has so ruined our political process. We are all Americans!

Carville and Jeff Toobin need to get a grip. Republicans are better at negative crap and lies and that's what makes Democrats better than them. Unlike the white man McCain and his geriatric Barbie Doll, Obama has to take two steps for every one McCain takes because this is a country where a white man doesn't have to define himself or get called on his gaffes whereas Obama is over-analyzed to the point of media stalking.
This first night was a "get to know Obama and his family" nite so that potential voters can decide for themselves whether they liked what they saw or not. With their minds set by tonite, nothing McCain says or does will change their minds. They are NOT here to make the ratings for CNN or it's pundits. The Convention will handle its bidness starting tomorrow nite.

What do you know Carville?

Don't worry James it's coming.

We heard Michelle Obama,
Wow!!!

Comes now, Cindy Mc Who?

The Democrats have so much ammunition to unleash on the Republican party. It's almost too easy for them, but alas they didn't pull out the big guns. Maybe tomorrow I hope.

OBAMA / BIDEN 08!!!!!! COLORADO WILL GO BLUE!!!!

This is what a convention first night should be!!!!!!!

oh shush Carville. There was enough McCain critique and it will continue, but we Democrats are not attack dogs continually like the Republicans. Just wait for Joe to set the record straight. He will do it strong enough.

Maybe you're right James, or maybe its best to save the main message for last, so that people remember.

Why would anyone care what Carville has to say? How about getting some democrats to comment on the convention?

I've been watching National conventions since 1952 and this evenings events have been the most boring ever. No wonder the Networks quit gavel to gavel coverage.

Well, luckily we don't do everything the republicans do Carville. I like that we didn't go in attacking. Why is it so wrong to not go negative immediately and to have a positive first night instead. I mean this was mostly Kennedy and Michelle, what did you want them to do, start trashing McCain when one is really sick and the other is supposed to be the first lady? That would be kind of weird and totally off message. And the message anyway, is supposed to be about hope not about attacking McCain.

I disagree with Carville, we had to do several things tonight, Michelle had to show very clearly who she was and show us Obama through her eyes, tonight was also about beginning to bring the Hillary supporters together, by the time the night ended there was not one dry eye. We needed this tonight, Carville, we needed it! Now, now we can move forward!

I guess he didn't hear the same speeches I did. I know Nancy Pelosi said McCain was wrong at least 8 times on each of the issues he said weren't mentioned. I thought the speeches were a perfect way to open the convention. I also agree that we need to drive home the attacks over the next two nights. I was suitably impressed. I am not sure I've ever heard Carville be positive about much. He needs a happy pill.

Carville is wasting air. They dont need to go hostile the very first nite, relax!!!!!

I noted that James Carville is moving to New Orleans, It's to bad he doesnt just keep going south while he's at it. They could [robably use his negativity in Cuba or Dominican republic, etc.

Yes it was a wast of time. Michelle- Leona Hemsley Jr. [Queen of Mean]. That is not her, just like Obama, scripted. She hates Hillary. Remember when she said. 'If you can't clean up your own house how do you expect to clean up the White House?' With such hatred. She threw the first punch at the beginning of the primarys. What a fraud, just like Obama.

Carville and CNN are losing credibility. Period
Nganenu

Mr. Carville.. It will get down and dirty soon enough. Let us enjoy some civility for at least for a day.

James Carville needs to get some where andsit down. I am so sick of him all night trying to interject Hillary Clinton into every interview segment. This is not about Hillery - Get over it! Hillery has already made a big mess that she can't even control now. Tonight was great!!!!!!! Go Michelle - you brought it home Girl!!!!!

What on God's Green Earth is Carville talking about?! I was thrilled!

Carville, shut up!

I believe you are right…and wrong. Tonight was the first night, and I am sure that as days two, three and four come along—we will have nailed the message that Barack is the best canidate. I am very sure, that if anyone else had been running the convention strategy would be the same—not just because its Obama.

Another poster gave us the hint - NPR is not biased toward CLINTON and REPUKES like CNN and FAUX

Go to NPR

JAMES CARVILLE HAS BEEN AROUND HILLARY AND THE REPUBLICANS TOO LONG. . .IT'S RUBBING OFF!

MICHELLE OBAMA '08-'12

I can't Help but agree Mr Carville I bet Clinton would have done things differently

James, I agree. The message is being hidden.

ATTACK?
Why is this country sooo enthralled with attacking?

I actually heard those themes, but they were mentioned as things that we are seeking to address rather than failures of the Bush Administration. To start with an attack makes the Democrats look weak and nervous about McCain. They are trying to go back to the message of what can be done to restore America's greatness. I'm sure the barbs will be sharpened throughout the week in a crescendo-like fashion.

It was a fantastic and historic night. Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama were riveting.

No, this was pitch perfect.

We're hearing a lot of commentary and not a lot of the convention speakers on CNN coverage - I tuned in to hear the speakers with some commentary, not spin spin spin with speaker soundbites. You say that the dems waisted the first night, perhaps, I couldn't tell by watching CNN.

in one word yes…but good job to michelle obama tonight….what a great job she did….blame Obama for the rest of the evening's missteps…

PUMA

Although I rarely agreed with Carville, I must agree and concede that is has a good point. They dems needs to be more agressive against John Mccain.

You people at CNN are starting to get on the last nerve I have left.

Why don't you INVESTIGATE why McWarmonger sent his wife to Georgia to meet with his friend that started something that would benefit his run for presidency - THAT's what you all should be FEARING!!!!!!!!!!

carvile it is people like you that continue to divide this country. When Clinton came to become president, it was time to do something new. Just like the dems gave him a chance to revitilize the party why can't you do the same for Obama. Instead you critize along with the republicans because you believe the clinton's should always be in charge. Nothing in life is given to you on a silver platter or entitled to. Hillary lost fair and square. Either be quite or help out. stop complaining.

We learned nothing new. No substance.

Ms. Obama say 18 Million cracks? What a way to thank the Hillary voters…

Why did Carville crawl out from under his rock ?

Tell Carville stop hating

Did we see the same show?

Michelle Obama just got my vote!

As usual, Carville has his head up his ashtray.

Michelle Obama just hit it out of the ballpark!

It is, literally, a WHOLE NEW BALL GAME!