In the overall scheme, it doesn't mean much except to those of us paying attention, all forty of us.

Both Bill and Barack are splendid orators, but each has his own set of skills. In fact, I'm probably wrong, but I think Bill set the bar so high with his remarks that Barack knew he had to work harder on his content for tonight.

Thus far, my impression is that Barack is a wonderfully inspirational speaker of abstract concepts like hope and change and improvement. Bill Clinton is far less inspirational but no less motivating about specifics, be it diplomacy with the Russians or Pakistanis or developing universal healthcare plans. The difference may be as simple as "someone who aspires" vs. "someone who has been there," but that's probably an oversimplification.

Bill's speech was so much more forceful than I expected, so much more specific and pointed, that I think David Axelrod could have written much of it. Still, it was just words until Bill gave it the "Clinton delivery" that sold it. No wonder he raises so much money for his charitable causes.

If I had bimeen Joe Biden last night, I think I would have accepted the nomination and walked off the stage--knowing how well Bill Clinton had "authenticized" (new word, I hope) Barack's candidacy.

Joe's no slouch when it comes too speechifying, but this one was written by the computer that had printed up all the hall signs (and my wife wants the sign concession next time, so we can retire).

Biden can--and probably will--do much better once the Denver show is over. This was way too much like what we expect from St. Paul next week: the June Taylor dancers led by Lynn Cheney: wonderful legs, interesting camera angles and about as much content as Lloyd Bridges on Sea Hunt.