Barack Obama
In this Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008 file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., walks off the plane with his wife Michelle Obama in Chicago, Ill. Monday night in Denver, the stage is hers at the Democratic National Convention for a prime-time speech introducing the potential first lady to her largest TV audience. If part of her function has been to reveal the husband and dad side of the man addressing the masses, she also needs to show she's just a woman, just an American, just a patriot. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon/file)

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In the final act of its four-act play, the Democratic convention finally turns its undivided attention to Barack Obama.

In a session themed "Change You Can Believe In," a top Obama campaign staple, the Democratic nominee will claim his party's nod with a speech certain to reinforce campaign themes of hope and change.

It will be his most closely watched speech to date, delivered to a nationwide television audience that Democrats hope will provide for a post-convention "bounce."

Obama will no doubt project the sense of optimism that propelled him to become a political phenomenon. But also important is what he has to say to supporters of Hillary Clinton both the Democratic delegates at Invesco Field and viewers across the country. Clinton has done what she can to unite the party, but many Clinton supporters are not yet sold on Obama.

With a change in venue from a basketball arena to a football stadium with a capacity exceeding 70,000, the Obama campaign hopes a rapturous reception may prod the media to firmly move beyond a campaign narrative of a divided party.

Beyond that, however, Obama will try to win over voters uncertain that his relatively brief political career has given him enough experience to be president.

Obama will also not be afraid to draw contrasts between himself and John McCain, who will claim the GOP nod just one week later in St. Paul, Minn. Republicans will counter that Obama's celebrity does not equal a readiness to be president and commander in chief.

Other convention speakers Thursday include 2000 nominee Al Gore, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter. Colorado Senate candidate Mark Udall will address the throng as he hopes to get his own convention bounce in his bid to claim an open GOP seat.

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