As focus shifts to unity, Obama camp hails first night

DENVER — Advisers to Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Tuesday that the first night of the convention was a successful introduction of the candidate, and now the focus will shift to party unity and drawing contrasts with Republican candidate John McCain. 

Senior Obama adviser Anita Dunn rejected the criticisms of some Democrats, including Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s (D-N.Y.) ally James Carville, saying that Carville’s complaint that Democrats didn't hit Sen. McCain (Ariz.) hard enough on the first night put the Democratic strategist “in the minority.”

{mosads}“Last night was an extraordinary introduction and tone-setting night for the convention,” Dunn said during a conference call.

Dunn noted that the purpose of the opening night, which featured well-reviewed speeches by Michelle Obama and Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), was to introduce Obama and his family to voters.

"That was the intention," Dunn said.

Dunn also rejected any notion that headline speaker Clinton might add to the convention narrative of a divided party, arguing that Clinton has been "incredibly helpful" and an "extraordinary voice for the campaign."

Convention organizers and aides to the two Democrats said that a deal has been worked out to circulate petitions to put Clinton's name into the roll call vote along with Obama and vice presidential candidate Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.).

Obama spokesman Bill Burton said the petitions require 300 signatures for a candidate's name to be put on the roll call.

"She'll be very gracious," Dunn said of Clinton. "I think today is a day for a great deal of unity."

Republicans in town have worked aggressively to push the perceived wedge between Clinton and Obama supporters.

Senate candidate and former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner is also scheduled to speak Tuesday night, delivering the keynote address.

Burton said Warner will focus on the economy and his success in both business and politics.