Analysis: Dem convention off to rocky start

The 2008 Democratic convention has gotten off to a rough start amid party infighting, second-guessing and outside distractions.

The lingering tension between Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and the Clintons has hung in the air throughout the early part of the Denver gathering. But that hasn’t been the only thing getting in the way of the Democrats’ message and quest for unity.

{mosads}Some Democratic operatives, such as James Carville and Paul Begala, have said the convention speakers have been going soft on Republicans, warning that unless that changes, Obama will not enjoy a significant post-convention bounce in the polls.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who chairs the convention, has engaged in a back-and-forth this week with the archbishop of Washington about the Catholic Church’s position on abortion.

Sen. James Webb (D-Va.) triggered headlines when he publicly criticized Democratic congressional leaders for the way they handled calls for more drilling amid high gas prices.

Speaking at a Virginia delegation breakfast in Denver on Tuesday, Webb said, “One of the great mistakes that we made in terms of political strategy before we broke for this latest recess was not taking on the Republican Party when they started talking about offshore drilling.”

He added, “I believe that our leadership made a very bad mistake. I don’t think we should run from that issue.”

Union leaders this week have complained that some of their members have privately said they won’t vote for Obama because he is black. And a Democratic poll released Tuesday stated that Obama “has yet to close the deal with many white, working-class voters who normally vote Democratic.”

Other independent polls this week show that McCain has gained on Obama, with some showing the Arizona senator has the lead. Polls also indicate that Obama has not enjoyed a bounce from picking Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.) as his running mate.

To top it off, federal authorities this week brought gun and drug charges against three men who allegedly plotted to assassinate Obama during the convention.

There have been bright spots for Democrats, including Michelle Obama's well-received speech, and the surprise appearance of an ailing Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.).

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) delivered a strong speech Tuesday night that emphasized the need for unity, but if Democrats are going to leave Denver unified, former President Clinton will need to play a significant role.

The Hill reported Tuesday that the former president appeared to undercut Obama in remarks when he posed a hypothetical question in which he seemed to suggest that that the Democratic Party was making a mistake in choosing Obama as its presidential nominee.

Clinton aides strongly disputed that characterization, but other Democrats privately expressed frustration with the ex-president.

There is still time for Democrats to gain political momentum this week, but they will need a big finish to overcome a lackluster start.