To the Point

From the River Centre in St. Paul, Minnesota, opening day is a shadow of what the Republicans planned for their National Convention. The McCain campaign is waiting to see what Hurricane Gustav does to the Gulf Coast and if preparations were adequate.  We get an update on Gustav and on anti-war protestirs, who have not altered their plans.

Banner image: A television displays a weather map of Hurricane Gustav on day one of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Barack Obama and the Democrats had the advantage of going first. Now the Republicans are getting ready to show their stuff in St. Paul.  Did Obama's historic address in Denver's Mile High Stadium meet the mile-high expectations? How will McCain will respond now that he has center stage and a running mate?  Also, Tropical Storm Gustav has the potential to be a Category 3 hurricane. Will New Orleans be ready? Judy Muller guest hosts.

The Democrats have made history by nominating Barack Obama, the first African American to run for president as the candidate of a major political party.  As he prepares for his acceptance speech before a crowd of 75,000 people, we look back at this week's convention and the campaign to come. Also, a preview of tonight's spectacle and times past.

Last night it was Hillary, tonight it's Bill.  Vice Presidential selection Joe Biden will have to compete with another Clinton. On a night that's scheduled to highlight foreign policy, we hear how the Obama campaign chose Biden...

Last night it was Teddy Kennedy and Michelle Obama. Tonight, the keynote speaker is Virginia's former Governor, Mark Warner. But the star of the show will be Hillary Clinton. From the Democratic Convention in Denver, how divided are the Democrats? Why haven't the delegates and television audience heard more about John McCain and George Bush? Also, humorist and political commentator Harry Shearer talks about politics and parties.

Barack Obama has four days to turn the tide of public opinion, which shows him now virtually tied with John McCain. From the Democratic Convention, we hear about Obama's choice of a running mate, ongoing problems with Clinton supporters, the reasons for coming to Denver and tonight's main speaker. Also, the tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy, who is here despite his battle with brain cancer.

The Democrats are gathering in Denver, getting ready to nominate the first African American candidate for President. But history aside, the Dems have their work cut out for them; the polls are showing a close race. Also, Russia begins is troop withdrawal from Georgia, and after all the cheering at the Olympics…a bit

The so-called "war on terror" is not working, especially against Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda. That's the conclusion of the RAND Corporation, a think-tank that's popular with the Pentagon. Also, US and Iraqi officials meet to try to finalize a US troop agreement, and the US, Russia and the International Space Station.  

The Beijing Olympics and Russia's actions in Georgia pose new challenges to the US and the western alliance. Also, NATO troops come under fire from the Taliban, and the latest polls on McCain and Obama.

Nobody doubts that the US has a responsibility to rebuild Iraq, but US taxpayers are paying six times more than Iraqis, while Iraq banks draw new wealth from rising oil prices. Also, NATO scolds Russia while pledging to help Georgia rebuild, and the Summer Olympics -- beyond Michael Phelps.