At its midpoint, it looks increasingly like the 2008 Democratic National Convention will be seen as a strategic failure. Michelle Obama's speech and the appearance of the Obama daughters worked well, but that was quickly overtaken by Hillary Clinton's launch of her 2012 presidential candidacy. And tonight Bill Clinton will dominate the network broadcasts and commentary, overshadowing vice presidential nominee Joe Biden.

Americans watching the Democratic National Convention have seen and heard relatively little of the Democratic candidate for president. Instead, they are watching another chapter of their favorite political drama - The Clintons - unfold before them. Meanwhile, the nationally televised speeches have had few direct assaults on John McCain and President Bush - fewer, at least, than one would have expected. And with the unveiling of his own Greek temple at Invesco Field, Obama will play into the McCain campaign's "celebrity" critique.

Obama's nominating speech will be a historic occasion that will no doubt receive plaudits from the press, deserved or not. It will be a moment to remember. So many other moments during this convention seem like wasted opportunities.