Convention's Focus: All-American Obama

Introducing a candidate to voters is a task in every campaign, but no presidential nominee has ever faced the challenge confronting Barack Obama. Next week's Democratic convention will feature an orchestrated roll-out of the Obama story on the candidate's own terms, the New York Times reports. Michelle Obama will headline the opening day, and a biographical film will underscore Obama’s all-American credentials.

The Democrats will try to present the Obamas as a "prototypical nuclear family," one strategist says. References to "shared values" and an "American journey" will attempt to offset voter apprehensions about a black candidate with an unusual upbringing. And on the night of his acceptance speech, Obama will stand alongside voters from around the country to emphasize his diverse appeal. (More Barack Obama stories.)