DNC: 2016 Buzz Swirls Around Democrats

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If Cory Booker decides to run for president one day, he already has a personal connection to the first caucus state of Iowa.

The mayor of Newark, N.J., told about 60 Iowa delegates during a Democratic convention gathering that he was not only "a son of New Jersey but a grandson of Iowa." His 94-year-old grandmother was born in Des Moines, Booker said, and his family had ties to a now abandoned south-central Iowa mining town called Buxton, where many black families moved "to make a hope and a dream become a reality."

"This is the state that brought my family from deep poverty to the middle class. ... This is the state that will determine our destiny," Booker said of Iowa, pleading with the delegates for an all-hands-on-deck effort to re-elect President Barack Obama.

For Booker and a slate of rising stars in the Democratic Party, the national convention in Charlotte amounts to a try-out before local activists, financial donors and well-connected political heavyweights from early voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire and perennial battlegrounds such as Florida. Some already have established political reputations and a large network of donors, while others are trying to raise their national profiles.

Indeed, while Obama faces Republican Mitt Romney on Election Day in two months, 2016 isn't far off for a number of party leaders. The convention gives them a chance to size up the next generation of Democratic candidates.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the most prominent Democrat in the 2016 equation, is half a world away, traveling on an 11-day, six-nation tour of the Asia-Pacific region. The former New York senator's popularity has grown steadily since her primary loss to Obama in 2008, but she has repeatedly denied that she's interested in running for president in four years. Nevertheless, the Clinton brand is on display this week, with former President Bill Clinton nominating Obama on Wednesday night.

Obama's running mate, Vice President Joe Biden, has not ruled out another presidential run and speaks Thursday night, shortly before Obama's address. The vice president, who would be 73 by 2016, arrived in Charlotte on Tuesday and planned to attend a private event Thursday night with top Obama donors at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Another 2016 contender, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, was keeping a low profile. Cuomo, whose sky-high approval ratings and political pedigree have generated talk of a future presidential bid, was traveling to Charlotte for Obama's address on Thursday but limiting his public events to a morning speech to his home state's delegation breakfast.

Any credible presidential candidate needs to raise tens of millions of dollars and have a strong enough network to support a national campaign, so a presidential campaign can be years in the making.

"It's really a combination of can you raise money and do you have a compelling political public brand?" said Chris Lehane, a former aide to Vice President Al Gore.

Up-and-coming Democrats like Booker, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa were making the rounds before state delegations and at private events, introducing themselves to activists and trying to make a good first impression.

Some hoped to make a splash with their convention speeches, mindful of how Obama used his 2004 keynote address to catapult to prominence in the party.

San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro delivered the keynote address Tuesday, whipping up the crowd by vouching for Obama and lacing into the president's Republican rival. Castro, 37, the first Hispanic chosen to deliver a keynote address, ripped into the Republican ticket's economic policies.

"First they called it trickle down, the supply side," Castro said. "Now it's Romney/Ryan. Or is it Ryan/Romney?"

O'Malley was equally biting, questioning Romney's motives as the convention reached a primetime audience on Tuesday night. "Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan now say they want to take America back ... and so we ask, back to what?"

O'Malley was holding a number of events in Charlotte during the week, including performances at an Irish pub by his Celtic rock band, O'Malley's March.

The head of the Democratic Governors Association, O'Malley appeared before Iowa's delegation Wednesday morning, noting that he worked in the state for Colorado Sen. Gary Hart's presidential campaign in 1984 and 1988. "I traveled all around the state – all 99 counties. Iowa is a great state," he said. O'Malley recently snared a prime speaking role in Iowa next month, headlining Sen. Tom Harkin's annual fundraising steak fry, adding to speculation about a future run.

But the Maryland governor's convention week got off to a rocky start on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday, when he was asked if Americans were better off than they were four years ago. "No," O'Malley said, exposing a rift with Obama's campaign. O'Malley argued that the more pressing issue was that the nation is "not as well off as we were before George Bush brought us the Bush job losses, the Bush recession, the Bush deficits, the series of desert wars."

Warner, who made millions in the cellular phone industry, joked to the Florida delegation that he was the only politician who would ask them to "please leave your cellphones on" during his speech. A former Virginia governor, Warner offered a firm defense of Obama's policies and efforts to revive the economy.

"America is better off today than it was four years ago with this president," said Warner, who spoke to the Iowa delegation on Wednesday.

Klobuchar also spoke to Iowa activists on Wednesday, highlighting her close ties to her neighboring state. Asked if she was considering a future White House bid, she said, flatly, "No. I love my job right now."

After Villaraigosa wrapped up his speech to the Iowa delegation on Monday, organizers presented the mayor with a gift bag that included a map of Iowa and announced he would headline the state party's annual fundraiser, the Jefferson-Jackson dinner, next month. "I'm coming back," he beamed.

The 43-year-old Booker, a possible challenger to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in 2013, met with both the Iowa and Florida delegations, a sign of his growing national reputation. A regular on cable television and Sunday news shows, the mayor riled some Democrats in May when he criticized Obama's critique of private equity firm Bain Capital, which was co-founded by Romney.

But by Tuesday, all appeared to be forgiven. Booker, a platform co-chair, energized the arena in his address on the opening night, telling delegates, "We are a nation with liberty and justice for all," prompting chants of "USA!"

Earlier in the day, Booker wowed Florida activists despite rolling his ankle on the street outside the downtown hotel housing the delegation. Warning the delegates that "Democracy is not a spectator sport," Booker drew the audience to their feet throughout his breakfast address, prompting some women to wave their white napkins in the air in exultation. "He was so inspirational," gushed state Rep. Lori Berman after his speech.

A presidential bid for Booker may be far off but that doesn't mean people don't ask him about it. Facing TV crews from New York and New Jersey after his Florida address, one reporter asked him: "Can I turn it on you for one moment? 2013? 2016? Gubernatorial run? Presidential run? Don't give me a typical canned answer."

"My life for the next two-plus months is going to be focused on electing Barack Obama," Booker responded. "After that? Fair game. Let's talk anything you want about future elections. But right now, my heart, my soul, my passion, is re-electing the president of the United States."

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Follow Ken Thomas at http://twitter.com/AP_Ken_Thomas

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• President Barack Obama laughs with his wife Michelle and his daughters Malia and Sasha after his speech to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• President Barack Obama waves with his wife Michelle and his daughters Malia and Sasha after his speech to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• Joe Biden, Barack Obama

  Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama wave to the delegates at the conclusion of Presdident Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• President Barack Obama waves with his wife Michelle and his daughters Malia and Sasha after his speech to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• President Barack Obama waves with his wife Michelle and his daughters Malia and Sasha after his speech to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• President Barack Obama waves with his wife Michelle and his daughters Malia and Sasha after his speech to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• President Barack Obama waves with his wife Michelle and his daughters Malia and Sasha after his speech to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama stands with his family, (L-R) First lady Michelle Obama, Sasha Obama, and Malia Obama during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

• US-VOTE-2012-DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

  US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia (L) and Sasha (C) wave after Obama's acceptance speech at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 6, 2012 on the final day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). AFP PHOTO Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/GettyImages)

• Barack Obama

  President Barack Obama speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

• US-VOTE-2012-DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

  Supporters listen as US President Barack Obama delivers his acceptance to run for a second term as president at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 6, 2012 on the final day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). AFP PHOTO Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GettyImages)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage as he accepts the nomination for president during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage as he accepts the nomination for president during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: (L-R) Marian Robinson, Malia Obama, Sasha Obama, First lady Michelle Obama and Second lady Dr. Jill Biden watch as Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

• From left, Michelle Obama's mother Marian, Malia and Sasha Obama, their mother Michelle and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Biden, listen to President Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• US-VOTE-2012-DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

  US President Barack Obama as he delivers his acceptance to run for a second term as president at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 6, 2012 on the final day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). AFP PHOTO Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GettyImages)

• US-VOTE-2012-DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

  The First family welcomes US President Barack Obama as he delivers his acceptance to run for a second term as president at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 6, 2012 on the final day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). From L-R, first row: Mother-in-law Marian Robinson, daughter Malia, daughter Sasha, First Lady Michelle Obama, Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Mrs.Obama's brother Craig Robinson (3rd R, second row). AFP PHOTO Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GettyImages)

• US-VOTE-2012-DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

  US President Barack Obama delivers his acceptance to run for a second term as president at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 6, 2012 on the final day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). EDITORS NOTE: Image was shot with a tilt-shift lens. AFP PHOTO Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GettyImages)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama claps on stage as he accepts the nomination for president during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage to accept the nomination for president during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage as he accepts the nomination for president during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage as he accepts the nomination for president during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

• US-VOTE-2012-DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

  First daughters Malia (L) and Sasha (C) confer as US President Barack Obama delivers his acceptance to run for a second term as president at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 6, 2012 on the final day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). AFP PHOTO Robyn BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)

• US-VOTE-2012-DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

  First Lady Michelle Obama (R) looks over at daughters Malia (L) and Sasha (C) as US President Barack Obama delivers his acceptance to run for a second term as president at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 6, 2012 on the final day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). AFP PHOTO Robyn BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)

• US-VOTE-2012-DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

  First Lady Michelle Obama (2nd R) looks over at daughters Malia (L) and Sasha (C) as US President Barack Obama delivers his acceptance to run for a second term as president at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 6, 2012 on the final day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). AFP PHOTO Robyn BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: (L-R) Malia Obama, Sasha Obama, and First lady Michelle Obama listen as Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage to accept the nomination for president during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage to accept the nomination for president during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage to accept the nomination for president during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

• President Barack Obama waves to candidates at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama waves on stage as he accepts the nomination for president during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage to accept the nomination for president during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage to accept the nomination for president during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage to accept the nomination for president during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

• President Barack Obama applauds before his speech to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: (L-R) Malia Obama, Sasha Obama, and First lady Michelle Obama listen as Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: (L-R) Malia Obama, Sasha Obama, First lady Michelle Obama and Second lady Dr. Jill Biden watch as Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: First lady Michelle Obama hughs Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama hugs his wife First lady Michelle Obama during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama waves on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: (L-R) Malia Obama, Sasha Obama, and First lady Michelle Obama watch as Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama walks on stage to join First lady Michelle Obama during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama walks on stage to join First lady Michelle Obama during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama walks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: First lady Michelle Obama introduces Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. President Barack Obama during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic vice presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden waves with his wife Second lady Dr. Jill Biden after speaking on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic vice presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden hugs his wife Second lady Dr. Jill Biden after speaking during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic vice presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

• Obama Accepts Nomination On Final Day Of Democratic National Convention

  CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 06: Democratic vice presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC, which concludes today, nominated U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

• Vice President Joe Biden waves as he appears on stage to address the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Comments

[Know-some-secrets]

04:25 PM on 09/05/2012

The article says "Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the most prominent Democrat in the 2016 equation, is half a world away, traveling on an 11-day, six-nation tour of the Asia-Pacific region." Yep, Hillary is trying desperately to distract from Bill and the President, by stirring needless controversy and cheap headlines from China.

Meanwhile at the convention, out of site is out of mind for ol' Hillary. What an impressive showing of dynamic, emerging, YOUTHFUL leaders. Speeches are just speeches, but great speechs bring poential candidates into the public consciousness. These new generation Democrats are symbolically pushing poor, exhausted, been there Hillary off the stage.

I don't think the Democrats will ever nominate or the nation elect a privileged, mega-millionaire, 1 percenter, aging Baby Boomer in 2016, particularly with some many options.

Hillary is History.

[immike0801]

12:41 AM on 09/06/2012

You are so wrong! Hillary Clinton, if she wants it, will be the democratic nominee for president in 2016, and will win in a landslide!

[Know-some-secrets]

06:51 AM on 09/06/2012

One of the clearest messages out of Charlotte is that the Democrats and the progressive cause have a great many new, energetic, promising young leaders.
 
I don't believe there is any chance the Democratic party would nominate in 2016 an aging, mega millionaire, one percenter Baby Boomer to lead the nation and the world.  And particularly one who has failed to win the nomination before because of lack of leadership, message and perception that she is honest and can be trusted.  My opinion.  Yours is different.

[immike0801]

12:46 AM on 09/06/2012

hey, know nothing...I mean Know-some- secrets. You have it all wrong. Hillary, if she wants it, will be the Democratic nominee in 2016, and will win in a landslide.

[Know-some-secrets]

06:54 AM on 09/06/2012

Thanks for your opinion, which seems naive.  Given the strong, young, dynamic leaders in the Democratic party featured in Charlotte, and many others not seen at the podium, why would the nation want an aging, 1 percenter Baby Boomer to be president.  Hillary is about the past.  No more Bushes or Clintons.  Forward to the Future.

[hexadecimalsix]

04:17 PM on 09/05/2012

but this guy is still "Nauseated" with obama so why speak?

[annie s]

12:57 PM on 09/05/2012

Forget it Cory. If we're looking towards our next African American President, look at Deval Patrick. I have never been so fired up by anyone as by Patrick's speech at the DNC last night. And by the way, if you really want to help re-elect the President, you can learn a lot from Patrick on what supporting the President should actually sound like.

[BMS]

03:32 PM on 09/05/2012

Exactly right!

[KC Clone]

09:44 AM on 09/05/2012

"My life for the next two-plus months is going to be focused on electing Barack Obama," Booker responded. "After that? Fair game. Let's talk anything you want about future elections. But right now, my heart, my soul, my passion, is re-electing the president of the United States."

I'd say this response goes a long way toward mitigating his ill-considered words on "Meet the Press"...

[Effren Hernandez]

11:36 AM on 09/05/2012

Well, you can not blame him o wanting Obama to continue as his President. His whole meal ticket in on getting Obama re elected...

[KC Clone]

03:40 PM on 09/05/2012

I would respond if I could figure out what you're trying to say. Would you care to try again?

[Dana Nicole]

09:43 AM on 09/05/2012

The Democrats have a lot of young, intelligent energy in the party. And a lot of it is Hispanic. Take notes, GOP. La Raza is everywhere!

[jlm11579]

09:35 AM on 09/05/2012

I am truly inspired by Corey Booker and I hope the person he is is today makes it to the White House, keeping intact the qualities that make him so appealing.

In some ways, I wonder, in retrospect, if Barack Obama's greatest achievement will simply be breaking the color barrier..... and that those of color who follow, will be in a better position to do great things....having had a difficult and sometimes treacherous path cleared for them.

[Jeff Sadowsky]

09:30 AM on 09/05/2012

2016 = Hillary; 2020-28 = Deval + Eliz Warren; 2028-36 = Michelle. 24 MORE YEARS!!!!

[Cooper21]

10:39 AM on 09/05/2012

From your lips! F&F

[Jeff Sadowsky]

11:10 AM on 09/05/2012

She hasn't listened to me in 20 years or more. wo, on second thought, maybe she has!?

[Effren Hernandez]

11:38 AM on 09/05/2012

24 more years without God? Hummmm, you may want to see the final days of this election.
Romney VS Obama, Good VS Evil...

[Jeff Sadowsky]

11:54 AM on 09/05/2012

Un-Holy Rolly: You have that reversed doc, The devil incarnate vs a Very Good man!

[Afrolatinasarebeautiful2]

12:04 PM on 09/05/2012

This is a man who cares about his fellow Americans. He wants everyone to be healthy and have health care and you call it evil. So what does good mean to you?