Live from the Pepsi Center -- Obama O-Mama!

Barack Obama exhilarated the audience of 20,000 here in the Pepsi Center with a surprise appearance tonight.

As Joe Biden wrapped his speech accepting the second slot on the ticket, Jill Biden took the microphone and announced that "we have a very special guest" joining on stage.

Barack Obama then burst out of the central stage door. The crowd roared in delight.

Obama declared "now you know why I am so excited to have Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Beau Biden, Mama Biden and the whole Biden family with me on this journey!"

Obama pointed to what he feels is the distinction between the bottom up approach of the D's and the top down framework of the R's.

The D's believe that each and every person can achieve greatness, he said.

Obama gave a shout out to both Hillary and Bill hoping to bridge some of the gap by at least appearing concerned about them.

Obama then gladhanded the VIP's on stage and deftly exited as the Biden clan grew multiplied on stage.

The tradition of sequestering the nominee like some wedding-eve bride is a quaint one and equally as fun to abrogate with a surprise appearance.

Delegates tonight got to see their man up close in a far more intimate setting than Invesco field.

I was imagining what it would have been for Obama to accept the nomination in the Beijing Birds Nest. Now that would be an opening ceremony!

Comments

[Charity]

i teared up when he walked out - staged, sure, but effective, heck yeah! i can't wait 'til his speech tonight. i hope he makes it his best ever - it's his time, his moment, carpe diem!

[alicetilden]

I was so thrilled and pleasantly surprised by the unity, the cheering, and the tears (my own included) that happened after Hillary asked to declare Obama the standard bearer by acclamation. It rocked the house. I understand that Gore is to speak tonight. That and Obama's great speech to come will make this a beautiful ending to the best Convention in my lifetime. Please, please, let's keep this going right to the White House in January.

[nellie]

"Obama gave a shout out to both Hillary and Bill hoping to bridge some of the gap by at least appearing concerned about them."

Gratuitous. Unhelpful. And mostly likely inaccurate.

[indy voter]

I would imagine Obama is very, very concerned about them. If not concerned, then scared.

[indy voter]

The on-stage antics at these polical conventions (both parties) is so contrived that it's hard to believe anyone is swayed by the hackneyed, hug-the-grandchild theatrics. "Here's the deal," the handler says to the candidate. "After your speech you'll wave to the crowd for about 45 seconds. Then your wife and kids, followed by your cousins and gardener, will walk out. Pretend to be overcome with pride, love and joy." The candidate: "But I don't have any cousins." The handler: "No problem. See that guy in the plaid jacket by the water fountain? He's an actor fresh from summer stock in Vermont. He's mostly sober tonight. If anyone asks, he is cousin Larry from Little Rock."

[innerealm]

You are so jaded. If someone made it to this stage in their life and career I don't think they'd need anyone to tell them to "pretend to be overcome with pride, love and joy." It's amazing that the American people can be excited about politics even in such a time as this but hey - that's part of what makes us unique as Americans...we always have hope.

[MPeter]

Beautiful article. Nicely done. I was thrilled to see the beaming smile on Michelle and Obama as the crowd roared in approval. Denver has just been magical.

[nk007]

I hope he pays tribute to Dr. King and continues to remind the nation that "a people without a vision perish." I also hope that somehow he can remind the people that age is not necessarily the greatest measure of wisdom. The corporate media is fond of calling Sen. Obama, who is 47 years, a young man. I suppose, in contrast to the 72 years old Sen. McCain, he is a young man. But, people forget that Dr. King was barely 34 years when he gave that stirring speech: "I have a Dream" forty-five years ago. This great moral teacher had just turned 39 when he was assassinated. President Kennedy was 42 years when he was elected President and President Clinton was 45 years old. These young men articulated visions of where they wanted to take the country. So, I say to Sen. Obama stick to you visionary and inspirational words. Use history to draw inspiration and guidance for the future but do not to get stack in doing the same things that have proven to be failures.

[RButler]

Denver? Denver? He thought he was in Kansas City.


Just havin' fun.

[allonfla]

I know this sounds really mushy, and maybe I have a crush on him but the room really does light up when that man enters a room. I can't wait to see what he says in his speech.

[MadOzbo]

You're not mushy, you're right. It's called "charisma," and it's more than words, or appearance. It comes from within, and Barack Obama definitely has it.

Many have noticed it. That is why you read and hear about "thrills" running up legs, down spines, and creating an excitement many of us have not experienced in a long time, some who have never experienced it.

I'm excited about tonight, too. I bet we won't be disappointed!
Enjoy! I'll remember you as I tear up during tonight's speech (which I already am sure I will).

[Yola]

You are so right! It is called "charisma". The room was on fire when he walked in :-D

[PATina]

I'm not an emotional person by nature... but when he came on stage... I got giddy. The pride... the pride... just thinking about calling him Mr. President.... wow !!!!

[Genisa]

I've finally come to grips, that I do have a crush on Obama. I can't help it.