AllHipHop will be bringing you color live from the Democratic National Convention here in Denver, Colorado.  Throughout the week we will update you on happenings, events, and the general tone of the convention.  As we journey through the next stage of developments towards this historic Election 2008, hopefully we can inform you and give you a different perspective and shed some light on things you didn't know.

As the convention begins tonight, all eyes will be on Michelle Obama who is the headline speaker.  Her place in these events is of the utmost importance, as she is the first representative of Team Obama and will set the tone as how both she and her husband are viewed by America.

Mrs. Obama is no stranger to the campaign trail and has been an active participant thus far, providing a far different approach than Barack's stadium filling speeches.  Michelle conversely has followed his performances with a far more intimate delivery, appearing in front of prospective voters in small towns and on smaller settings.  These appearances have given Michelle the nickname "The Closer," as more often than not, those who hear her message generally change from the straddler to the converted.

Tonight's program however, will have a decidedly different  tone. Her job will be to reintroduce herself as a wife and a mother; two roles that resonate with most Americans, and stands to soften the undercurrent of sentiment that she is aggressive and stand-offish.

Mrs. Obama will stand in front of 50,000 people tonight to combat the idea that Barack is high-brow, erudite, and out of touch with Middle America, despite both of their back stories speaking to the contrary. Michelle herself was raised in a one bedroom apartment above her aunts home with both her parents and her brother. This is the first and best chance to share her experiences and create that connection.

Family and the image of the common man will be prevalent in her speech.  As a wife of 15 years and a mother of two children, Michelle has often been cast in black media as a superwoman.  Tonight, projecting the image of everywoman will be key in helping her husband overcome the feeling that he can't relate to the lives of the average American.  Despite Michelle's appearance on The View, and on the covers on the covers of many magazines, the Obamas haven't quite driven home that connection.  Perhaps tonight's speech and the selection of Delaware Senator Joe Biden as a running mate will put the proverbial cherry on top.

                                                                                                                         MrsBee