It's Showtime for the DNC

The Democratic National Convention began today in Boston. Officials in both campaigns say the conventions are a chance to sway nearly 20 percent of still undecided voters. But what are those voters looking for in a candidate? John Harwood, the national political editor for The Wall Street Journal, discusses what he thinks the Democratic Party and John Kerry need to demonstrate in order to catch enough swing voters to make a difference in Kerry's campaign.

Also, Kerry and his supporters have said they want to use the convention to rally support for Kerry rather than attack President Bush. But some voters don't want their anger squelched at the podium. Walter Shapiro, political columnist for USA Today, discusses why he expects not to hear Bush's name mentioned in most speeches, and why he thinks that is a bad move for the Democratic Party.

Tune in to hear those conversations plus WBUR's Audie Cornish live on the convention floor and On Point news analyst Jack Beatty's perspective on the night's events and the race for the White House.

Guests:

John Harwood, national political editor for The Wall Street Journal

Walter Shapiro, political columnist for USA Today and author of "One Car Caravan: On the Road with the 2004 Democrats Before America Tunes In"

Eleanor Clift, contributing editor, Newsweek magazine

Audie Cornish, WBUR reporter covering the convention

Jack Beatty, On Point news analyst, senior editor The Atlantic Monthly.