in 1900, who -- did a senator, joseph blackburn, run against william jennings bryan for the nomination, and did he tie with him? can you tell me about that? >> caller: blackburn got a few votes. but 1900, most democrats rallied around bryan. it was not really a close contest. it was pretty much decided by the time they got to the convention, which was unusual at that time because usually conventions back in that day were pretty contemptuous affairs. it really was decided at the convention. in 1900, by the time they got to kansas city where the convention was held, it was pretty clear that the nomination would go to bryan again. >> two other famous speeches at democratic conventions. in 1984, mario cuomo delivers the keynote. that propels him to the national stage. and in 2004, state senator barack obama delivers the keynote address, and many say that propelled him to the presidency. are there parallels to william jennings bryan? >> well, obama, in essence, is a parallel, certainly. though as will said, he was better known in 1896 than i think two americans than obama was in 2004, which