hello, charlotte, and thank you for joining us here at u.n.c.-charlotte. this city will be the epicenter of the political universe next week when democrats gather to renominate president barack obama. we arrived this morning straight from tampa where republicans may still be partying tonight after sending their new ticket, mitt romney and paul ryan, on the road. >> unlike president obama, i will not raise taxes on the middle class of america. as president, i will protect the sanctity of life, i will honor the institution of marriage. and i will guarantee america's first liberty, the freedom of religion. president obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans. [laughter] and to heal the planet. my promise is to help you and your family. [applause] gwen: that speech and the rest of the g.o.p. convention showcased the party's leading light and energized debate. can democrats do the same thing next week, karen? >> this is interesting because the two conventions are back to back with a holiday weekend in between. but one thing -- gwen: oh, a holiday? i