Denver, Colorado, buzzed with excitement last week. People traveled to the city for an important meeting called a convention. There, the Democratic Party nominated, or named, its choice for President. Senator Barack Obama of Illinois is the Democratic candidate.
A Historic ChoiceAbout 5,000 delegates were at the Democratic National Convention. Delegates are people who have been chosen to represent the voters in their state or territory.
Contests earlier in the year had already decided that Obama would be the Democratic candidate. But it was not official until the convention.
The nomination is historic. Obama is the first African-American presidential nominee of a major political party.
The Battle for the White HouseObama's choice for Vice President is Senator Joseph Biden from Delaware. "He has brought change to Washington, but Washington hasn't changed him," Obama said about Biden on August 23.
The Republican Convention starts September 1. Senator John McCain is the Republican candidate. He and Obama will have until November 4 to win voters. Who will Americans choose to lead?