Democrats Formally Nominate Obama

7:24 P.M. EDT

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) officially secured his party’s presidential nomination a short time ago, after his onetime rival Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) asked on the convention floor that his nomination be approved by acclamation. The move ends a state-by-state roll-call vote for the party’s presidential nominee.

Illinois Pols Covet Obama’s Senate Seat

Fueling speculation that failed 2006 Congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth (D) is the frontrunner to replace Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) if he is elected president, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) hosted a Denver bash on Tuesday night for the disabled Iraq War veteran.

Tom Williams/Roll Call
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama makes a surprise appearance with his running mate, Sen. Joseph Biden, after Biden's speech Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Demonstrators Refuse to Enter Protest Zone

8:26 P.M. EDT

A couple thousand protesters marched toward, but not into, the official demonstration area at the Pepsi Center on Wednesday night, followed by dozens of police officers in riot gear and some riding on horses.

Heard on the Hill: While They Were Sleeping

Media critics (i.e., everyone) love to accuse the press of snoozing on the job, of nodding off while news happens under their noses. Although HOH is usually quick to defend her fellow scribes, this week the critics might be right.