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6 things Obama must do at the Democratic National Convention

Many American voters will view the 2012 election as a referendum on the Obama presidency, so party leaders need to be ready with their defense. Here are six things Democrats and Obama can do at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. this week if they want to secure victory over Mitt Romney and the GOP in November.

6. Get the last word, preferably with humor

Democrats have the coveted convention spot reserved for the party in control of the White House. Since they follow the Republicans, they get the last word. Find sound bites that will rival the late Texas Gov. Ann Richards's famous quip about George H.W. Bush: "Poor George, he can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth." Leave the voters with memorable lines worth repeating.

Given continued economic turmoil and large majorities of Americans saying the nation is on the wrong track, Obama has a tough reelection battle ahead. But the convention gives the president and his party center stage for four days to build enthusiasm and persuade those still-undecided voters whose choice will determine who wins the White House.

Amy E. Black is associate professor of political science and chair of the department of politics and international relations at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill.

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Mark Sappenfield
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