Obama to make case for re-election Thursday night at DNC - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Former President Bill Clinton set the table. His nominating speech on Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention refuted much of what Republicans alleged at their convention last week in Tampa. That clears the table for President Obama to talk about what is to come.

Americans are very uneasy about the economy, uneasy about the jobs picture and uneasy about their health care. The president will need to ease America's fears. He could say, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself," but it's been taken. He could say, "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for the country," but in the case of health care it may not apply. He could say, "I feel your pain," but that might seem a little trite today with 23 million Americans out of work. That is too many. He could promise 12 million new jobs, but that rings hollow for the jobless who have grown weary of political promises.

At this point I don't think Americans care if someone grew up poor, saved the Olympics or is a nice guy or an egomaniac. They want vision, direction and hope.

These are the moments you cannot teach. You either have it or you don't. Tonight Americans will tune in and judge for themselves.