Democrats ready to take center stage

With the Summer Olympics officially closed, the main-event spotlight now swings toward Denver, where Democrats have gathered to see Barack Obama accept his party's nomination.

The party hopes to emerge from this week's convention united after a long, hard-fought primary. And they hope to better introduce Obama to the American voters.

North Carolina will not play nearly as important a role as it did at the 2004 convention in Boston, when John Edwards, then a North Carolina senator, was nominated as the party's vice presidential running mate. Edwards is not expected at this year's convention.

Here's a look at what to expect:

TODAY: Democrats will highlight Obama's life story. His wife, Michelle Obama, will be the headline speaker. The day's theme: "One Nation."

TUESDAY: This will be Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's day, as she is one of the prime-time speakers. Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner will give the keynote address. Theme: "Renewing America's Promise."

WEDNESDAY: Former President Clinton will get his shot at the podium, and Sen. Clinton is expected to formally release her delegates to Obama. But the main event is Sen. Joe Biden's speech as Obama's running mate. Theme: "Securing America's Future."

THURSDAY: The convention comes to an end with Obama's acceptance speech at Mile High Stadium. Theme: "Change You Can Believe In."

HOW TO WATCH

C-SPAN will be live from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day; C-SPAN 2 will pick up overlaps.

CNN will broadcast from Denver from 4 p.m. to midnight each day; MSNBC will be live from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.; and Fox News will be live starting at 6 a.m.

ABC, CBS and NBC will be live from 10 to 11 p.m. each night. Jim Lehrer will lead PBS' coverage starting at 8 p.m. each night.

Comedy Central will offer the comedic take, taping "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" in Denver.