Democrats Search For Unity in Denver DENVER, CO (wypr) - Tonight, Marylanders will crowd in Denver's Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium to hear Senator Barack Obama accept their party's nomination for President of the United States. As exciting as that history making moment may be, they know it's just the beginning.WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith comments in his weekly essay.

Maryland Democrats have taken to thinking of themselves as the model state delegation: enthusiastic, 90-percent or so united behind Senator Barack Obama and home to several important party leaders.

Yesterday, one of them, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer congratulated them - before issuing a challenge. He used Michael Phelps to make his case. Audiences around the world saw Phelps in the water for mere minutes in Beijing. What they didn't see, Hoyer said, were the hundreds of hours he spent in the pool on the way to those eight gold medals.

His point was not missed by the Maryland delegates attired today in bright orange Orioles fan jerseys. It was a breakfast and caucus meeting sponsored by Mayor Sheila Dixon.

The party will make history tonight when Mr. Obama is scheduled to speak, but they know a major effort will be needed to defeat Senator John McCain the fall campaign. The nation has been neatly divided in presidential elections for many years. No surprise there. History-making may have little leverage as voters try to decide which candidate has the best chance to move the nation out of the rut of a sinking economy and two wars.

They've had plenty of motivation - principally from Mr. Obama's wife, Michelle, and Senator Hillary Clinton. Mrs. Clinton's masterful oratory was perhaps the week's keynote though not billed as such. Both she and Michelle Obama told uplifting stories of sacrifice and hard work - both of which Democrats will need if they are to win in the fall.

Mrs. Clinton pledged her support to Mr. Obama with uncompromising force. Now if she exerts a Phelpsian effort as a campaigner, the Democrat can win.

As Congressman Elijah Cummings said, Senator Obama needs the endurance Mrs. Clinton exhibited during the campaign, the never quit attitude that earned her 18 million votes.

In the black community, the congressman added, people put unity this way: "We need Lottie and Dottie and Everybody."

Even if "everybody" is out of reach, Democrats have to run as if that's not so.

You were listening to (or reading) a commentary by WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith. Your comments are invited at fsmith@wypr.org. © Copyright 2009, wypr