2008 Democratic convention

The floor of the Democratic national convention as senator Edward Kennedy waves to the crowd Photograph: Max Whittaker/Getty

Democratic national committee chairman Howard Dean opens the convention Photograph: Chris Wattie/Reuters

Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House, who is chairing the convention, brings delegates to order Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP

The former president, Jimmy Carter, and the former first lady, Rosalynn Carter, shake hands with the speaker, Nancy Pelosi Photograph: Paul Sancya/AP

Singer John Legend performs during day one of the convention at the Pepsi Center in Denver Photograph: Mark Wilson/Getty

A delegate distributes US flags to the Pennsylvania delegation on the floor of the convention Photograph: Shawn Thew/EPA

Democratic vice-presidential candidate Joe Biden with his wife Jill, sons Hunter and Beau and other members of his family Photograph: Stan Honda/AFP

Kelly Jacobs, a peace delegate from Mississippi, flashes the V sign Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP

Lucy Moreno of Houston, Texas, has her picture taken with Hillary Clinton after the former first lady spoke to Hispanic delegates Photograph: Andreas Fuhrmann/AP

Senator and former presidential candidate John Kerry greets supporters Photograph: Rick Giase/EPA

Delegates waves their posters on the floor Photograph: Stan Honda/AFP

Senator Edward Kennedy receives a kiss from his wife Vicki before his address to delegates Photograph: Paul J. Richards/AP

Michelle Obama, the wife of the Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama, waves to supporters during her speech Photograph: Stan Honda/AFP

L-R, Michelle Obama, wife of Senator Barack Obama, with daughters Sasha and Malia (R) exchange greetings via live video feed with Sen. Barack Obama after Michelle Obama addressed the opening session Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters

Democratic nominee U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), watches her daughter Sasha blow a kiss to her father to Barack Obama who appeared on a video screen Photograph: Win McNamee/Reuters

Michelle Obama speaks at the Democratic national convention in Denver. Photograph: Ron Edmonds/AP

Barack Obama's wife, Michelle Obama, addresses the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Photograph: Stephan Savoia/AP

Senator Edward Kennedy speaks at the Democratic convention in Denver on Monday. Photograph: Larry Downing/Reuters

Senator Edward Kennedy waves at the Democratic convention in Denver. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters

Senator Edward Kennedy speaks at the Democratic convention in Denver on Monday. Photograph: Larry Downing/Reuters

Senator Edward Kennedy speaks at the Democratic convention in Denver on Monday. Photograph: Jae C. Hong/AP

Caroline Kennedy waves during the opening session of the Democratic convention at the Pepsi Center in Denver on Monday. Photograph: Tannen Maury/EPA

Democratic national party chairman Howard Dean gavels the convention to order at the start of the first session in Denver on Monday. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters

Navajo Code Talkers Association members Keith Little (from left), Frank Willeto, Bill Toledo and Jimmy Begay salute at the Democratic convention in Denver on Monday. Photograph: Paul J. Richards/AFP

Barack Obama campaign stickers cover the roof of Samantha and Annie Woods's Volvo car, which they named "obamamobile" Monday on the first day of the Democratic convention in Denver. Photograph: Stan Honda/AFP

Florida delegate Sally Heyman holds an Obama sign on the floor during the first session of the Democratic convention in Denver on Monday. Photograph: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Delegates hold their hands over their hearts for the national anthem at the start of the first session of the Democratic convention in Denver on Monday. Photograph: Damir Sagolj/Reuters

Michelle Obama onstage before the opening of the Democratic party convention with her brother Craig Robinson and her daughter Sasha. Photograph: Mark Wilson/Getty

Protesters walk down the 16th Street Mall past mounted police as Denver prepares for the start of the Democratic convention on Monday. Photograph: Matt Rourke/AP

Souvenirs are displayed for sale at the Democratic convention in Denver on Monday. Photograph: Larry Downing/Reuters

Members of the Knights of Columbus and anti-abortion advocates Daniel Green (left) and Richard Mahoney of Louisiana rally outside the entrance to the Pepsi Center in Denver on the first day of the Democratic convention. Photograph: Bill Ross/AP

Democratic vice-presidential candidate Joe Biden gestures as he orders lunch in downtown Denver on Monday as he campaigns on the first day of the Democratic convention. Photograph: AP