The Democratic Party convention gets under way later today in Denver, Colorado.
Thousands of Democratic delegates have descended to the foot of the Rocky Mountains for what is expected to be a crucial week for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.
Senator Obama has seen his lead in the polls narrowed over the summer to a virtual tie with Republican candidate John McCain.
This week's convention is considered a vital opportunity for Mr Obama to rally the party faithful for the forthcoming presidential campaign.
Though the Democratic National Convention is Barack Obama's moment in the spotlight, his former foe Hillary Clinton will be watched almost as closely, under intense pressure to unify Democrats after their bitter nominating clash.
Tonight Michelle Obama will introduce her husband to the world while Senator Ted Kennedy is likely to give a speech just weeks following brain surgery (watch it tonight starting at 10pm on RTÉ.ie/live).
Democrats will pay tribute to Senator Clinton and other female leaders in the party tomorrow night, while vice-presidential running mate Joe Biden will speak on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Senator Obama will formally accept the party's nomination before an expected crowd of 75,000 people at Denver's football stadium.
Obama wary of celebrity tag
Barack Obama's status as the rock-star candidate of the US election campaign is highlighted yet again with an array of celebrities descending on Denver for the Democratic Convention.
Yet as Hollywood prepares to decamp to Colorado for a series of VIP events held on the sidelines of the convention, Mr Obama is likely to keep his distance.
Republican rival John McCain's campaign has recently sought to turn Barack Obama's surging popularity into a weakness, scoring some direct hits by likening the Democrat to gossip-page perennials such as Paris Hilton and Britney Spears.
Because of this, it is thought Mr Obama will be wary of campaigning alongside stars from the entertainment world who have rushed to voice their support.
'If I were Barack Obama right now I would be hoping against hope that the celebrities would just keep quiet about me,' said Robert Thompson of the University of Syracuse, New York.
Among stars expected in Denver are actors Ben Affleck, Josh Brolin, Annette Benning, Spike Lee, Anne Hathaway, Susan Sarandon and Charlize Theron.
However celebrities are already alert to the possibility that turning the full wattage of their star power on Obama could be counter-productive.
Check out our complete convention coverage all week long at RTÉ.ie/uselection
