From PRI, Public Radio International and KCRW Santa Monica, this is To the Point.

As the Democrats exit stage left, the Republicans are getting ready for their close-up.

Will McCain's surprise choice for vice president propel them onto center stage?

I'm Judy Mueller, sitting in for Warren Alley, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International, a daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

It was an historic moment in Denver last night as Barack Obama served up a mixture of soaring rhetoric and scathing criticism.

John McCain and his running mate, Alaska governor Sarah Palin,

are gearing up for next week's GOP convention. Today on To the Point, did Barack Obama accomplish

what he needed to? What impact will McCain's vice presidential choice have in his campaign?

On reporter's notebook later on, three years ago, it was Katrina. Now Gustav is threatening

to hit New Orleans. How's the city

preparing this time? First, here's the news. Support for To the Point comes from subscribers of

KCRW Santa Monica and from the Public Radio International Program Fund, whose contributors

include the Ford Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. McArthur Foundation,

and the Skoll Foundation, supporting social entrepreneurs around the world, uncommon heroes dedicated to

the common good. Learn more at scole.org. I'm Judy Mueller, sitting in for Warren Allney, back

with To the Point from PRI. Barack Obama and the Democrats had the advantage

of going first. Now the Republicans are getting ready to show their stuff in St. Paul.

Coming up, we'll talk about Obama's historic address in Denver's mile high stadium, whether he

met the mile high expectations, and how McCain will respond now that he has center stage and a running mate.

On reporter's notebook, Tropical Storm Gustav has the potential to be a category three hurricane.

Will New Orleans be ready?

First, this news update, John McCain today named Alaska Governor Seraph Halen as his running mate,

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