DENVER -- When the news broke earlier today that John McCain would launch an ad speaking directly to Barack Obama following the formal nomination of the Illinois senator, most people -- The Fix included -- assumed it would be some sort of challenge.

We were wrong.

The ad, which you can watch below, features McCain calling today "truly a good day for America."

He adds: "Too often the achievements of our opponents go unnoticed. So I wanted to stop and say, congratulations."

It's a pitch perfect ad from a campaign that has often been accused of going overboard in its television advertising. For the undecided voters who tune in to catch Obama's speech, they will see the kindler, gentler McCain that won over many moderates and even some Democrats during the 2000 presidential campaign.

While a single ad won't overshadow the massive history of Obama's acceptance of the Democratic presidential nomination, it's a nice political stroke from the McCain team to keep themselves in the conversation.

The Obama campaign has released excerpts from his nomination acceptance speech titled "The American Promise" in advance of his address tonight at the Democratic National Convention. Obama is scheduled to accept his party's nomination for president at Invesco Field at Mile High at 10 p.m. ET.

The excerpts have been posted on The Trail.

There won't be much action on the blog tonight, as The Fix will be helping to write the main story documenting tonight's proceedings over at washingtonpost.com. An excerpt is below and you can continue to monitor the constantly-updated story all night.

Democrats Eagerly Await Obama Acceptance Speech

"DENVER - Hours before presidential nominee Barack Obama takes the stage at Invesco Field, his campaign manager described the Illinois Senator's acceptance speech as the "capstone" of the critical four-day Democratic National Convention.

"The convention may be more important to us than McCain because people need to know more info about Obama and are hungry for it," said David Plouffe during an interview with Washington Post and washingtonpost.com editors and reporters.

Plouffe dismissed concerns about the construction of the stage on which Obama will speak - some have said it looks like a Greek temple - and the massive crowd of 75,000 or more expected to attend tonight's festivities. Republican Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign has repeatedly mocked Obama's huge campaign appearances and rallies as the manifestation of a "celebrity" candidate who is more concerned about appearances than substance and practical experience."

Read more here.

DENVER -- With John McCain expected to reveal his vice presidential pick in the next 24 hours, The Fix decided to take one last crack at our rankings of the men (and woman) most likely to receive that phone call from the Arizona senator today.

Due to the amount going on in the political world today, we're keeping the Veepstakes Line short and sweet -- call it our "just the facts, ma'am" edition. Stick with The Fix all day for the latest developments in the McCain v.p. announcement, which, if Matt Drudge is right, could leak as soon as 6 p.m. ET tonight.

One other note: You'll notice below that we have just four names. That's because -- based on our reporting -- these are the only people with any serious shot at being the pick. Looking for a real darkhorse? The name we keep hearing is former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman.

As always, the number one ranked candidate is the most likely to be the pick. Kudos and criticisms are welcome in the comments section below.

To the Line!

4. Tom Ridge: Time's Mark Halperin has reported that the former Pennsylvania governor is out of the running. Our reporting on the matter is a bit more murky but it's clear the Ridge buzz has died down of late. It may restart following McCain's strong praise of Ridge this morning on a Denver radio station. Of course, seen another way, McCain's comments could be a sort of consolation prize to his old friend. (Previous ranking: 2)

3. Joe Lieberman: There's no question that there is a strong Lieberman contingent within McCain's inner circle -- led by South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham. And, of the Final Four, McCain may be the closest to the Connecticut Senator. (Ridge and McCain are extremely good friends as well.) Still, with poll after poll showing McCain in a virtual dead heat with Obama, it seems somewhat hard to believe that he would make what looks like a "Hail Mary" pick rather than simply play it safe. Lieberman may well be too conservative for most Democrats but he is WAY too liberal for most Republicans -- an ideological divide that could spell trouble for McCain next week in St. Paul. (Former Bush White House political guru Karl Rove apparently agrees with the danger inherent in picking Lieberman; Rove called Lieberman and urged him to remove his name from consideration, according to Politico's J-Mart.) (Previous ranking: 3)

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) (AP File Photo)

2. Mitt Romney: As we have written for months, the former Massachusetts governor probably makes the most sense on paper as McCain's vice president. A successful businessman, he can talk fluently about how to re-start the economy. A former presidential candidate, he has few vetting issues that could derail the McCain message. And, with roots in both Michigan and New Hampshire, Romney could help the Arizona Senator in two key swing states. Why isn't Romney number one? McCain has never truly warmed up to him, his work for Bain Capital would be fodder for Democrats on the economic front, and his Mormonism is still viewed skeptically by many Americans. And in an election where both candidates are trying to connect with the "average voter," the wealthy Romney might not contrast well with Joe Biden and his working class roots. (Previous ranking: 4)

Gov. Tim Pawlenty (AP File Photo)

1. Tim Pawlenty: So it was in the beginning, so shall it be in the end. T-Paw sat atop our first Veepstakes Line and he claims the pole position in our last Line as well. Pawlenty has been the tortoise in this race -- never really emerging as the buzz candidate but never falling too far off the lead pack either. His combination of Midwestern roots, conservative credentials (particularly on the abortion issue) and a longtime friendship with McCain make him the safest choice available. And, in an election that could well be decided (again) by a few percentage points, the "do no harm" pick seems to make the most sense for McCain. Is Pawlenty ready for such a big stage? Real doubts remain. (Previous ranking: 1)

DENVER -- As Barack Obama prepares to accept the Democratic Party's nomination tonight at Invesco Field, now is a good time to look back at the last eighteen months -- an amazing ride that has brought a freshman U.S. Senator to the verge of the presidency in less than two years.

Thanks to post.com's multimedia producer Emily Freifeld, we have a video montage that takes you from the frigid day in February 2007 in Springfield, Illinois to today -- all in the space of two minutes and 49 seconds.

We're calling it the "Path to the Nomination." Check it out below.

DENVER -- After two nights of mixed results, the third night of the Democratic National Convention delivered just what Democrats were looking for: reconciliation between the Obamas and the Clintons, an historic presidential nomination, and a startling kiss.

Former President Bill Clinton, as only he can, delivered a rousing speech that managed not only to honor his wife's campaign but also to make a forceful and convincing case for Barack Obama.

Gone -- at least for the moment -- was the unhappiness about his speaking slot, about the way the primary campaign ended, about the way Obama cast the accomplishments of the Clinton Administration.

In its place was a man in the former president who clearly was swept up in the moment; "I love this," he exclaimed as the applause went on and on (and on).

The momentum of the night built nicely to Beau Biden who introduced his father with a powerful address that is sure to stoke talk of the son replacing the dad if the Democratic ticket is elected in the fall.

Joe Biden, in his acceptance speech was solid and, at times, spectacular. The common touch for which he is best known was on full display during the speech -- from his use of words like "champ" and phrases like "I love ya" to his focus on his roots in Scranton, the loss of his wife and daughter and his pledge to be a voice for the voiceless.

While Obama's appearance on stage was no surprise -- damn media! -- Obama stunned the audience with a buss to Jill Biden. And his arrival did provide a nice coda to the evening. The soon-to-be nominee's effusive praise of both Clintons showed a savvy and a graciousness that will serve Obama well down the line.

Other highlights of the day and night:

OUTSIDE THE HALL: The Drudge Report -- early in the day -- picked up on the resemblance of the stage from which Obama will speak to an "ancient Greek temple". John McCain's campaign quickly pounced, referring to the set as the "Temple of Obama." Said GOP strategist Mike Murphy: [The] whole Thursday outside the building thing is going south fast. They should blow it up today and move it inside."

INSIDE THE HALL: Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) nicely negotiated a potentially problematic roll call vote on the convention floor -- orchestrating the nomination of Obama with New Mexico ceding its vote to Illinois (Obama's home state) and then the Land of Lincoln ceding its vote to New York where Clinton, surrounded by the Empire State's elected officials, asked that her erstwhile opponent be nominated by acclamation. Later in the night, Pelosi formally entered Biden's name into consideration as vice president. A nice day of work for the Speaker.

BEST GIVEAWAY: The Democratic National Committee stopped by Media Tent #5 to drop off a "Survival Kit for Reporters" traveling to St. Paul next week for the Republican National Convention. Among the items: two packages of Tums (yes sir!), two packets of Tylenol (booyah!), and a fake press pass that features an image of John McCain embracing Bush. Get it? McCain and Bush LOVE each other.

WORST TAKEAWAY: The dull back to back speeches of Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy and Rear Admiral John Hutson. The reason why they were included was obvious but neither managed to reach the audience who milled around and chatted amongst themselves. In the end, in mattered little as the night's momentum built nicely; still, it felt like an odd note amid the other speeches.

VIDEO OF THE DAY: washingtonpost.com political reporter -- and all around good guy -- Ed O'Keefe used a cell phone camera to capture the moment when Clinton nominated Obama.

PARTY OF THE NIGHT: The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) always throws great parties. Last night was no exception. Headliners included Bono and Kanye West.

Former President Bill Clinton speaks at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday night. Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images

DENVER -- Give former President Bill Clinton this: he has a sense of the moment.

To our eye, Clinton spun out a masterwork in the 20 or so minutes he spoke last night at the Democratic National Convention -- vouching for Barack Obama's readiness to be president, honoring the campaign of his wife, and broadly dismissing the idea of a John McCain presidency.

Among the highlights of Clinton's virtuoso performance:

• "Hillary told us in no uncertain terms that she'll do everything she can to elect Barack Obama. That makes two of us. Actually that makes 18 million of us -- because, like Hillary, I want all of you who supported her to vote for Barack Obama in November."

• "Barack Obama is ready to lead America and restore American leadership in the world. Ready to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. Barack Obama is ready to be President of the United States."

• "People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power."

To our mind, Clinton's speech was equal parts passion and policy and sent a strong and unmistakable signal to those who supported his wife's candidacy that now was the time to fall in line.

Agree? Disagree? The comments section is open for business -- all night long.

DENVER -- With the Democratic National Convention in its third night, we are going to forgo any long analysis tonight in favor of a series of shorter observations via Twitter. (If you haven't signed up for our Twitter feed yet, do it today. Search for "thefix" on Twitter.)

We want you to be a part of this process too so use the comments section to offer your own thoughts on the speeches or your thoughts on our thoughts.

At 8 p.m. ET, sign on to The Fix and stay with us for the three hours of prime time speeches.

DENVER -- A picture is worth a 1,000 words.

The Fix and Rosario Dawson. Photo by Chet Rhodes.

The Fix and Morgan Fairchild. Photo by Chet Rhodes.

Um, yeah. Want to see more of The Fix and celebrities -- not to mention politicians and the key Democratic operatives in charge of the party's national convention? Tune in NOW for the live webcast from Denver.

Trust us -- it will be worth it.

Some Democrats worry about how the perceived rift between Sen. Barack Obama and former President Clinton could impact the fall campaign. (REUTERS/Lee Celano)

DENVER -- There's little question that Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are the two most compelling political figures to emerge in the Democratic party over the last three decades.

And yet, the relationship between the two men has been described as polite at best and strained and standoffish at worst.

Bill Clinton has made little secret of his distaste for the way in which Obama portrayed his eight years in the White House during the primary campaign, painting the former president's tendency toward hyper-partisanship as part of what's wrong in Washington.

The former president also bristled at the idea that he was somehow out of step on race relations, accusing the Obama campaign of having "played the race card" against him.

Obama, for his part, has praised the former president since the conclusion of the primary process but has made clear, too, that he is a new leader for a new time and will not bow at the shrine of Clinton. He has also not made the sort of time commitment to the former president that Clinton would like; the two men talk infrequently and are not personally close.

It's a fascinating stand-off between two men who, on paper, have much in common.

In today's Washington Post, legendary reporter and author David Maraniss explores the Obama-Clinton relationship.

"Bill Clinton and Barack Obama -- in so many ways two sides of the same coin," writes Maraniss. "Old heat and new cool, two guys who came out of nowhere, bereft of early connections, overcoming the odds."

And yet, according to Maraniss, there is a real tension there. He writes:

"'Obama does not like Clinton, and Clinton knows it,' asserted one longtime Clinton adviser, a refrain that several compatriots repeated almost word for word, though occasionally in stronger terms."

Maraniss also quotes renowned historian Taylor Branch about the personal hurt that was done to Clinton when Obama's campaign seemed to suggest he was unnecessarily injecting race into the contest. "'He was particularly upset about the race card deal,'" Branch told Maraniss of Clinton. "He said, 'I hate that phrase anyway. It makes it sound like a game -- playing a card -- when race is not a game and never was. It is deadly serious.'"

Maraniss' piece is an absolute must-read for anyone wondering what to expect out of Bill Clinton's speech -- set for 9:05 eastern time tonight. While it was widely expected that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) would stick to the script and offer a rousing endorsement of Obama, which she did, there is considerably more question about whether the former president will do his duty tonight.

Bill Clinton -- through his advisers -- has let it be known he is not happy with being asked to speak on a night when foreign policy and making the case that Obama is ready to be commander in chief. And, it's hard to imagine that the former president is happy with the ten minute window he has been given in which to make his remarks.

All of that makes tonight's speech destination viewing for political junkies. Will Bill Clinton play ball? Will he stick to the script? And, most importantly, will he be believable as a strong advocate of Obama's readiness to be president?