WINNERS

Kitchen tables: They're the metaphor of choice for every speaker trying to explain the economic pinch many families are feeling. And Democrats loved pointing out how many John McCain owns.

Chet Edwards: He's been the top Texan in town, with a prime speaking slot and an appearance before the New Hampshire delegation, a key stop for future national office-seekers.

Celebrities: They've turned Denver into Hollywood East, and unlike in recent campaigns, they've reminded folks what they actually like about Tinseltown. And the music has been pretty good, too.

Bloggers: The ultimate access, and more page views than they could ever hope for (and yes, we're including our own Trail Blazers crew).

LOSERS

President Bush: He's been the designated punching bag, and it's doubtful John McCain – or any other Republicans trying to win this fall – will jump up to defend him.

Spontaneity: The speeches are carefully scrubbed, the signs are handed out on cue, and even the allegedly unscripted moments – like Barack Obama's "surprise" appearance Wednesday night – have the feel of stagecraft. Not that the GOP gathering will be any different.

Mark Warner: You know, the guy who spoke before Hillary Clinton? The keynoter? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

Protesters: Recreate '68? More like too little, too late in 2008.

PUMAs: Hard-core Hillary backers will never say die, so it must have been tough to see their candidate move to have the other guy be the nominee by acclamation.