WASHINGTON: Democrats opened their convention on Monday night with an air of expectation and a sense of uncertainty. With 50,000, including delegates, visitors, politicians and media attending the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Denver, Colorado, and millions more watching across the country, the DNC has become a riveting show that will help decide the country’s future.

Monday night offered two compelling headline speeches by ailing Sen. Edward Kennedy and Michelle Obama. The speeches reflected a symbolic transfer of power from Kennedy’s Camelot era, a passing of their mantle by their endorsement of Barack Obama.

It was the most emotional moment of the evening: Ted Kennedy’s “Lion in Winter” appearance that brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience.

Kennedy, undergoing treatment for a malignant brain tumor, spoke after an eight-minute video tribute introduced by his niece Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg.

Up until his appearance, it had been unsure that he would have the strength to address the delegates. But he provided the binding moment when he asked the delegates to rally behind Obama and to believe in what his election can do to change the country.

But it was Michelle Obama who stole the show. Michelle reintroduced herself to the world with a compelling testimony, linking her husband’s life and values to an American story that was aimed at easing concerns among voters who say they don’t yet know enough about the man who will claim his party’s nomination tomorrow.

“Barack will finally bring the change we need,” said Michelle, casting her husband – bidding to become the first black president – as a leader with classic American values. She pledged he would end the war in Iraq, revise a sputtering economy and extend health care to all. Many delegates and convention-goers seemed mesmerized by Michelle’s compelling presentation.

Meanwhile, in another development, authorities are investigating whether a man arrested with rifles, ammunition and drugs in his truck made statements threatening Obama, but emphasize he never posed a “credible threat” to the candidate or the Democratic National Convention.