Political analyst: What can voters take away from DNC?

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The Democratic National Convention officially got underway Tuesday, September 4th -- with first lady Michelle Obama, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro (among others) set to speak. FOX6 News spoke with a political analyst about what voters can expect to take away from the Convention, as the latest polls show the presidential race in a dead heat.

Democrats say the Party platform articulates President Barack Obama's vision for moving the country forward by restoring economic security.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney fired up the crowd at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida last week. Now, it's the Democrats' turn. Anticipation for the Democratic National Convention is high, as conventions tend to give candidates a boost.

"Americans are authentically divided. It's not about negative advertising. It's not about spin. It's not about irrelevant issues. Americans are truly divided about -- do I like the Republican approach to fixing the economy, or do I like the Democratic approach?" UW-Milwaukee Professor of Governmental Affairs Mordecai Lee said.

Lee says swing voters will play a crucial role in this presidential election, and they will be keeping a close eye on this week's developments in Charlotte.

"Those Wisconsinites who are watching the Convention this week -- the authentic swing voters -- they're going to be saying to themselves 'okay, I saw the Republican Convention last week, and I'm watching the Democratic Convention this week. Whose ideas do I agree with the most?'" Lee said.

Even though the polls show a tight race, experts say it's important to keep in mind the final outcome depends on something else.

"What's so odd about presidential politics in America is that it doesn't matter who's ahead in a national poll. The only thing that matters is who has the majority in enough key states to win the Electoral College," Lee said.

Analysts predict it will be a close race based on battleground states, but a lot can change between now and Election Day in November.

"The November election is a long way off. In politics, two months is an eternity, and who knows what will happen," Lee said.

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