CONVENTION MIDTERMS.  —  We're halfway through this convention.  Not all the way through, nor even near it.  And I'm inside the convention, not watching it on television and consequently not sure how most Americans are actually experiencing it.  But if I were doing the grading now, I'd fail the thing.

A Clinton Masterpiece  —  Readers know my personal disdain for Bill Clinton.  But longtime readers will also know I have always defended his solid centrist, smart record in office and defended him against his most over-reaching enemies.  Tonight, I think, was one of the best speeches he has ever given.

McCain selects his VP  —  Sen. McCain has chosen his running mate and the person will be notified on Thursday, a senior campaign official said.  —  A friend said McCain had pretty much settled on his selection early this week, and it crystallized in the past few days.

McCain Has Made His Pick and Is Set to Tell on Friday  —  WASHINGTON — Senator John McCain has decided on his running mate, two Republican strategists in contact with Mr. McCain's campaign said Wednesday.  He is expected to reveal his choice at a rally at a basketball arena in Dayton, Ohio, at 11 a.m. Friday.

Pictured: The miniature ‘Greek temple’ from which Barack Obama will launch his final push for the U.S. presidency  —  Barack Obama's big speech on tomorrow night will be delivered from an elaborate columned platform resembling a miniature Greek temple, it has been revealed.