Editor's note: David Rothkopf is CEO and editor-at-large of the FP Group, publishers of Foreign Policy Magazine, and a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
(CNN) -- As Bill Clinton walked out onto the stage of the Democratic National Convention last night, there was love in the air. Television cameras scanned the faces in the crowd and it was as if each man and each woman, regardless of their ages or where they came from, was seeing again the person who first stole their hearts. But however deep their affections, however dizzying their passion, it was clear that it was at least equaled by the love of the speaker for the crowd he faced, for the role he was playing and for the limelight he once again commanded.
Throughout Clinton's 49-minute address, at turns both masterful and meandering, the intensity of the love affair grew. At times, it was almost too much to watch. One woman on whom the cameras lingered for a moment was so close to a swoon that I thought she would topple over at any minute and that, in any event, she would never again look at her husband or lover again in the same away. They would always be second best.
It was in that moment easy to imagine that on some level, off-stage, watching, Barack Obama was wondering whether he too would suffer a similar fate.
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To be sure, as he strode out to congratulate Clinton after the speech, Obama and his team and his fervent supporters filling the arena in Charlotte were likely thrilled by the job the 42nd president had done in supporting the cause of the 44th.
But, as David Gergen said on CNN shortly after the speech, "Clinton told the Obama story better than Obama has." That is saying something, of course: Obama is a gifted speaker. Sometimes, he even soars. But as he himself noted recently when asked about his weaknesses during his first term, he has failed to effectively communicate why people should support his policies at critical moments.
Recognizing this is no doubt why Obama, who was disinclined to consult with Clinton early in his presidency as much as the former president would have liked, turned to Clinton to play such a central role in this convention and in his re-election campaign. But there was a risk. He would pay a price. He would violate one of the first rules of show business: The closer on stage you stand to a taller actor, the shorter you look.
The Obama family takes to the stage as the gathering draws to a close on Thursday, September 6, the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. See the best photos from the Republican National Convention.
Photos: Best of the DNC
With his speech last night, as with his post-presidency, his successes at the Clinton Global Initiative, the ascendancy of his wife as a senator and then as an exceptionally effective secretary of state, and the position he holds with her today, high atop the polls as the most popular leading politicians in the Democratic Party, Clinton has earned consideration as the most dominant American political figure of the past two decades. Warts and all, he is to his generation as Franklin Roosevelt was to his.
For a man as proud as Obama, this must be galling. Sure, the president is no doubt grateful for the brilliance with which Clinton defended his policies, the deftness with which he sliced up Mitt Romney with a razor made of finely honed, carefully forged praise for his Republican predecessors. Obama, like everyone else watching, must have been particularly struck by how Clinton could speak of the same issues that divide average pols and make them ennobling. "We're all in this together is a far better philosophy than you're on your own," was effective. But in the current era, his "Democracy does not have to be a blood sport. It can be an honorable enterprise that advances the public interest" was both timely and transcendent. Part rhetoric. Part prayer.
On some level, Barack Obama must have wondered, "have I unleashed the reverse Clint Eastwood? A guy who will upstage me not with ill-conceived clownishness but with genius?" But eventually, after running on for even longer than his 1988 convention address, one almost universally panned for its verbosity, Clinton's speech came to a close. And when Obama walked out to embrace him and then usher him off into the wings, the younger man set the stage for perhaps his last chance to change the Clinton-centric narrative that has been Democratic politics since 1992.
Tonight in his address to the delegates in Charlotte and to viewers across America, Obama will have a chance to step up and truly become Bill Clinton's successor, rather than a supporting player living in his era, in his shadow. Clinton's speech was superb even served as it was without portion control. But it did not do what only Obama can do. It did not offer the current president's vision for the future. It did not offer new solutions to the new problems we face as a country. Clinton may have forcefully said we're better off now than we were four years ago, but Obama can and must say how we will be better off four years hence and how that will better position America for future growth beyond that.
Clinton didn't do that and as an ex-president, he couldn't. (And mimicking Clinton-era policies won't work because many of them are outdated and frankly some, like financial deregulation, proved wrongheaded.) Romney has not done it either, his convention speech offering few ideas, no new ones and no specifics.
Wrap-up: 5 lines that killed at the DNC
The country is at a watershed moment. It has only one president at a time and that man right now is Barack Obama. Starting with tonight's speech and continuing through this campaign and into a next term if he has one, by dint of creativity and vision or lack thereof, Obama will demonstrate whether he is a new force, not a secondary player, in modern history.
Bill Clinton's speech reminded us of his place in history. Barack Obama's will help determine his.
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The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of David Rothkopf.
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U.S. President Barack Obama kisses first lady Michelle Obama after giving his acceptance speech on Thursday.
Barack Obama embraces his wife, Michelle, after giving his acceptance speech on Thursday.
Barack Obama waves on stage on Thursday as he makes his acceptance speech.
U.S. President Barack Obama accepts the Democratic Party's nomination on Thursday.
Barack Obama speaks on stage to accept the nomination for president on Thursday.
First lady Michelle Obama, with daughters Malia, left, and Sasha, smiles as Barack Obama delivers his acceptance speech on Thursday.
Barack Obama delivers his acceptance speech on Thursday.
First lady Michelle Obama introduces her husband on Thursday. She gave a full speech on Tuesday night.
First lady Michelle Obama sits with Jill Biden as Vice President Joe Biden speaks on Thursday.
Attendees watch a video tribute for Barack Obama on Thursday.
Barack Obama waves from the stage on Thursday.
Crowds react to a speech at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday.
Vice President Joe Biden gives his acceptance speech to run for a second term on Thursday.
Actress Eva Longoria speaks at the DNC on Thursday.
Biden walks onstage during the final day of the convention on Thursday.
First lady Michelle Obama sits with Dr. Jill Biden on Thursday as Joe Biden accepts the vice presidential nomination.
Caroline Kennedy addresses delegates on Thursday.
U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts waves onstage Thursday.
Obama campaign co-chair Eva Longoria waves to the audience on Thursday.
Attendees hold signs that say "Thank You" for miltary veterans on Thursday.
First lady Michelle Obama attends the final day of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.
Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords stands on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention.
U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia speaks to delegates on Thursday.
Loretta Harper of Nevada cheers on Thursday.
Singer Mary J. Blige walks on stage on Thursday.
DNC Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, left, talks with Democratic National Committee Chair and Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Thursday.
Vice President Joe Biden waves as he stands with his wife Jill Biden and family after being nominated on Thursday.
An Uncle Sam impersonator makes his way across the floor at the Time Warner Cable Arena on Thursday.
Actor Jon Hamm, right, attends the final day of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.
Gus Mansour holds up a poster of President Barack Obama on Thursday.
Actress Scarlett Johansson addresses delegates on Thursday.
Actress Kerry Washington speaks to delegates on Thursday.
Musican Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters performs during the final day of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.
Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden gestures during his speech to nominate his father Joe Biden for the office of vice president on Thursday.
Delegate Brian Fadie of Nevada watches the program on Thursday.
Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm gestures during her speech on Thursday.
Caroline Kennedy speaks to the delegates on Thursday.
Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, right, recites the Pledge of Allegiance on stage with Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Thursday.
Delegates sit around a large cutout of President Obama's head during the final day of the convention on Thursday.
A woman salutes during the DNC on Thursday.
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts takes the stage on Thursday.
Musician James Taylor performs at the convention on Thursday.
Supporters pray during an invocation on Thursday.
Singer Marc Anthony walks onto the stage to sing the national anthem on Thursday.
Attendees sing and dance as musician James Taylor performs on Thursday.
Two women run for cover from the pouring rain during the final day of the convention on Thursday.
People in the stands wait for the start of the third day of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.
President Bill Clinton speaks on Wednesday, September 5.
Former President Bill Clinton embraces President Barack Obama at the end of his speech Wednesday.
The crowd cheers as Bill Clinton makes his case Wednesday for the re-election of Barack Obama.
A person holds a sign that says "Bin Laden Is Dead, GM Is Alive" on Thursday.
Bill Clinton formally nominates President Barack Obama for a second term in his highly anticipated speech.
First lady Michelle Obama receives a standing ovation Wednesday. Bill Clinton praised the president for having "the good sense to marry Michelle Obama."
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks on Thursday.
Delegates wave union signs supporting Barack Obama on Wednesday.
U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts waves to the crowd Wednesday. A consumer advocate, she complained that people today "feel like the system is rigged against them."
U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland speaks on day two of the DNC.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel claps while listening to Wednesday's speeches. He spoke Tuesday night.
Cuban-American actress and talk show host Cristina Saralegui endorses President Barack Obama on Wednesday.
Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards walks off stage after her speech Wednesday.
Delegates cheer during Wednesday's program.
Audience members wave signs Wednesday in support of the American auto industry.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi speaks Wednesday.
U.S. Rep. Karen Bass of California speaks before delegates on Wednesday night.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan speaks on Wednesday.
A guard stands by as former North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt speaks on Wednesday.
A choir performs on stage during the DNC on Wednesday.
Two men in vests hold a pile of American flags on Wednesday.
People pose during the official convention photography during Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on Wednesday.
A tri-colored hat sporting the Democratic party's mascot sits on a chair on Wednesday.
Sikh supporters hold up a sign on Wednesday.
A woman reacts as Missouri Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, speaks on Wednesday.
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, speaks to delegates on Wednesday.
Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas leads the Pledge of Allegiance as the West Charlotte High School ROTC presents the colors on Wednesday.
Delegate Gloria Goodwin wears earrings depicting President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on Wednesday.
Ruby Gilliam of Ohio salutes the flag on Wednesday.
Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas waves after leading the Pledge of Allegiance on Wednesday.
Priscilla Marquez and Evie Walls from Arizona pose in the Google photo booth on Wednesday.
A police officer stands near golf carts outside the Time Warner Cable Arena on Wednesday.
First lady Michelle Obama wraps up day one of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Tuesday, September 4.
A sea of signs welcomes the first lady onto the stage Tuesday at the Time Warner Cable Arena.
Delegates listen to Michelle Obama's speech Tuesday. The first lady offered a personal perspective on why her husband should be re-elected.
Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro and his brother, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, wave to the audience Tuesday.
Julian Castro gives the keynote address Tuesday night. "Mitt Romney, quite simply, doesn't get it," he declared.
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick speaks during day one of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on Tuesday.
Lilly Ledbetter, whose fight for equal pay resulted in the Fair Pay Act, takes the stage on Tuesday.
First lady Michelle Obama's brother, Craig Robinson, and President Barack Obama's half-sister, Dr. Maya Kassandra Soetoro-Ng, speak on Tuesday.
People hold signs Tuesday that read "Forward" and "Not Back."
Actor-producer Kal Penn speaks on Tuesday.
People listen to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Tuesday.
Rahm Emanuel, who served as President Barack Obama's first chief of staff, addresses the crowd Tuesday.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius walks onstage Tuesday.
Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland takes the podium on Tuesday.
Robert Rios from the Virgin Islands waves a state flag on Tuesday.
Stacey Lihn of Arizona speaks on Tuesday as her husband, Caleb, holds her crying daughter, Emmy, and other daughter, Zoe Madison.
A detail of the prosthetic legs of Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran who is running for the U.S. House from Illinois, is shown at the podium on Tuesday.
President of NARAL Pro-Choice America Nancy Keenan speaks on Tuesday.
Audience members wave American flags Tuesday.
Maria Ciano, who grew up a conservative Republican, addresses the DNC crowd Tuesday
Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy holds his child as he speaks to the media Tuesday. He is a son of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy.
U.S. House candidate Joe Kennedy III of Massachusetts takes the stage Tuesday.
Joe Kennedy III speaks Tuesday during the Democratic National Convention.
A video tribute to the late Sen. Ted Kennedy is displayed Tuesday in Charlotte.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi speaks onstage with other female members of Congress on Tuesday.
Pelosi and other female members of Congress applaud on Tuesday.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar sports a cowboy hat while taking the stage Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada speaks to an applauding crowd on Tuesday.
DNC delegates cheer during Tuesday's program.
Former President Jimmy Carter addresses the convention in a videotaped message.
Former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine speaks to the convention.
A man from the Texas delegation stands under a campaign sign.
A baby sleeps during Tuesday's speeches.
North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue welcomes the convention to her state.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson attends the convention.
Newark Mayor Cory Booker points to the crowd during his speech on Tuesday.
A woman cheers during Tuesday's program.
Security personnel looks out at the crowd as U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer speaks on Tuesday.
Hoyer gives a thumbs up.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the Democratic National Committee chairperson, opens Tuesday's program.
The third-grade class from W.R. O'Dell Elementary School in Concord, North Carolina, recites the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dr. Lorrie Rickman Jones of Chicago cries as she watches Tuesday's speakers.
Law enforcement officers prepare to face off with protesters during a march outside the Charlotte Convention Center on Tuesday.
People in the Wisconsin delegation area sit in front of a digital image of the Lincoln Memorial hours before the start of the convention on Tuesday.
Newark Mayor Cory Booker, left, laughs with stage manager David Cove during a walk-through on Tuesday.
A worker checks the stage hours before the start of the convention on Tuesday.
First lady Michelle Obama is interviewed before the start of the convention on Monday, September 3.
Michelle Obama and actor and former Obama administration aide Kal Penn bump fists after a rehearsal for her speech on Monday.
A man prays during a public prayer service at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on Sunday, September 2, ahead of the convention.
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