Obama Claims Historic Nomination

Obama's speech - given the historic nature of his candidacy and the expectations he himself set with past addresses - was among the most highly anticipated events in modern political history.

By 1 p.m. - nearly nine hours before Obama took the stage - the crowd at Invesco Field had begun to build. Within hours, a carnival-type atmosphere had taken hold.

The ceremonies kicked off with Olympics gold medalist gymnast Shawn Johnson -- a native Iowan, the state that started Obama's run to the nomination -- reading the pledge of allegiance. This was followed by Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson belting out the national anthem.

As the sun began to set, many in the huge crowd covered themselves with baseball caps, T-shirts hanging over their heads and settled in for another three and a half hours before Obama is scheduled to take the stage.

DNC Chairman Howard Dean took over after the Rocky Mountain state lawmakers spoke, introducing himself to the crowd and immediately criticizing McCain for his gaffe about the number of houses he owned and tying him to President Bush.

"I know exactly how many houses I own. ... John McCain is a yes man," Dean said.