Julian Castro is facing huge expectations in his speech tonight. Democrats here are hoping he is the next charismatic rising star of the party, already comparing him to a Senator Barack Obama who gave the stirring keynote speech at their convention in 2004.
And many San Antonians are expecting nothing less, with some of the punditry and hopeful putting him in the White House within 20 years. Maybe. But if it happens it may or may not be because of this one speech.
Ann Richards coined the memorable phrase about "Poor George (H.W. Bush).. he can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth."
That was at the National Convention in 1988.
In 1990 she was elected Texas Governor, but was defeated by the son of that Bush in 1994.
The Obama speech in 2004 was a huge help to his career. But it's hardly the only reason he got where he is. And San Antonians need to remember that.
Even if Julian Castro gives the speech of his life and is unanimously reviewed as a better, even more inspiring speaker than Obama... the hard work for him starts there.
And don't expect business to come calling and our economy to jump because of that speech.
We know Julian Castro in San Antonio as a quieter, mellower kind of guy than you usually think give big, windy, fiery conventions speeches.
He will bring his own persona and style. And it will reach many.
But after covering conventions for years and hearing many speeches, many are surprisingly good from people you never hear from again. And many of those from people who are already in high office plainly stink.
We'll see tonight.
I'm just saying whether you love him or hate him, or just want more from San Antonio, don't expect too much.
Tune in tonight for my live report at 10 on News 4 WOAI.
And check out my slideshow of still photos here at woaitv.com
