As Barack Obama’s presidential campaign weighs whether to ask U.S. Rep. Mark Udall to introduce Obama on Thursday night, it’s worth noting that four years ago, it was the spotlight on the State Senator from Chicago that catapulted him onto the national political arena. In 2004, Obama was a candidate for an open U.S. Senate seat in a race where his Republican opponent had dropped out. The GOP was searching for a top-tier replacement – ex-Chicago Bears football coach Mike Ditka considered it – but his keynote address scared away the opposition; in the end, the best Illinois Republicans could do was perennial presidential candidate Alan Keyes.

A major speaking assignment could help Udall raise money and enhance his image, but he also risks flopping – like then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton did when he nominated Michael Dukakis at the 1988 Democratic National Convention in Atlanta.