BostonGlobe.com Political Headlines - September 5, 2012

Here are the top POLITICAL headlines from BostonGlobe.com today: 

• Democrats send message of presidential dedication: In an energized opening session of the Democratic National Convention that spoke to a broad array of party interests, Michelle Obama delivered a personal and emotional address. Globe political reporters Brian MacQuarrie and Matt Viser cover.

• Patrick tells convention Mitt Romney failed Mass.: Governor Patrick faulted his predecessor and exhorted Democrats to "grow a backbone and stand up for what we believe." Globe political reporter Noah Bierman details.

• Vital asset Bill Clinton back in party spotlight: Clinton is slated to nominate President Obama for a second term in a speech that is expected to provide a detailed argument for the president's reelection. Deputy chief of the Washington bureau Michael Kranish reports.

• Deval Patrick sticks up for Obama, and his own philosophy, in speech: The Massachusetts Governor used his unique perspective as successor to criticize the GOP's candidate. Globe political editor Glen Johnson details.

• Mainstream media needs to accept, own its liberal bias: When nearly everyone in the newsroom is a liberal Democrat, casting conservatives and Republicans - and their ideas - in a negative light can become second nature. Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby reports.

• Elizabeth Warren to try for impact near and far: The prime-time speech at the DNC offers the Senate candidate a crucial opportunity to sell herself to Mass. voters, but her message may also help reenergize liberals within the party. Globe political reporter Noah Bierman writes. 

• Julian Castro focuses on importance of government: The keynote speaker argued that Americans prosper through hard work and sacrifice, but government-facilitated opportunities are also essential to the American dream. Globe columnist Scot Lehigh explains.

• On Day 1, Dems seek to close enthusiasm gap with GOP: In Charlotte, speaker after speaker tried different ways to rally the Democratic base, from passionate exhortations to pep-rally boosterism. Editorial Page editor Peter Canellos reports.