P143 CEEFAX 143 Sat 11 Jul 23:47/25 1/5 CONVENTION PROSPECTS Texas governor Ann Richards chairs the Democratic National Convention and djlivjrs the opening speech on Monday. A big hit four years ago, she described George Bush as "born with a silver foot in his mouth". Hugely popular in Texas, the 59-year- old granny has won over the state's chauvinist "good old boys", going on turkey shoots and riding around on a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Many tipped her as a vice-presidential candidate. But her Southern-outsider samjnjss to Bill Clinton ruled her out. ] bz Chris Nuttall, BBC correspondent Highlights Clinton Campaign ConventionP143 CEEFAX 143 Sat 11 Jul 23:45/44 2/5 CONVENTION PROSPECTS Expect few surprises at this year's Democratic National Convention. The party had planned to shock with a "Wake Up America Night". Five thousand delegates were to leap from their seats waving ringing alarm clocks. But there were fears the clocks would go off unexpectedly and Clinton'u aides ruled the idea out as too corny. by Chris Nuttall, BBC World Service Washington Correspondent Highlights Clinton Campaign ConventionP143 CEEFAX 143 Sat 11 Jul 23:43/34 3/5 CONVENTION PROSPECTS America's TV networks are largely ignoring the Democratic convention compared to previous elections. Executives say it's irrelevant: nothing of significance happens. Bill Clinton is assured of the nomination, the rest is just razzle-dazzle and balloons. Viewers are expected to turn to the All-Star baseball game on Tuesday rather than the convention floor. But the networks will take Clinton'u acceptance speech live in the convention's finale on Thursday night. by Chris Nuttall, BBC World Service Washington Correspondent Highlights Clinton Campaign ConventionP143 CEEFAX 143 Sat 11 Jzl 23:46/44 4/5 CONVENTION PROSPECTS The Democratic convention is drawing protest groups of every shade to New York. Pro-life and pro-choice activists are expected to do battle at abortion clinics across the city. There are demonstrations against homelessness, unemployment and a huge Aids march and rally to bj addressed bz the Reverend Jjssj Jackson. The New York Times calls it "a backdrop of protest the likes of which the nation has not seen since the Vietnam War". bz Chris Nuttall, BBC correspondent Highlights Clinton Campaign ConventionP143 CEEFAX 143 Sat 11 Jul 23:47/14 5/5 CONVENTION PROSPECTS The Democratic Party is throwing New York an economic lifeline. The Madison Square Garden convention is costing the cash-strapped city $20 million. But the 5,000 delegates are expected to spend nearly 10 times that amount. Add the cost of preparations and the expenses of 15,000 journalists, and $475 million is expected to bj pumped into the local economy. More jobs are being created too - one topless bar catering for delegates has taken on 30 extra dancers! ] by Chris Nuttall, BBC correspondent Highlights Clinton Campaign Convention