The Kerry speech was effective in two ways–it outlined a clear plan of attack on Bush, but also, it sold him to activists in the Democratic Party. One of his basic problems has been he isn’t terribly popular with a lot of voters because he is seen as sort of boring and overproduced. Complaints I’ve been known to make. That speech sold most of us and instead of being Anybody but Bush, I can now say I’m excited about a John Kerry Presidency. That’s a big accomplishment.
Will it work? Well that is what campaigns decide.
Overall the convention did two things well. It framed the debate on terms the Democrats think are favorable to them and then it provided a positive outlook for the future over just simple Bush rage.