… because in our next life, we all want to come back as Liz and Azi.

And I really do feel like a journalist here. First thing I wanted to figure out – whether this supposed Obama vs. Clinton rift is a legit big deal, or just an overblown story line.

From my vantage point – the New York Delegation seats – I was hard-pressed to find anyone sitting on their hands, or otherwise looking dissatisfied with the process. It's as clear as the Mile High air that Dems are united behind Obama.

Any hurt feelings over Clinton not getting the nomination, or not being selected veep, is red meat for the pundits, but hasn't exactly carried over to the mass of delegates (and we're the ones that matter most in this regard).

One telling sign: I overheard that some national reporters were scrounging around looking for delegates to get on camera and voice their displeasure with Obama. But they couldn't find anyone willing to do it.

At a certain point you have to ask whether a small segment of pundits go out and write the story / set the tone before they even take out their notebook.

Like I told an Irish radio station (who knew a Bronx pol would get air time in the Emerald Isle): We love Hillary. She's done a tremendous job for the state and would have made a great president. On top of that, we look back fondly on the years of growth and prosperity under President Clinton. But that doesn't mean we're anything less than ecstatic about Barack.

It's an important distinction, one that I hope my fans in Ireland (!) understand. Yes, American politics can get a bit rough; I've even heard it said that American politics has become its own sport, a national pastime. But down deep it remains more of a strategy sport than a contact sport.

We still shake hands in the end, and we still unite behind the candidate with the agenda that makes the most sense for our constituents.

That agenda, I'm happy to report, has continued to blossom with the selection of Senator Biden, a so-called Champion of the Rails, who's fought tirelessly for public transit.

Public transit and rail is one of the most important ingredients to the continued success of New York City. You can hardly imagine a dynamic tourism industry, or vibrant business community, without the Metro North and our subways. This same formula must be spread across the country.

From the perspective of this humble delegate, the convention is about fresh air and new ideas after eight long years of Bush. It's a rush of adrenaline, and a learning experience to boot.

I must have lucked out with the best seat in the house, sitting right near icons like former Mayor Dinkins, Congressman Rangel, and TV reporter Gabe Pressman.

I've always been a big fan of Mr. Pressman and was thrilled to finally meet him. He's a pioneer of the in-depth/thoughtful political talk show, a format that's been losing ground to the empty blather of cable news.

This is what it's all about. The Convention, I feel, is the sum of its extraordinary parts. It's an opportunity to pick the brains of some of our most knowledgeable and experienced leaders … and more and more, it's looking like the foundation of our next presidential administration.

Senator José M. Serrano represents the 28th District, which includes parts of the South Bronx, Highbridge, University Heights, East Harlem, Yorkville, and Roosevelt Island.