The Dems counted on a coronation at their convention with a very popular and charismatic candidate, while the Republicans were supposedly still struggling to accept theirs and none too happy with him for one reason or another. But a funny thing happened over the summer…

Sen. Obama’s numbers have dropped in the polls, Sen. McCain’s have risen, they’re statistically tied now, and there’s ‘a new sense of urgency’ in the air at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Democrats gathering here for their nominating convention are significantly more nervous about Senator Barack Obama’s prospects this fall than they were a month ago, and are urging him to use the next four days to address weaknesses in his candidacy and lingering party divisions from the primary fight.

That could be a difficult task.

With the Democratic National Convention opening in Denver today, the Post’s lead story reports several steps party leaders are taking to unify the Democrats behind Barack Obama, even though many of them remain committed to Hillary Clinton.

Judging from the readers who have commented on that article, the challenge remains large.

Our Readers express bitterness over the primaries and Clinton’s loss; some find Obama wanting in substance and experience; some vow to vote for Republican John McCain and wait for Clinton to run again in 2012; some say they’ll sit out.

Beyond what’s regularly been turning up in the media about Clinton’s angry supporters, I’m hearing a lot of women talk about it among themselves or their groups. These are women who either are not Democratic voters, or are disenfranchised Democrats who would have preferred a pro-life candidate in their party, besides actually Hillary backers. They’re saying, across the board, Clinton was treated unfairly, and that it reflects on gender issues that remain in society despite progress.

Going to be an interesting week.