FRANK SESNO, CNN ANCHOR: The vice president and candidate for presidency, Al Gore, on the Democratic side, assuming a new role among party faithful, that of leader of the party. He and President Clinton expected to meet today in Michigan for the symbolic and formal passing of the torch, the changing of the guard. CNN's Jonathan Karl has details now on what's ahead for the president, the man looking to take his place in the White House -- Jonathan.</s>JONATHAN KARL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Frank, there's no doubt that day one of the convention belonged to Bill Clinton. Al Gore watched quietly in a hotel room last night as Bill Clinton took center stage in Los Angeles at the Democratic convention. Gore called the president's words generous and kind. He said he appreciated them. But the Gore campaign also appreciates that President Clinton has left Los Angeles, that he is on his way here to Michigan where he will symbolically turn over control of the Democratic Party to his loyal vice president of eight years, Al Gore. Also, more importantly, he will be turning over the spotlight, leaving that spotlight solely on Al Gore and giving him a chance to finally emerge from the shadow of the president he has served. Now when the president takes the stage here in Michigan with Gore, he's expected to tout Gore's role in the administration's successes of the past eight years. It's a point the president made forcefully in his speech last night.</s>WILLIAM J. CLINTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: In the most challenging moments when we faced the most difficult issues of war and peace, of whether to take on some powerful interest, he was always there. And he always told me exactly what he thought was right. Everybody knows he is thoughtful and hard working, but I can tell you personally he is one strong leader.</s>KARL: Gore aides say that even more important than what happens on the stage here in Michigan this afternoon, is what happens afterwards. Clinton and Gore will go in opposite directions. Clinton goes east to Washington and vacation. The vice president goes west to Los Angeles and center stage at the Democratic convention -- Frank.</s>SESNO: Jonathan Karl, thanks much.
Democratic National Convention: Clinton to Symbolically Transfer Party Leadership to Gore at Michigan Rally Today.