In Denver
TALK about a family gathering!
The reunion begins with a squabble for inheritance. Mr Barack Obama, the winner of the Democratic primaries, fending off Mrs Hillary Clinton's vocal supporters who feel they are owed something for her strong second finish.
The air crackes with tension. Reporters chase rumours like a kitten chasing its tail. Was Bill Clinton feeling dissed by the Obama campaign? Will Mrs Clinton put up a convincing endoresement of a rival she fought hard against?
Streetcars slowly glide in and out of downtown Denver, packed with delegates whispering about a revolt by the Clintonites. The elders intervene with an out-of-court settlement to make peace.
There is no question that Mr Obama is the heir apparent, but who wants a messy scene? In the interest of party harmony, a compromise is reached the day before the delegates are to cast votes in the nominating process.
The voting will begin as scheduled and then Mrs Clinton will dramatically step up to ask that Mr Obama be chosen by voice vote. It's a win-win: She gets the respect for all to see; her supporters are mollified. Indeed, like many distant relatives caught up in a family struggle, most are plain relieved at not having to take sides.
And Mr Clinton is magnanimous with praise, asking all to get behind Mr Obama. Good old Bill, they all say.
So what's accounted for the newly-minted bonhomie? It's a family secret.
Nevertheless, it's a picture-perfect ending. Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, will.i.am provide the soundtrack, warming up the crowd that has endured the heat, the inconvenient parking, and the long security checks to hear Mr Obama's acceptance speech.
Marines set the ball rolling, tugging at heart strings. It's okay to criticise the war, they say. It isn't unpatriotic. But, they add, if you want to honour our sacrifice, don't be afraid to vote for change.
The Family welcomes new members - "refomed" Republicans who are ready to vote for a change, including former president Eisenhower's grand-daughter. Also cheering the heirs along, former vice-president Al Gore and New Mexico governor Bill Richardson - a parade of grey heads to show the sceptics that Mr Obama can bank of the support of the experienced.
The closing scene is classic: Stars and stripes, fireworks and confetti as the Obamas and the Bidens hug and kiss each other.
But what about Hillary? Oh well, that's another story for another day.
To borrow from Leo Tolstoy, happy families are all like a soap opera.