U.S. Reps. Robert Wexler of Boca Raton and Kathy Castor of Tampa had their moment before the National Democratic conference that afternoon, providing some muscle for Barack Obama in his tight contest with Sen. John McCain.

Some excerpts:

Wexler: "Today, American influence abroad wanes. Our advice is not sought. Our warnings are not heeded. Our standing in the world is at an all-time low. For seven expanded years, America has paid a dear price for the national defense mistakes of President Bush and John McCain," Wexler said. "We entered into an unnecessary war and remain bogged down in Iraq, as Afghanistan backslides, and the architects of Sept. 11 remain free. On Bush and McCain’s watch, we have eyeballed the growing influence of

a belligerent Iran that has destabilized the Middle East and threatens our ally, Israel.

Castor: "Barack Obama knows that No Child Left Behind has left millions behind. He will reform it and focus on early childhood education to get our kids on the right track from the start. He joined all Democrats in Congress to pass the largest investment in college aid in 64 years. John McCain opposed that plan. And Barack Obama championed the largest increase in education benefits for our troops since the GI bill. John McCain said it was too generous. Women struggling to supply their children with a good education know that we can’t afford more of the same."

Original post by Alex Leary