Opinion: Jennifer Hudson: First star of the Democrats’ big night

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DENVER -- Whoever designed -- and approved -- the easy-to-deride backdrop for the Democratic stage show at Invesco Field that opened a few minutes ago probably deserves to worry about their job security.

But whoever arranged for Jennifer Hudson -- she of ‘Dreamgirls’ fame -- to sing the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ as this unique session of the Democratic National Convention began probably should hit up Barack Obama’s campaign for a raise.

Hudson -- no surprise on this -- delivered a stirring rendition of the tough-to-warble anthem.

In the best tradition of politicians linking themselves with Olympic athletes, the early crowd at the stadium was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by gold-medal-winning gymnast Shawn Johnson.

No word on Johnson’s political allegiance, but the point is somewhat moot -- she’s too young to vote.

-- Don Frederick