These are always the summer-doldrums months in a presidential campaign. Things slow down in the heat and humidity. It’s a time when each of the candidates tries to define the other, as in "Bush-2 on Iraq" vs. "Mr. Tax and Spend." Or "Too old" vs. "Too young." But you wonder who’s listening. So I was thinking: How best could Sen. Obama use this time?

First, as Gail Collins suggests in today’s New York Times, he needs to get some sleep. (See my piece on “60 Minutes” about how deeply critical sleep is to judgement, memory and overall health. And yes, this is a plug, because the story will rerun this coming Sunday.) Then, he needs to think of a way to recapture the energy and emotion of the early months of the campaign. He has to find a way to press the reset button with a big, sexy relaunch.

How and where can he do that? This is exactly why God created conventions!

So, here’s an idea: On the final night of his convention when the delegates vote and the country watches (unlike the previous nights), what if Obama had these three people nominate him, in this order:

One: Hillary
Two: Teddy (if he’s up to it) with Caroline Kennedy at his side
Three: Elizabeth Edwards

Think about it! Wouldn’t that energize the Democrats, and turn the anger of Hillary’s followers (assuming it’s still there) into jelly?

Then, of course, he has to give another speech of his life!

What do you think? And who should McCain get to nominate him?