CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz has one of the more prominent positions at the Democratic National Convention as the DNC chair. She helped to kick off the convention on day one, with a determined focus for the party's message.

"(President Obama) is going to have an honest conversation, unlike the one we heard last week in Tampa," Wasserman-Schultz said in a press conference with Florida reporters during the DNC in Charlotte.

Wasserman-Schultz said Democrats are telling their story this week, including crediting President Obama with starting an economic recovery that Democrats say he needs to be in power to continue.

"We need to focus on making sure everyone in America has a chance to be successful," Wasserman-Schultz said. "Ensure that we don't cut so much so fast that we potentially slow or stall what's already fragile recovery."

The Democrats are also set to turn over their stage to former Republican Florida Governor Charlie Crist on Thursday's final night of the convention.  While some Florida Democrats have made it clear that Crist is not part of their official delegation, national organizers say his appearance will be key.

"Having Governor Crist in a high profile role demonstrates that we want to reach out across the philosophical spectrum," Wasserman-Schultz said.