The chatter over the last two days has been on the drama of the moment. The excitement has hovered over the fact that after this punishing marathon of Democratic primaries, Barack Obama finally emerged as the presumed Democratic presidential nominee — and that rival Hillary Clinton is now showing interest in the No. 2 spot on the ticket.

While it seems that this presidential race has already lasted a lifetime, the reality is that the remaining five months offer not much time for the two contenders to present their platforms to the voters, distracted as they may be now by the question of whom Obama or Republican John McCain may pick as vice presidential running mates.

The focus needs to shift now to these two candidates, to their visions for our nation's future and to the issues that should frame the coming debates.

To this point, issues have been discussed throughout the primaries but only in rather general terms. Now, it's time for specifics. A good place to start would be in Congress. The candidates — both U.S. senators — should make their congressional votes count and put on the record how they view the problems facing the nation.

There are bills before the Senate on key issues, and both men should make their positions clear.

Among the concerns that need their attention:

• The economy has voters anxious and needing the details of how each candidate will position the government to assist in the recovery. For example, Congress has wrestled with ways to help homeowners caught in the subprime lending net. Voters need the candidates' approach to this and other plans for balancing tax reform and government services.

• Environmental protection has been raised by both candidates. They underscore the threat of global warming and now need to outline their position on the Senate's bill to curb climate change. This includes addressing questions on how to limit greenhouse gases without putting business in peril, and finding sensible incentives for renewable energy sources.

• National security, including U.S. military actions in the Middle East and other hot spots, is a burning concern for many voters who are weary of the Iraq war and worried about strained military capacity. They want to hear what steps should be taken first and how to achieve stability in the region.

• Immigration policy has been pegged as a related issue, and as a deal breaker for many Republicans who otherwise would vote for McCain. Both party standard-bearers have favored a measured approach toward illegal immigration and now should detail their positions.

Much has been made of the historic nature of Obama's apparent nomination, and that's as it should be. But it's time to turn the page in that history book and talk about what comes next, as our nation faces some truly monumental challenges.