What a speech!You know that the Democratic nominee for President has really hit a home run when Fox's Bill Kristol & Chris Wallace are practically GUSHING over the high level of skill and dexterity demonstrated on the stage tonight.
The boys over @ MSNBC (Olbermann & Matthews) made no bones about their utter lack of impartiality, with Matthews going so far as to say "to hell with my critics!" It's hard to objectively consider their reactions, considering how positive they were, and how positive I am as well.
I thought the whole thing was great.
Al Hunt on Charlie Rose called it a "Boffo" speech, which I believe is a compliment.
But I just had to turn to Fox News post speech to see what the haters had to say. Their critiques were fair, but it really was strange to see the look in Billy Kritol's eyes. I think we have a convert on our hands, people.
I was ready to see Chris Wallace say some dumb shit, but he was as floored as Kristol.
The other commentators, Brit Hume, Fred Barnes, and a young woman from Fortune whose name escapes me, were much more critical. Their main critique involved the fact that while Mr. Obama espouses these "new" politics, he managed to tinge his entire speech with "old liberal politics" from the past 30 years. I disagree, but I see what they are saying.
Their argument, I guess, stems from the fact that attacking "trickle down" economics, divisive politicking, and the lot are typical democrat activities. But Obama's speech really did transcend all of that. He addressed the issues of the day, eloquently and presciently. He spoke in his typically idealist fluffy poetry, while bringing it home with solid policy promises and acute critiques of the McCain platform and approach.
I can sympathize with the attacks of Obama as "celebrity" and as an empty suit, who is all talk and no substance. He is 'young', (compared to the geriatric on the other ticket) and his experience on the national stage is lacking.
But I think he did step up and deliver a powerful speech this evening, substantial and solid, and provided a glimpse of just how important this election is, and just how powerful of a force he may be in the Oval Office.
People complain that a good speechmaker does not a good leader make. But look at how he has run his campaign. Look at the decisions he has made, the confidence he has presented, and the ability he has to quantify the important issues at hand without resorting to divisive, vitriolic, or glib rhetoric to get his important point across.
Something tells me we won't be seeing the same measured restraint next week.
Speaking of glib rhetoric....Memo to Jon Stewart: Your "Is that Delaware or did Pennsylvania just take a dump?" joke was not appreciated, buddy.
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