Yep, she did it! She captured the audience at the Convention and wowed ’em. At least by my account she sure did. Following in the steps of Edward M. Kennedy, lion of the Senate, patriarch of the Kennedy clan, and acknowledged promoter of health care as a human right, Michelle simply was dazzling. “Wow what a speaker,” I exclaimed over and again as her speech went forth, striking just the perfect balance between pathos and over-the top maudlin sentimentality.
Now of course, if you missed it and went to Fox Faux News for analysis, you got quite a different take. “Hokey,” described that Katzenjammer guy, “but it worked,” he admitted. So basically it was brilliant and he’s mad because it was. “Not focused on what the change is about,” smugged Chris Wallace, “wasted the entire day one.” One has to laugh as Foxy contributors again and again failed to find anything specifically wrong, just grumped that things were missing.
The retrospective on Ted Kennedy was the tear jerker than everyone would have assumed it would be. Caroline introduced him, and he gave a strong, fighting speech, one everyone responded to with cheers and an outpouring of love. The film show of his life was spectacular, especially when you realize how many in his enormous family have been lost, starting with older brother Joe during WWII. The tearful father of a son killed in Iraq, who saw how Senator Kennedy could relate to his pain, was especially moving.
Jim Leach, Republican from my district in Iowa who lost his seat in Congress in the “cleaning house” election of 2006, gave an important speech but one I suspect was lost on most folks. It was highly intellectual in presentation and basically showed how the Republican party of both Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan is no more. He of course endorsed Obama. But for those who really listened, his words were pointed and direct, and he made excellent arguments.
Who was a total bomb? Nancy Pelosi. She was utterly nervous, and frankly looked scared and unsure of herself. She had no rhythm at all, and looked big eyed at the audience, apparently looking for some cue as to when to get loud and when to be soft. She failed miserably in my opinion. She was early on, perhaps placed there by folks who knew she couldn’t speechify her way out of a paper bag.
Another unknown, at least to me, was Obama, half sister, Maya I believer her name was. Excellent speaker, who spoke well of her brother and well, was just at ease and relaxed. Also a guy who did a good job was Michelle’s brother who introduced her. The other memorable speaker to me at least was Jesse Jackson Jr. He sounds much like his dad, but clearly speaks to a new generation.
All in all, I think it was a fine beginning. I suspect we shall start tonight to see the heavy hitters who will begin attacking McCain in earnest. It is Hillary’s night of course, and many are suggesting her speech will be simply the best. Word has it, none in the DNC or Obama campaign have as yet seen it.
While I’m at it, just a word about George Stephenopoulos show on Sunday. I always particularly like the “roundtable” discussion. But George seriously you have to think about your regulars. Some of them are close to be idiots and it’s time to change. Cokie Roberts needs to go. After her comments a couple of weeks ago that Obama shouldn’t have vacationed in Hawaii, because, “you know, it’s a state and all, but too exotic. He should have gone to Myrtle Beach or some place people can relate to as American.” Sure Cokie, and you’re NUTS.
But the cake was taken by Mark Halperin this past Sunday who made the startling and revolutionary revelation that the “McCain housing fiasco” would be the undoing of . . . . OBAMA???????? Yep, it would “open the door” for McCain to get into Tony Resko and Rev. Wright?????, and that Weatherman dude. Will you please give me a break? Donna Brazile looked like she was gonna have a cat! Even George couldn’t wrap his head around this stupid remark. Halperin needs to be given his walking papers. Oh and Cokie jumped up with a “right!” when he said it as well. They both need to go.
Tomorrow we will update Day 2 of the Convention from our prospective. Happy Day!
Existential Ennui 