Convention Crescendo
I’m a strong Democrat and supporter of Barack Obama. And I’ve been waiting a long time for this convention. Finally, I am starting to feel that my anticipation was worth it. Finally.
The first day was a wandering mess of themeless droning from Democratic politicians and party also-rans. Some of the speeches were actually quite compelling, including Lilly Ledbetter’s tale of Goodyear Tire’s gender pay discrimination. But most were aimless. Then came Ted Kennedy with his courage. And finally came Michelle Obama who delivered one of the finest speeches in a long time. It was biography roll-out and it hit home that we may be putting a real African American family in the White House.
But the second day seemed to lose that momentum. Another string of boring speeches interspersed with a few zingers from Bob Casey and a great speech by Brian Schweitzer.
But then came Hillary. This was the real drama. How animated would she be? Would she hedge? Would it all be about her? In my opinion she did an amazing job and provided a sort of catharsis for her strongest supporters. She made the case that a vote for McCain was unacceptable because her causes and McCain’s were so at odds. She de-legitimized the PUMA movement by pledging her loyalty to the party and Obama.
Still, I had a sense this morning that the convention had a kind of meandering quality to it. A few high notes – Michelle, Teddy, Hillary – but not a whole lot more.
Then came the roll call. It could not have been managed better, with Hillary Clinton nominating Obama by acclamation. The show of unity and emotion was real and sustained. It was history on display. Finally, the convention got going.
Bill Clinton’s speech only reinforced Hillary’s remarks, but added much of substance. The unity was complete by that point. And then John Kerry showed a fire I haven’t seen yet. Finally the red meat. Kerry went after McCain for his warmongering. At last, I feel like the convention has a rhythm to it. The convention has finally started to carry on a momentum that was lacking yesterday. Now Joe Biden will speak. Hopefully, for Obama’s sake, the crescendo continues to build. Like many of Obama’s great speeches, they start off slow and build to a climax. This convention seems to be doing the same.
UPDATE: Beau Biden’s intro is wonderful.
4 Responses to “Convention Crescendo”
[...] Lilly Ledbetter??s tale of Goodyear Tire??s gender pay discrimination. But most were aimless. Thenhttp://themoderatevoice.com/at-tmv/newsweek-blogitics/22148/convention-crescendo/Bill Clinton forcefully endorses Obama at DNCFormer President clinton forcefully endorsed Barack [...]
My question: Where was this Kerry four years ago?
Elrod my brother (sister? I don't really know your gender) why do so many of our best (I'm talking to you Mr. Gore) find their voices only after a devastating loss?
Ah well, perhaps a President Obama will change the recent trend.
I have to admit it was a fine night for Democrats, who are kissing and making up in a very satisfying way. I thought President Clinton was wonderful. His speech made me wish that he was the nominee, because it revealed the depth of his talent in leadership and his courage and toughness in facing the problems of the future. HIs family's adoration while he spoke was touching and Michele Obama looked ecstatic. Joe B was a little emotional but sweet, and his speech reminded me of the old time Dems who worked to protect the cops and the factory workers.
Citizen Kang– allow me to hazard a guess. During the presidential campaign Gore and Kerry were too careful— afraid of stepping on toes. I do think the media has a role in blowing up the smallest misstep— so that candidates cannot speak as themselves.