...just watched the Obama Iowa speech and I'm stunned...

[DeadElephant_ORG]

As you might have observed from my sense of humor I'm pretty cynical about politics. Colin Powell was the last leader that I gave my faith to, and was disappointed. And although I've been opposed to Hillary from the start, I've never been an Obama supporter either.

I'm deeply moved. Obama's speech last night was a political moment not to be missed. Call them platitudes if you must. But they're my highest ideals as an American. And I've never witnessed anybody utter them with such profound conviction, and the simple will to make them real. wow.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=cNZaq-YKCnE

[McCamy Taylor]

1. Jimmy Carter uttered them more convincingly in 1976 at the convention.

See my thread that I just started. When I first heard the Obama speech I was immediately reminded of Carter's Democratic nomination acceptance speech. I do not see why the press is making so much fuss.

[mahina]

3. Are they?

It's funny, I don't even see Obama's name in the google news, or in our local news. Edwards too. It almost seems suppressed. But I don't see the tv, so that might be why I'm missing it.

I don't remember Carter's speech, what were his big points? I'm a big fan of President Carter. We'd have a different world if his energy policies were not lost in the dark years that followed.

[MADem]

12. I thought he did better when he did that keynote a while back.

I'm just not feeling it--everyone's telling me that the Emperor has beautiful robes, but I see a guy in threadbare underwear. Who drones on and on and on.

He talks too much and doesn't say enough. It's all trite expressions that do sound cobbled together from Carter, Bill Clinton (I do believe in a place called Hope) and other 'inspiring' types.

IMO, and I know full well that mileage varies.

But that's my take. That thing at the NH 100 Club tonight was easily twice as long as it needed to be.

[Hekate]

32. Jimmy Carter is his grandfather's generation. Barack Obama is now.

I have tremendous respect for Jimmy Carter, but he's not the one running for president in 2008. There's an entire generation of voters for whom Carter is only a name from the history books.

Obama has his own non-Southern speaking style and delivery. The ideas are his -- if they remind you of others perhaps it is because good ideas don't die.

Hekate

[Jai4WKC08]

42. I think you're missing the point

Or maybe it's just a point that hits me, and not necessarily anyone else.

Jimmy Carter had incredibly high ideals, and he spoke them eloquently. But he never could bring them about because he was an ineffectual president who didn't know the way Washington worked and alienated all the people who should have been his allies. He only served one term, and set the stage for the "Reagan Revolution" when millions of Democrats voted Republican because they were unhappy with rampant inflation, run-away gas prices, and the humility of American hostages in Tehran.

I don't think Obama would do as badly. A lot of Carter's problems were not his fault. But the fact is, we're in a mess and it will take a lot more than pretty words of "hope and change" to set us back on course. Assuming we manage to elect a Democrat at all, not a given imo, he or she will have his work cut out for him, with Republicans waiting in the wings if he fucks it up.

[Truth2Tell]

50. Carter turned his back on the

bi-partisan American foreign policy consensus. He showed actual signs of backing away from our long standing policies of hyper-militarism and imperial domination. He was summarily destroyed by the CFR-echo chamber power elite in Washington.

This is far less likely to happen to Obama, as he's much more "with the program."

[smalll]

55. Also, Tom Dewey in '48 -

From Wikipedia, on Dewey:

He spoke in platitudes, trying to transcend politics. Speech after speech was filled with empty statements of the obvious, such as the famous quote: "You know that your future is still ahead of you." An editorial in the Louisville Courier-Journal summed it up:

No presidential candidate in the future will be so inept that four of his major speeches can be boiled down to these historic four sentences: Agriculture is important. Our rivers are full of fish. You cannot have freedom without liberty. Our future lies ahead.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Dewey

[mahina]

2. Me too!

Wasn't it amazing?

[Madam Mossfern]

4. I was moved by his speech at the 2004 DNC

I remember asking 'Who is this guy? He should run himself'. I support Edwards now, but if it turns out that Edwards can't prevail, I would throw all my support to Obama and hope that he can deliver. I was hoping that it would be an Edwards/Obama ticket as Obama needs a bit more 'ripening' and would be in a stronger position to run for POTUS from the Vice Presidency.

[JDPriestly]

10. I liked it then too. But that was before Bush completely impoverished

the nation. Back then, I believed that we could be brought together as a nation. Now I'm not sure what we need, but is not just hugs and kisses. Maybe we need a little regulation of the, let's start with the media, then the oil companies, then other polluters, then the health insurance companies then see what we need to do after that.

One thing is certain, Obama will never prosecute Bush and his friends. Never, never. It would ruin all that harmony. It's either Obama or justice. What do you really want?

[DeadElephant_ORG]

37. agreed... he would never procecute Bush crimes. That's an issue for me.

[FrenchieCat]

15. Obama talks about this ripening request that some have.....

in his speech today at the NH 100 dinner. Ironic.

[JDPriestly]

5. Lacked the concrete. Lacked the spontaneous.

I was not impressed.

[CoffeeCat]

9. What...

...were you wanting him to juggle or do magic tricks?

[TwilightGardener]

14. ...

:spray:

[CoffeeCat]

16. I'm Barack Obama...

...and I approved this message.

Now watch me pull a rabbit out of this hat!

:)

[JDPriestly]

23. Edwards would have.

Edwards doesn't rely on a speechwriter and can answer anyone's questions any time. When Obama has to speak without a speech writer, he stammers a lot.

[CoffeeCat]

26. I've attended Obama and Edwards...

..rallies and I saw them both answering a ton of questions from people in the audience.

They are both very generous and open.

I do think that you have a point. Edwards is a more polished, off-the-cuff speaker.
Undoubtedly, his years as a skilled trial attorney honed his speaking skills. I don't
think that Obama has has as much experience speaking extemporaneously, and he's probably
a bit rougher around the edges, in that area.

However, I do see both of them as very open, honest candidates who were more than happy
to talk with people one on one, and take spontaneous questions from their audiences.

[JDPriestly]

34. Edwards experience will stand him well in the debates with

the Republicans. Edwards can think quickly on his feet. I am sorry to see really good candidates leave the primary campaign. But with the reduction in the number of candidates on the stage of the Democratic debates, we will be able to compare their debating skills much better.

[Diane R]

39. But he was disappointing in his debate with 'Cousin' Cheney.

[athena]

30. Obama writes his own speeches.

He practices his speeches, so that he doesn't have to look down to read them. Of course his delivery is better as a result. When speaking off the cuff, he pauses to think about what he's saying. I suppose you'd prefer a candidate who didn't consider the question before answering it, who didn't think about what he was saying.

It'll be refreshing to have a president who wrote his own books and writes his own speeches.

[JDPriestly]

33. Edwards was a lawyer and is used to thinking quickly.

You don't have much time to make intelligent objections or to return arguments in a courtroom. You have to think on your feet. Edwards thinks through what the other person is likely to say before they say it and prepares for the likely counter-arguments. That is how lawyers prepare their cases, motions, oral arguments. They argue with themselves. Lawyers are trained to argue both sides in law school. You are taught to "spot issues." Your grades and your ability to pass the bar depend on your ability to "spot issues." Edwards is so quick in responding because of his training and experience.

Edwards is undoubtedly a superb negotiator -- because that also is what lawyers trial learn to do. That is not so much taught in law school, but a trial lawyer who can't negotiate effectively probably won't make much money, and as we know Edwards did quite well as a lawyer.

[athena]

38. Obama is also a lawyer.

A civil-rights lawyer.

Obama actually chose not to be a trial lawyer like Edwards. Being a trial lawyer is the way to make big money. Obama chose civil-rights law instead and also taught constitutional law at a university. It will be refreshing to have a president who knows enough about the constitution to teach it.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/12/31/obama-slugs-back-at-tria_n_78921.html

You need to do some research before you post.

[JDPriestly]

47. All lawyers know the Constitution. I am a lawyer, and I know

whereof I speak. Obama never practiced law. You are correct. Trial lawyers do all sorts of things. Lots of trial lawyers are not rich. Let's hope you never need one with your attitude.

[athena]

51. Wrong again.

Obama did practice law in the 1990's before going into politics. He represented victims of housing and employment discrimination.
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_701843600/Barack_Obama.html

It's funny that you should criticize my "attitude". As I've mentioned elsewhere, I am not against Edwards, though my first choice is Obama. Unlike you, I haven't been spreading false information about my favorite candidate's rivals. If you look back at my posts, you will notice that all I did was point out the numerous factual errors in your posts.

[JDPriestly]

52. Obama doesn't say much about just what he did as a lawyer.

He did not work long as a lawyer, at most a couple of years. I doubt that he really did enough to really be practicing law.

[JDPriestly]

53. The article you cite shows Obama "practiced" maybe two years.

That's not much. He probably mostly wrote memos.

[EffieBlack]

44. How do you know Edwards doesn't use a speechwriter?

[CoffeeCat]

6. My husband returned from an Obama event...

...in Iowa, completely shell shocked.

He was so moved by Obama.

I think we're all so thirsty for eloquence, intelligence and poise after watching
Bush embarrass on the public stage while using the White House as a backdrop.

It's just so refreshing to listen to Obama, and I have to say that I thought
Edwards and Biden were excellent speakers as well. Edwards really captivates
crowds.

After the caucuses and the rally we returned home and flipped between CNN, CNBC
and Fox (for entertainment purposes, of course), and we watched Obama's speech
at least four times.

It was transcendent.

[Jane Austin]

8. My husband watched it tonight online

And came in to tell me how moved he was.

He said it brought him to tears.

And he's not one of those people who cries easily.

[Hekate]

31. We caught it last night. I got goosebumps, Mr. H got misty-eyed. Dammit....

...we are now 60, and have had a lifetime of political mayhem and disillusionment.

Barack Obama is so bright and such a gifted speaker, and he hits all the right points.

My husband is really a Kucinich supporter, and I've been hoping for Edwards to do well -- but Obama will have our whole-hearted support if he's the nominee.

Half a dozen local Dems car-pooled over a hundred miles from Santa Barbara last year so we could hear Barack Obama give his stump speech in Los Angeles to a largely black crowd that included many white faces. It was a very good speech that really spoke to that audience -- and to me.

I have my own interior narrative of the American Story -- that in every generation a new group rises up to challenge the status quo and to reinterpret the promises of our Foundational Documents for a new era.

With his own embellishments, that's the story Obama told that hot afternoon in Los Angeles.

I know he will go far.

Hekate

[harmonicon]

7. good point - I shouldn't be so cynical

I do think they're often platitudes, but you're right - I think Obama and I agree on what this country stands for and why we both love it. Still, I usually just tune the guy out like I do most politicians.

[athena]

18. It's funny.

If the candidate talks at length about issues, as Kerry did, he gets criticized for being boring and incapable of making succinct statements. If he makes succinct statements that are inspirational, he gets criticized for talking in platitudes and lacking substance. And those doing the criticizing are the Democrats themselves!

[harmonicon]

19. it is funny, but I'm not one to criticize a politician for being boring

I usually love the "boring" ones :)

[athena]

28. I didn't mean you did this.

Just pointing out that what people are criticizing now in Obama is what they criticized Kerry for lacking in 2004. For years, pundits and academics have been saying that Democratic candidates lose elections because they can't state anything succinctly and can't come up with memorable one-liners. They've been saying that liberal ideas cannot be explained clearly and briefly, in a way that is appealing to the typical voter. Now we have a candidate who is both inspirational and a good speaker, and all I hear on DU is criticism.

We liberals are so cynical and so pessimistic (it's understandable after seven years of despair) that we don't know a good thing when we see it.

[harmonicon]

35. Obama's certainly a great speaker

I think he's at his best when talking about more (or at least what should be) universal concerns. On policy, especially healthcare, I have big disagreements with him though. Still, I agree that it's a good thing to have such a motivating and eloquent speaker on our side - something the republicans haven't had in decades.

[JDPriestly]

25. That's why I like Edwards. He states the facts in an exciting way.

Edwards is the best, most eloquent speaker of all the candidates, in my opinion.

[TwilightGardener]

11. It was historic. It will be remembered and referred to, just like his convention speech.

Sometimes it's a relief to just let the cynicism go and get into the moment, even if you support someone else. Glad you saw what I saw.

[FrenchieCat]

13. That was a great speech......

and if you get a chance the catch the NH 100 Dinner on C-Span, he gave a speech today, and although he had lost a lot of his voice, the speech was powerful. I see why he's getting the vote out.....it is clear as crystal. He's really motivational....in an empowerment sort of way.

If I find it, I will post it! But it did air on the C-spans channels earlier today. Excellent stuff!

[BeyondGeography]

21. He was smelling victory tonight

The man is going for it, Frenchie.

[FrenchieCat]

41. And I hope he gets the victory he smells, and if he does,

he will have earned it, by being a motivator par excellence.

All Democrats should be rejoicing, if Obama can bring in the voters that don't vote, period.

[ClayZ]

46. Woooot! GoBama! K and R

I like how OBAMA uses the word WE a lot!

[mikelgb]

17. I used to say to Obama supporters: One good speech does not a President make

now it will be: Two good speeches does not a President make

he can make very good prepared speeches

off the cuff in debates he's pretty bad

he will be totally managed all the way through and will probably be a mediocre POTUS is he is allowed to be inaugurated.

[athena]

29. He writes his own speeches.

He also wrote his own books.

If you actually listen to what he says off the cuff, it makes a lot of sense. His delivery isn't as polished as when he gives a prepared speech, but if it were, you would be accusing him of being artificial and unconvincing.

[DaveinMD]

20. my wife and I

are the only people that didn't like the speech. I guess we're wrong.

[Beausoir]

22. Compare it to John Edwards' speech and see if you feel the same way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohfKFjpH5j8

Warning! If you are enamored of slick, polished politicians who read off of teleprompters...you won't like this speech.

[Fading Captain]

24. Obama = "The Hallmark Candidate" or "The Oprah Candidate."

America will be all misty eyed, fo sho

[BringBigDogBack]

27. I thought it was amazing as well.

Good post :dem:

[TeamJordan23]

36. Anyone know if there is a High Definition Video of the Speech floating around

on the internet somewhere?

[hedgehog]

40. It reminded me of a sacrament in that by stating a truth, he brought

the truth into reality. Maybe the only other people who will understand what I am saying are other Catholic religious ed instructors. It was a moment that partook of Deep Magic.

There are days of disappointment, but sometimes, just sometimes, there are nights like this - a night-a night that, years from now, when we've made the changes we believe in; when more families can afford to see a doctor; when our children-when Malia and Sasha and your children-inherit a planet that's a little cleaner and safer; when the world sees America differently, and America sees itself as a nation less divided and more united; you'll be able to look back with pride and say that this was the moment when it all began.

This was the moment when the improbable beat what Washington always said was inevitable.

This was the moment when we tore down barriers that have divided us for too long - when we rallied people of all parties and ages to a common cause; when we finally gave Americans who'd never participated in politics a reason to stand up and to do so.

This was the moment when we finally beat back the politics of fear, and doubt, and cynicism; the politics where we tear each other down instead of lifting this country up. This was the moment.

Years from now, you'll look back and you'll say that this was the moment - this was the place - where America remembered what it means to hope.

[loyalsister]

45. Shared experience

The way he showed appreciation for the volunteers was so encouraging. I bet he gained several more.
He tapped into our shared experiences. Not the specifics but the emotions that go along with them.
I agree with the poster upthread who pointed out that he has what Kerry lacked.
Regardless of who we support in the primary, I would hope that if he is the nominee we not take it for granted.

[Larkspur]

43. I actually fell asleep towards the end of Obama's speech

He came on too late for me.

"None of the Above" is my first choice for Dem Prez candidate. I'm more an "Anybody but Clinton" supporter, but I do have reservations about Obama. He's a bit too Liebermanesque for me and I'm concerned about his association with Rubin's The Hamilton Project.

Assuming Obama gets in, progressive will have to keep the pressure on him and Congress to do the right things.

[DeadElephant_ORG]

54. I agree that "progressive will have to keep the pressure on him"

[burythehatchet]

48. Congrats. Its a good feeling isn't it?

[AtomicKitten]

49. His speech was transcendent.