I watched Ted Kennedy, Howard Dean, Ron Reagan, Teresa Heinz Kerry and Barack Obama deliver their speeches at the Democratic Convention last night. Kennedy had the impact and conviction that we've come to expect from him. I love it that he is passionate and fearless and when I listen to him with my eyes closed, all of his words settle in to me and there is something familiar and grounding about his voice. He has a great edge to him coupled with a genuine concern about the character and integrity of our government system. I loved his closing:
For centuries, kings ruled by what they claimed was divine right. They could not be questioned. They could not be challenged. The people’s fate was not their own. But today, because of the surpassing wisdom of our founders, the constant courage of the patriots of the past, and the shared sacrifice of generations of Americans who kept the faith, the power of America still rests securely in citizens’ hands. In our hands.True to our highest and noblest ideals, we intend to use that power. We will use it wisely and well. We will use it, in the poet’s words my brothers loved, "to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." We will use it to heal, to build, to hope, and to dream again. And in doing so, we will truly make our country once more America the Beautiful.
On to Howard Dean. Pretty mediocre speech. I hate to say it, but it's true. That man is not a speaker. I felt like anything he had to say was redundant and inconsequential. Every moment he spoke, I paced from the kitchen to the living room as if I had some task to accomplish, but I already had a drink in my hand and dinner in progress, so there was nothing for me to do. I just couldn't sit through him. Then, when it was over, people in the press acted like he'd been so amazing. Huh? He lost me with the stories about kids who sold their bicycles and old ladies who spent their pensions on democratic contributions. For some reason that bothered me far more than it pleased me. His whole manner completely rubs me the wrong way though. So that was a disappointment.
Ron Reagan was good. I am glad he was given the opportunity to raise awareness about stem cell research and the Bush administration's plans to hinder this incredible scientific progress. The talking heads on CNN at the end of that speech made me want to throw a brick at the TV. All I heard was "that was kind of creepy, talking about stem cell research...I dunno...blah...blah...I mean, how do we know it will cure Parkinsons or Diabetes in ten years? We don't know...blah, blah, blah...someone help me get my head out of my ass." Christ almighty. Where do they find these people? The Bush administration is compromising the health of millions and halting an incredibly important advancement in medical science. I am greatful that people like Ron Reagan can use their influence to convey a message on the subject.
Teresa Heinz Kerry was gracious and genuine. I loved her demeanor and her mischievous eyes and her savoir faire. She told a bit of her story and background and generally introduced herself to those who have only seen her face but never heard her speak. She was deeply thoughtful and her intelligence was evident. She brought a strong warmth to the podium. I enjoyed her presence and her words.
Barack Obama was another one who really hit home with an amazingly eloquent speech that held the audience captive and hanging on every word. Looks like this was his coming out party. Very impressive.
All in all, I liked watching all of the speeches, with maybe the exception of HD. Too bad for that. I look forward to tonight!
Agreement on all except for Kennedy. He always sounds to me like he's filibustering from the Senate floor. He doesn't look comfortable to me while he is speaking; he barely takes his eyes off the teleprompter and he had nothing new to say. And what about HIS mispronunciations?? I'm wracking my brain trying to remember the word that he mispronounced like three times before he finally got it right.
Anyway, I'm really impressed with Obama. And he's 42?? I put him at like 29.
Posted by: Vickie at July 28, 2004 12:14 PMI think Obama will be the next presidential canidate for the Democrats. Word is that he even has done well in even the more racist neiborhoods in of Chicago. BTW, anyone else wish Dean would go away? He wasn't a particularly good governer, nor canidate. The media mistook his movement as being about him, but it was about us. Dean was just the goofball that would actually take the chance.
Posted by: Nick Lewis at July 28, 2004 08:54 PMObama will be a canDidate some day but certainly not the next one. Hillary will be the next one in either '08 or '12, depending on who wins in November. The guy is only 42..his chance is definitely coming.
Posted by: Vickie at July 28, 2004 09:45 PM