Published on August 29, 2008 By Daiwa In Politics

I watched Obama's speech last night (prime time, I was home).  I thought it was an excellent speech, well-delivered.  I felt a certain degree of pride that a Black American was delivering such a speech, in acceptance of his nomination as a major party's candidate for President, on the anniversary of MLK's 'I have a dream' speech.  As an orator, he's an impressive guy.  I was especially impressed at his challenge to fathers in his own ethnic community to take greater responsibility for their own actions, in effect to 'grow up.'  Short as it was on believable specifics and long as it was on ridiculous promises, it was rhetorically enjoyable to watch & listen to.  I gave it 10 points for style, perhaps 3-4 points for substance, on a 10 point scale.  The theatrics, however, were offputting to me, much too agrandizing, way too Hollywood.

I didn't get to listen to Governor Palin's remarks live due to work, but I got to watch the full video this evening.

I'll say only this - I glad I'm not Joe Biden just now.

 


Comments
on Aug 29, 2008

Well, I have to admit, I do look forward to seeing what Sarah Palin's responses will be on a whole range of national issues which she has never has had to deal with as Governor of Alaska.  Who knows, perhaps she'll surprise me with some amazing answers, but I expect nothing but cookie-cutter Republican talking points.  Biden might talk too much, McCain might be hot-headed, and Obama might be wishy-washy, but hey at least they know what they are talking about, for the most part.

 

on Aug 30, 2008

I think she's gonna get after Biden like she did after the ball on the basketball court.

I can't wait to see it. 

 

on Aug 30, 2008

I was reflecting on this some more through the day today, and something else hit me.

I've always been a very sentimental soul when it comes to 'God & Country' stuff, don't ask me why.  I still get a little choked up during the National Anthem any time I hear it.  Give me a military jet team flying overhead & I'm completely verklempt.

As moving as Obama's speech was, it never stirred any sort of emotional reaction in me.  Not the case with Palin's - parts of it did choke me up a bit, simple & straightforward as it was.

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I think the differing responses related to my inate 'sincerity meter' - I found Palin to be more genuine & Obama to be too polished, too 'engineered,' too Hollywood slick.

Those feelings were reinforced a bit this evening, if indirectly.  I did not get to see the Saddleback Forum at the time it aired, but I watched all of it this evening.  The contrast between the men was stark.  Obama tiptoeing on eggshells for an hour, hyperexplaining, hyperqualifying, constantly looking for a way to say two things at once, somewhat defensive or afraid to offend.  McCain polite but blunt, concise & without hesitation or fear.  The difference could be seen in their eyes and body language - you didn't even need audio.  McCain is comfortable in his own skin & grounded in his beliefs, whether you agree with them or not.  Obama didn't seem sure of much of anything.

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