Hillary's Speech

I'm not sure what speech they were watching, but to listen to MSNBC's Keith Olberman and Chris Matthews right after Hillary Clinton wrapped things up last night, I began to wonder if they were viewing the same thing I was.

"Home run! Grand Slam! Over the houses next to the stadium!"

I'm sure that Olberman was shaking from the excitement. The superlatives coming from him did not seem adequate enough to convey the sense of satisfaction he obviously felt at the time.

I know that MSNBC is trending 'liberal', but I prefer them just because I cannot stand watching CNN (for the talent they have, it is wasted by all of the extra people that they try to fit into analysis roles), FOX (it seems like they are going out of their way to upset people who think they're trending 'conservative') or network news (not that Tim Russert is gone, I'm not sure which channel I will be watching come election night).

Bottom line...since I discovered Morning Joe, I watch MSNBC to see Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Willie Geist and Chuck Todd (he's starting to grow on me). I used to like Chris Matthews, but then he started teaming up with Olberman and his objectivity flew out the window. Olberman, whom I enjoyed back in his ESPN days, has really started to blossom into something special...if you like someone who is brash, condescending and SOMEHOW managed to fall into this gig.

But I digress.  Watching Hillary Clinton, I thought she did a pretty good job last night. Her speech was extremely well delivered, hit at all the core issues that are important to her, and served as a reminder to her supporters of why they voted for her in the first place.

It seemed to me, however, like this was a speech where she could have easily announced that she was running for President in 2012. It would be a surprise if Obama does not win this November; if he doesn't, don't worry - Clinton will be there to pick up the pieces and take the party forward.

For as good as her speech was (read some of the positive reviews here), not all the comments were glowing (read below), and not everyone is ready to join with Obama supporters in a circle of love, or even mutual respect. There were more "I" references in the speech than mentions of Obama, and Clinton came up short of embracing the man...just the position of Democratic nominee.

If there was one part of her speech that I admired, it was toward the end when she challenged her supporters. She asked if they were in the campaign to support her, or the ideas and ideals she was fighting for. It was a nice way of telling them to continue the fight, even though she was not going to be the nominee.

I appreciate that whatever deal was brokered will allow her name to be put into nomination this evening. From the historical perspective, it is important to recognize what she accomplished during this election season and to celebrate how far we have come as a nation.

Tonight is the roll call of states. I'm tuning in to see if:

1. There are a significant number of Clinton votes
2. New York (with Clinton leading the way) puts Obama over the top by asking for approval by acclimation, or
3. The Illinois delegation puts Obama over the top (traditional for the nominee's home state, or
4. If a battleground state (Ohio anyone?) is allowed to put Obama over the top.

Stay tuned. It will be fun.
 
Meanwhile, McCain's lead didn't last long...

Gallup Daily Tracking Poll
Obama - 45%
McCain - 44%
Obama +1%/McCain -2% since last poll

Many Clinton Supporters Say Speech Didn't Heal Divisions
Hillary Rodham Clinton's most loyal delegates came to the Pepsi Center on Tuesday night looking for direction. They listened, rapt, to a 20-minute speech that many proclaimed the best she had ever delivered, hoping her words could somehow unwind a year of tension in the Democratic Party. >>
Washington Post

Hillary Goes Out With a Whimper
When she first campaigned for a New York Senate seat, Hillary Clinton earned the nickname "The Laundry Lady." Last night's speech was a reminder why. >>
The Atlantic

Clinton Delegate Upset With Her Party

Hillary Supporters for McCain
West Virginia's registered Democrats, like their cousins in western Pennsylvania and eastern and southern Ohio, are having a hard time fitting anywhere within Barack Obama's vision of the Democratic party. >>
The Weekly Standard

Mile-high anxiety
I've been to a lot of conventions, and there's always something gratifyingly weird that happens. >>
International Herald Tribune

Clinton's Wealthy Die-Hards Are Contradicting Her Campaign's Message
Back in primary season, Hillary Clinton said her campaign was dedicated to serving people "with needs" while her opponent's appeal was aesthetic in nature, and therefore best appreciated by well-heeled voters. >>
HuffingtonPost

GOP Veep Sheet: Tryouts in Denver
Just a few short days before John McCain is expected to announce his vice presidential choice, we still don’t know exactly who that person will be. But we have a better idea of how he’ll make the announcement. >>
Politico

Chatter over Hutchison as possible VP pick gets louder
Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's long-shot prospect for vice president is getting a push from conservative and other pundits in the lead-up to next week's Republican National Convention. >>
Houston Chronicles

---

5 days until the Republican National Convention.

30 days until the first Presidential debate in Oxford, MS.

36 days until the Vice-Presidential debate in st. Louis, MO.

39 days until the second Presidential debate in Nashville, TN.

49 days until the final Presidential debate in Hempstead, NY.

69 days until Election Day.

146 days until Presidential Inauguration.

-RSKnopfJr

Comments

[mike s]

I just wanted to say that I was very pleased with Hillary Clinton's speech she gave at the democratic convention. She once again showed she is a very strong and powerful woman, and I do believe she will become president of the United States in the future.