Enough is right!

How incredible would it be to be in Denver, CO right now? There are so many thoughts going through my mind - this will most likely be one of those entries in which I ramble on and on in disorganized fashion.

As you will have noticed from my earlier posts in the week, I have been fairly disappointed with the DNC. I felt there was a lot of wasted time each night and I wanted a more focused message. With each night things got better, and after tonight I say: What a convention!

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of the Clintons. I thought they both gave remarkable speeches at the convention that, if the Democrats win, will have played a very important role. There's a huge part of me that will always wish that Hillary would have been the nominee.

That being said, this convention was a major turning point for me and I can now say, without reservation, that I am prepared to fully support Barack Obama.

One thing that I have noticed, throughout this campaign, is how truly impressive the Obama campaign has been run. They don't screw up. Sure, there have been a few miss steps here and there, but I get the impression that everything is so well thought out and planned. Obama's speech this evening was certainly the most impressive political event that I've seen. I had fear that it was going to be a bit too much, perhaps crossing the line of being tasteful. I was wrong - class all the way.

Tonight was a great night for Democrats, but more, it was a great night for America. Barack Obama laid out his vision for this nation. A nation that just ten years ago was thriving and experiencing some of its best moments. Most of that now - destroyed. Tonight, Obama answered those who asked what change meant and he proved to me that he is ready to throw down with John McCain.

"Tonight, tonight, I say to the people of America, to Democrats and Republicans and Independents across this great land: Enough." This was one of my favorite lines in the speech. Enough is right! This is our country, not Bush and Cheney's. It is time we take it back and restore the dignity and integrity America once stood for.

Another favorite, " Now, I don't believe that Senator McCain doesn't care what's going on in the lives of Americans; I just think he doesn't know." So true.

I think that Republicans are going to have a difficult time answering the Democrats next week. We ended our convention on such a high note. I realize that the election is basically at a dead heat, but I have to think tonight changed that.

"So I've got news for you, John McCain: We all put our country first." This was another section in the speech that I really liked. Republicans have horrible policies for middle class Americans, so they ALWAYS attack their opponents patriotism; it gets really old. Why would someone run for the presidency of the United States if he or she didn't love this country?? It's a ridiculous accusation to make and I'm very glad Obama called them out on it.

Well, as I said, this was going to be one of those rambley posts. I'm very anxious to see what the next days bring. Will Obama get a bounce from tonight? How will the Republicans respond next week? Will we wake up to a different America tomorrow? It feels like it at the moment.

In the words of Tim Russert, "What a country."

Way to go, Hill!

Well, I've said it all along and I'll continue to say it, Hillary Clinton is amazing.  She did what she was asked to do and then some tonight.  I've been waiting for the Democratic National Convention to get focused with a message - Hillary delivered it.

Of course you have to credit some brilliant speech writers, but the skill with which that speech was delivered was at the top of the league.

I watched with pride for a person I strongly believe in.  I watched with sadness a person whom I wanted to be my president and may never be able to be.  I watched with hope as a democrat and more importantly as an American.  Better days are on the horizon.

I'm inspired.  

In the words of Hillary, "No way.  No how.  No McCain."

Photo: cnn.com

The Clock is Ticking...

We're a few hours into Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention.  This morning I reflected on the events of Day 1 of the convention, saying that the Democrats need to offer more of a message and perhaps launch an attack. 

I'm still waiting for this.

The theme of today is supposed to be economics - I haven't heard an economic message yet.  My fear is that this convention will be done and Democrats will come away with nothing more than "Yes we can."  Where's the platform narrative?  Where's the message to undecided voters?  

I hope Hillary saves this thing tonight.

DNC - Day 1

The Democrats have gathered in Denver and the 2008 convention has officially been called to order by Chairman Dean. I flipped between CNN, MSNBC, Fox (only to see what ridiculous things they were saying) NBC, and CSPAN. I honestly can't get enough of the talking heads (I can only dream of joining their ranks one day) spewing forth endless commentary on the smallest of details; all of them claiming to have the key to each candidates success or predicting the next move - when in fact no one really ever knows what's going to happen. This is exactly what makes it so exciting: the experts can guess, but only the voters decide.

I was indeed glued to the television last night, but it wasn't because of brilliant programming on behalf of the DNC. I must say that I agree with two of my favorite political analysts, David Gergen and James Carville, in their assessment of the first night of the convention. It seems that a lot of time was wasted and little to no substance was offered.

Of course, Senator Kennedy's appearance was one that most won't forget and Michelle Obama gave a beautiful, eloquent speech that perhaps allowed more Americans some insight into the Obama family. But did the Democrats plead their case to the voters of America or for that matter, did they even deliver an opening statement? Let me just say that I don't think people woke up this morning energized by the Democratic platform - because it wasn't discussed.

I look forward to Day 2 of the convention (Hillary is speaking!). I hope that this evening the Democrats offer a little more "red meat" as Carville would say. We all know that next week in St. Paul the Republicans will come out swinging and swing harder with each passing day. If you recall in 2004 Senator Kerry's convention didn't attack President Bush at all, while at their convention the Republicans went after Kerry and the Democrats, and well, we all know how that story ended.

My point is that perhaps the Democrats need to toughen up a bit. We have tried to "take the high road" while the Republicans attack us at every level they can. The result has been them having the White House for the past 8 years and driving the country into the ground. I'm not suggesting that we make personal attacks, but can we get down and dirty about the issues, please? Can we plead our case with some strength and conviction that not only inspires but also educates voters about what Democrats will do to get the country back on track.

Well, I'm starting to ramble a bit, and while I could go on forever about this - I will stop for now.

Be sure to tune in tonight to see Senator Hillary Clinton show the Democrats how to do it!