Tonight during the second day of the Democratic Convention, the speakers were pretty dry and there wasn't much excitement. That is until Barak Obama came up to speak.

Several of us were talking in the post-convention chat and it appeared that people across the political spectrum were very impressed with him and we were all talking about "Obama for President" and predicting he would be the first black president.

So, I was curious what everyone thought. Here is the Text of his speech. You should really watch the video of his speech, it is much more powerful. You can find the video on Obama's website using this link (wmv).

Edited to add: I think that first video link may be bogus now. You can find the speech on c-span.org here or you can plug this URL directly into RealPlayer - rtsp://cspanrm.fplive.net/cspan/project/c04/c04_dnc072704_obama.rm

Also, if you want to follow him you can find his website here - Obama for Illinois and his blog here.

So, after watching the speech, what do you think? Cast your vote. Comment if you'd like.

I love this guy: charismatic, intelligent, strong-willed, and (most importantly ) liberal. He has the perfect combination for a successful political run; he's a spectacular orator as well. He has a future not only in the Senate, but I can see him as the first African-American president as well. Go, Barack!

Obama for president!

Ok, so far there have been three of you who have voted "Other (explain)" and I don't see no 'splaining.

I brought Obama up a while ago. When I went to watch Fahrenheit 9/11 (and by the way I thought Moore looked like an illogical buffoon on O'Reilly tonight) Obama was in the theater. I have never met a president but to think that I may have been 5 feet away from a potential one and being able to watch a popular movie at the same time he did is pretty cool. After this I doubt the republicans will run anyone against him in Illinois. Mike Ditka's name was dropped but this speech solidfied Obama's victory. He was great tonight. He really tried to appeal to the centrists. I still voted other. I am not simply voting for someone who gave a passionate speech. Not that I fear another Hitler but this is just 1 speech. He has a great attitude and alot going for him but I am not ready to start making Obama buttons. He is getting my vote for senator...now that much I can say.

I love the power of the spoken word and Barack Obama spoke powerfully at the convention.

Yet even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us, the spin masters and negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of anything goes.

Well, I say to them tonight, there's not a liberal America and a conservative America – there's the United States of America.

There's not a Black America and White America and Latino America and Asian America– there's the United States of America.

The pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats.

But I've got news for them, too.

We worship an awesome God in the Blue States, and we don't like federal agents poking around our libraries in the Red States.

We coach Little League in the Blue States and have gay friends in the Red States.

There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and patriots who supported it.

We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America.

In the end, that's what this election is about.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/27/politics...TEXT-OBAMA.html

But one speech does not a political career make. Mr. Obama STILL has to get elected to the U.S. Senate in November. If he is he'll have six years to serve before he should even think about running for President of the United States. Even John Edwards waited six years before he looked for a promotion.

I want more politicians who inspire people, cut across the partisan dividing lines and speak with honesty and passion, and not just soundbites. But c'mon folks! Let's see how Senator Obama does before we make him President Obama.

B.B. King sang, "Never make your move too soon." Come back in 2010 and see if you're still as fired up then as you are now in the heat of the moment.

Guilty.

The speech was great. It has a Clintonian feel, wrapped and delivered on a more basic, more familiar level. It touched on a lot of ideological beliefs Democrats hold dear. He has the energy, voice, intelligence, and frankly, the looks for a presidential candidate.

On the other hand I haven't read anything on Obama ergo "Other."

I fancy myself as a Republican, yet I was so impressed by the potential that this man has that I would cross party lines if the GOP did not put up someone else, who could at the very least, run against him.

He spoke with conviction and never bored me. His remarks about this nation being not a "liberal America" or a "conservative America", but a "United States of America" showed me that, though hes a Democrat, he's interested in working with all members of the political spectrum in making great changes for this country.

Another thing that caught my ears was his remarks that, (para) "..there were patriots who opposed the war and there were patriots who supported the war...". There are those on both sides who have said such things but do not really mean it. I felt he meant it. I felt like he was telling me "I may not agree with you, but I respect your opinion... now let's get to work!"

This guy has charisma, smarts, and the drive to be a great leader. This guy is a good bet to be president within the next 12 years.

I took the opportunity to send him an email this evening, and I told him about this thread. Hopefully he or one of his staff will take a look.

while I did indeed find his speech exceptional and his optimism refreshing. He has to survive in the open political arena first. At least one term in the Senate.
Lets see what he can do.
Also remember he is the first breath of fresh air from either party in a long time.
Very Clintonesque and Got some Reagan as well with his optimism.
Nice to see.
Personally i'm curious to see how the Republicans will respond. They need to tarnish this guy now before he gains any more attention.
I'm betting on certain radio personalities to let"slip" some "Osama I mean Obama" remarks.

Gonna read over his platform. See how it chimes.

I voted no, and here's why. I have seen Mr Obama twice now on television. Once on Sunday on Meet the Press, and at his speech to the convention tonight. He didn't say ANYTHING. Not really. This isn't a Liberal America and this isn't a Conservative America, this is a United States of America? Seriously, what the hell does that mean? It's a fine message in the big picture, and true, but on specific issues there are definite differences of opinion in America. We see them debated here everyday. Nobody can be everything to everyone, that is impossible and as much as I would love for the "Can't we all just get along" dream to come true, it's never going to happen, and it never has happened in our history. Not dissing Obama here, he's a pretty impressive guy with a most interesting background, but I think his speech tonight was written by the Kerry people trying to appeal to the middle - and by that, I mean everyone because if it were to be believed, there is only a middle in America. Not true, and we can see that on these message boards nearly everytime we read a post.

Much of his conversation with Russert on Sunday was the same sort of thing. The only thing I really learned about him was that his father was from Kenya, his mother from Kansas and she was white and his father left the family when he was young. And oh yeah, he was born in Hawaii. But, what does he really stand for? Perhaps those who are more familar with him might enlighten the rest of us, but everything I have heard from him thus far is pure vanilla equivocation. That's not the stuff that makes a President in my opinion, so I voted no. He will probably make it to the US Senate and there maybe he'll actually take a hard stand on the hard issues of the day. Perhaps then he'll change my mind.

Very out of character Aquilla. Somewhat emotional there.
I expect a lot of die hard republicans will come out the same.
At the very least it shall be an interesting distraction during the election because I am fairly sure Mr. Obama will be getting a lot of airtime.
I want to see him play with hannity.
I shall make a point to listen to Hannity tomorrow cause you know he's gonna come out hard, As will limbaugh. In fact i would guess they will sick every dog they have on Obama.
and if they fail to dent him hard enough they could very well crown him themselves.
goody goody some fun and disruption.

On the basis of his speech, would you consider voting for Obama for President?

I was listening to the commentators complain that, "There was no red meet in the convention speeches, just tofu." Perhaps it was only the style, and the oratory, and not the content; but until CNN signed off from the convention at about 1:00 AM, the reporters, the commentators, and the people that they were interviewing from both parties all remarked on Obama's speech.


Perhaps it is meaningless. From Michigan, the only campaign promise that we heard Arnold Schwarzenegger repeat, was his intention to play the role of a musical composer. ("Ah'll be Bach.") It was sufficient for him to be elected Governor, because California was ready for a change of leadership.

The Bush Dynasties have brought us such memorable phrases as "What is this vision thing anyway?", “I’m the commander; I do not need to explain why I say things. That’s the interesting thing about being President. Maybe somebody needs to explain to me why they say something, but I don’t feel like I owe anybody an explanation.”, and of course, “If this were a dictatorship, it’d be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I’m the dictator.” Many Americans are ready for a change in direction, a change in leadership; so ready that ABB has become an acronym that needn't be explained. It is a frightening world right now, and our current leadership is part of what is making it a scary place to be. Barack Obama delivered a speech that reminded me personally of what the American dream was that brought my father to America, and my grandparents on my mother's side. A lot of speakers lately have reminded us that we all woke up on September 12, 2001 as a United people. Mr. Obama reminded me that we can be united in peacetime as well as in wartime. Perhaps he simply said something that I wanted to hear. Perhaps, in a country looking for a change of leadership, he said something that a great many Americans wanted to hear. I tried to email him my congratulations on a fine speech, and a link back to this thread, but his mailbox was full.

On the basis of his speech, I intend to start following what else he has to say, and his success in the Senate. (I cannot imagine the Republican politician willing to fall on his sword following that speech, just so that his party can have a candidate in the Senate race.) Would I consider voting for him for President? Had Kerry not already named Edwards as his running mate, I could envision Obama being drafted on the basis of that speech.

I voted yes, but I was also aware in casting that vote, that he is at least 4 - 8 years away from entering a Presidential primary race. There is still time for the Republicans to try to lure him over to the dark side...

Conventions are star makers. Itlating about rising stars. Obama seems to be very well positioned to become a player in national politics. The 21st century Abe Lincoln. Let's see if he can win a senate seat. Let's see if he can make an impact in Congress. I'm rooting for him. Last president from Illinois? Anyone?

I voted, yes-Independent though I tend to be more on the conservative side. I doubt I would vote for him based on the speech, though I see some raw talent. He certainly deserves a good look see in the future. There was something very JFK about him.

Not just based on this speech, but I'm planning to do exactly that. The Illinois GOP is a joke, as there is quite literally no one to run against him. I may have considered voting for "the coach" for comedy value, but Obama will probably get my vote for Senate this time.

I think president is getting ahead of ourselves, however. Aquilla is right on the 'all things to all people' routine, but that's what these speeches are. Plus for me it was refreshing to hear a Democrat not afraid to use religious themes.

I'm a conservative, and I was very impressed with his speech. He got his point across very well and very forcefully. But he still stands for everything I can't stand about our government. He just put a nice spin on it. He's doing a good job, just like the rest of the dems, of trying to put a more moderate tone in their voice. It's a mask and no matter how impressed I am with his speech writers and his delivery, it doesn't change the fact that he's still an EVIL LIBERAL!!!

Titus – impressive that you can put partisanship aside when you see a good thing. Now if you could only convince the rest of the crew on the Death Star. One post from the right claims that he really didn’t say anything and another states he’s an evil liberal? Huh, how can you tell if he didn’t really say anything? The siren went off and they’re scrambling like crazy.

Very impressive speech, excellent orator and I expected the right would come away with statements like ‘he didn’t really say anything’. Of course when you’re in the camp of the Great Divider the message that we need to put the United back into the USA would have went right over your head. Just duck next time.

Two side to every issue? Really, I guess that just happened under Bushski II, sorry must have been away.

This young man has unlimited potential and could easily win the next Presidential election. Who says you have to have ump-teen years of experience on the hill in order to be successful. I think it would be quite refreshing.

I voted yes and Independent as the question was whether we would vote for him on the basis of the speech. He was articulate and effective public speaker that inspired those that listened. Like others I will hold my "actual" vote on his actual stand on the issues. So for now he won me with his appeal he can win/loose me on his stand later...

Fife and Drum, I think that you're being a bit unfair to the conservatives who have responded in this thread.

Obama's speech was well-crafted to be sure, but it did not reveal his stance on the issues. It had just the right amount of "help our people to rise above" and "rely on personal responsibility" to appeal to a wide demographic that bleeds into both the liberal and conservative camps. Obama has charisma, and he may have a big future in the political realm, but one speech does not a president make.

Here's some info on various stances that he has taken on the issues: On the Issues

To be fair, I said would you consider voting for him based on this speech, clearly I realize you can't vote for a president based on one speech alone, not if you are a serious voter anyway.

I guess the question might have been phrased poorly but based on the responses it appears that a large number of people caught my meaning.

I was really impressed with him last night but I think its premature to have presidential aspirations. He's capable of inspiring people and that is a critical quality for a president imo (one of many reasons I dislike the current one). His presentation was very Clintonesque with maybe a little Reagan washed in. Either way he's an incredibly effective speaker. If he can make a substantive contribution in the senate and lay out some policy stances, 2012 or 2016 might offer a legitimate chance for an African-American to make a run for the White House.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Democratic Convention and last night's speech by Obama was very uplifting. As I sat there watching his speech last night, I thought to myself, there is a future President.

On the basis of his speech, would you consider voting for Obama for President?

As others have indicated here, no, not based on his speech.



This part of his speech sure put me in mind of true conservatives.

Obama is definitely a very a good orator. He has charisma and appears to be a media darling for the moment. I agree with Aquilla that the speech contained only feel-good statements; it did not contain anything of substance. Of course, the speech wasn't supposed to contain substance; it was supposed to play well to the crowd. In that it was very successful.

Personally, I will remain skeptical until I see his actual leadership performance. I admit that going into his likely Senatorship that I am neutral, and being neutral for me is remarkable in itself because I generally have negative views on all politicians. We shall see if he can be a catalyst for cooperation inside the Senate. Should he be successful at that, I will consider giving him my vote. Of course, if he were running against McCain, I'd probably give McCain my vote.

Cyan – With all do respect I personally thought it was a bit unfair calling some one an “evil liberal” and claiming there was no message in his speech. Apologies if I offended anyone for challenging either statement.

But I guess I’ve been involved with politics far too long that when I see a candidate who shows so much potential and is unfairly shot down before he even gets out of the gate I get a bit defensive. And we wonder why we struggle to get good candidates to run for office.

Too early to point him to the Oval Office? All you have to do is look back at the 88’ convention when Bill Clinton had to be practically dragged off the stage after a lengthy and less than inspirational speech. I think he did alright in the next election.

I voted "other."

Baruck Obama is impressive as an orator, and he has wonderful credentials. He is obviously someone from whom the Democratic Party may expect great things. But in order to think of him as Presidential material based on one speech, I would like to hear more specifics.

It was an inspirational keynote address.

I voted other, mostly because I know little about Obama, and it remains to be seen whether the stress of political life will jade him as it has so many others. I did read the speech on the link provided by Cube (thanks!), and thought it was very moving.

I find this to be an uncharitable characterization, based on focusing on the cadence of the either/or statements. The parts of the speech I found most effective were:

By focusing on what makes America a great country and wanting to uphold and preserve that is a fine goal. I hope he doesn't lose that idealistic zeal in the cutthroat world of DC politics.

Heck yeah, I would vote for him, (although I have NO gay friends in the Red states.....just the blue ones.)

The most powerful portion for me, I have pasted below. I think these sentences sum up the thoughts of most Non-Conservatives in here. How conservatives are able to feel differently than this is un-human to me. Defending the Patriot Act tells me you do not agree with the following, so don't even try to tell me differently:

I'd vote for him in a heartbeat!!!! I was blown away by his charisma, his command of the stage, and his mastery of language. He gave Reagan a run for his money as a "great communicator".

By the way...

HELLO EVERYONE!!!!

I agree. Calling liberals evil is not nice, but neither is referring to conservatives as the "crew on the Death Star" and "camp of the Great Divider." I think my biggest issue was that you took the words of two different conservative members and juxtaposed them as though they were said by one person in order to make it look like the conservatives were being unfair to Obama. We are all individuals here, and our statments should be judged on their own merits.



I don't believe that he was shot down. People have generally commented on his superb skills as an orator. That's positive, but they aren't ready to commit to anything other than that. I feel exactly the same way, and I'm a liberal. It doesn't mean that I'm shooting him down. I just realize that florid prose doesn't necessarily mean that a person has leadership abilities. He's on my "politician to watch" list, and perhaps in the future I'll be supporting him for a higher office.

For now, I'm pleased that he has been able to inspire.

I am a disappointed so many debaters here found one speech a good basis to consider a person presidential material. Is there not a list of policy issues, fundamental beliefs, or character traits which would have to know before you would need to know first ? Good oratory skills are good but a rather superficial reason.

Oh common.. I didn't single him out.. I meant to say ALL LIBERALS ARE EVIL.. Sorry for being vague.. (Please take note of the humor. I'd hate to offend twice in one post).

What did he say that was so impressive? The speech was written well, and he memorized it and read it suberbly. For anyone to say they would vote for this man for President based on one speech than he must of had some subliminal messages in there. I was impressed with his speech in the fact that he came off as a likable guy, didn't come off bitter like Kennedy, and said alot of things that no level headed person could argue. Of course, nobody wants their welfare $$ wasted. Sure there are gay people everywhere. Sure Shamus was proud to fight for his country, and sure we can never pay them back for their service to this country.

He basically just read a bunch of sound bites, and they'll be quoted non-stop over the next few months..

While some are swooning over the generalistic platitudes in that speech, apparently one must be careful not to point out that they really don't mean anything lest they get labeled as "un-human" or divisive. Apparently to a Democrat, "unify" means "you agree with me". If you want to read what Obama really thinks and says about things, forget this speech, it was obviously scripted and written by the Kerry campaign and Obama is a team player. This is the transcript from the Meet the Press interview that Mr. Obama did last Sunday. From that interview.....



Russert let him off easy on this one. Yes, he did say it was based on politics, but that's not the current party line, at least not this week.

Then, we have this exchange......



Now, can anyone tell me what he said? It seems to me that he said he would have voted against the war at the time, but he wasn't as informed as Kerry was. Does that imply that had he been as informed as Kerry was he would have voted for it? He never answers the question. Perhaps he would have voted for it before he voted against it? No wonder the Democrats like this guy! He's another John Kerry, but can actually deliver a speech well and energize a crowd. So let's run him for President....

Oh well, whatever floats your boat....


Edited to add a WARNING to my friends, especially those on the COnservative side here. Be very careful when you spell check your post. The AD Spell checker wants to turn Obama into Osama and heaven forbid you accidently make a mistake like that! I can hear the howls now.

I thought that was the whole question. This is a great venue to look for future leaders of the democratic party. Obama's popularity is a side effect of the fact that very few people have made an impression on me as future leaders of the dems.

I would consider voting for him for president based on last night's speech. I would wait for a platform and some clarity on platitudes before I did so. To wish for a presidential candidate free of platitudes is to conduct a fruitless search. A critical part of the art of politics is speaking eloquently while saying nothing. This is why so many people detest politicians.

God Almighty. I can feel some posters biting their lip in fear from my corner of cyberspace. When did casting a vote on the premise "Bush seems like a plainspoken, down to earth guy" turn out to be unreasonable?

C'mon Aquilla. Russert asked him a hypothetical, and he answered it. He also is smart enough to recognize that he did not have access to the same intel(admittedly poor in hindsight) that Kerry & Edwards had at the time. So yes, he qualified his answer. I'd make the same qualification that he did under the circumstances. But I guess his answer would have only been satisfactory to you if he outright said Kerry & Edwards were wrong for voting for authorization. Then again, maybe we should ask him his opinion of nation building as a central tenet of foreign policy.

And can you honestly tell me that if Obama had delivered the same speech at the RNC you wouldn't be thinking the same potential? No one is asking to write this guy in on a ballot, he's not ready. What they are recognizing is promise/potential and the idea that someone with real leadership ability (have you looked at his resume?) may be on the horizon to help lead this country someday. Heaven forbid we look past November 2004.

Doc

Doc, the original question was whether or not on the basis of this speech I would consider voting for Obama for President. I responded NO and gave my reasons for saying NO, including among them that I don't think this speech was really his speech - meaning his true thoughts on the issues. Rather, it was the Democratic Party line and the John Kerry campaign's speech. He just delivered it and I think the Russert interview demonstrated that. So, I said no and that seems to have upset some people somewhat here. And, that's ok, I'm pretty used to doing that. But, if we are going to base a decision on who to select for President based on their ability to deliver a speech, one which may indeed contradict their own views, then my vote would go to Bill Pullman for his 'We won't go quietly into the night" speech in the movie Independance Day.

It may be a sign of how darn sick and tired folks are of attack dog, blame game, business as usual, stump speeches when a skinny guy with a funny name can come along and excite so many people.

Though I'm not looking at it through as partisan glasses as Aquilla, I'm not ready to go steady with Mr. Obama quite yet. He reminds us of how stirring and inspiring the power of oratory is when delivered in a passionate and sincere style. But I'd like to road-test Obama as the junior Senator from Illinois, before I take him home as a future President of the United States.

Obama's speech rocked the house and may be this week's slamming jam. But just like you couldn't get away from OutKast's "Hey Ya" eventually this speech will become just another oldie.

I think this guy has something special going on here, but who can say if this is a star is born or just a one-hit wonder?

On the basis of his speech, would you consider voting for Obama for President?
There is not a man or woman alive or dead, that I've heard speak, that would make me cast a vote for them on the basis of a single speech. Especially one that more than likely wasn't written by him.
Sure he's charismatic, but so was Clinton. Sure he doesn't look like an ogre, I guess, but that matters not to me. Sure he can fire up a crowd, but he's preaching to his very own choir at a glorified, union controlled, tax payer subsidized pep rally. How hard can it be, if you're on the floor of the Fleet, to get excited?
For those of us at home, well me anyway, I always have to know what the candidate stands for, and after looking into Mr. Obama, he is most definitely NOTmy guy.

Thanks for adding clarity, couldn’t stand it if you were accused of being a discriminating liberal basher (and please note my attempt at humor as well, it was obviously missed in my first post).


Don’t know if you’ve watched the entire convention but I’ve notice two things from the speakers:

They haven’t really attacked Bush head on, subtle references, but not directly.
They haven’t promoted any real agenda, my guess is they will wait for Kerry - and probably why we didn’t get any real substance from Obama and remember he's not running for President, yet.

The conventions lost their importance years ago. Other than being a boost for the local economy they’ve been used, among other things, to showcase potential candidates and the launching pad for the marketing blitz once called a campaign.

Most marketing programs center around themes and I'd venture to say one of the themes during the Kerry campaign will show him being a uniter which was the message I heard after that incredible speech.


If we could only be that lucky.......

I think you hit the nail on the head nighttimer.

I also complete disagree with this statement Aquilla:


If it was so obviously written and scripted by the Kerry campaign then why didn't Kerry deliver this speech? After hearing it, I'm not sure there is a whole lot he could say that could top it as far as message goes. He certainly can't top it as far as oratory ability goes.

Secondly, if the Kerry campaign was so concerned about a completely unknown state senator that happens to be running for US senate that they took the time to write a great speech for him -- why wasn't he the main speaker of the evening? Why was Teresa Heinz, who delivers a 20 minute snoozer speech in 2 hours that I can't even remember today, the top billed speaker?

Your conclusion that he was simply giving a Kerry campaign speech writer's speech completely defies all logic. The only logical conclusion considering the fact that he was relatively obscure until last night and he wasn't labeled an important speaker is he may not have written it himself (or he may have, who knows) but it certainly came from him and not "the campaign".

So my question is, why are you coming out against this guy so hard and fast (like I would expect if this were a debate on some Kerry policy)? Is it that you are really that partisan that you feel threatened by him right now when there is the potential he might run for president in the distant future? This is a casual conversation thread right - why the need to denigrate Obama?

Going back to what Nighttimer said, it is just refreshing to hear a speech from a politician that is inspiring and actually makes you feel like there is a possibility of working through our differences. Granted I'm not as old as some people here but I can say that I haven't ever in my life been inspired by a politician in that way, and most certainly not by the current politicians running for office.

Come on folks this is casual conversation a cute poll based on 1 speech. It's a hypothetical, what if, wishful thinking, kind of question. I'm a little (well not really) surprised at how seriously this is being taken.

I did miss it.. It's been a long day..



I already stated that he was a very good speaker, but to vote for him for President because of one public speech?????



I don't know how Incredible the speech was. It was well stated, but lacked substance. So incredible is an over reaction. I think Shamus might agree..



He's been getting good press from the Conserv stations out here in Phila.. But still state that he lacked Substance.. Now Clinton on the otherhand.. Excellent speech.. But then he's always been one of the best speakers I have ever heard, so I expected as much...

I don't find it strange at all. Even while listening to the speech I knew that as a Democrat I wouldn't like many of his ideas.
But the stronger theme is that he has no experience and didnt'y really state any concrete positions.
Obama's strength right now is his ability to inspire to offer a vision of the best of us and our home. Like it or not THAT's leadership. All of it no. Someone will give a return post on needing conviction and morals morals morals etc.
As many have said he has yet to actually accomplish anything.
However what makes a leader? Aren't they supposed to be able to draw from across party lines? Get people of conflicting views to work together? Even get you to maybe go where you once wouldn't tread?
I won't say he his all that. We will see.
He does however touch a peice of everyone who has heard him speak. At the least he will be a great orator.
However I think many people hope for that great Leader to come along.
We are fed on stories of Churchill, Kennedy, King, Roosevelt etc. i think deep down we seek that. Everyone would follow an Arthur.
The best we get is no comparison. Clinton could also speak oh so well, but is deeply flawed in character. Bush had a chance to lead the world to a greater place of peace and instead let it slip by to play the littlest General and led us in chaos.
I think humanity itself is tired of politicians and fakes. Personality cults and corporate puppets. All Americans are i think very weary of such a conflicted and divided culture that we now have. So when we hear some one who can inspire, and can even draw some praise from the "other" side in a landscape so very partisan and factionalized. we all get that moment of wonder. and then its back to reality.

To reiterate, this is a casual conversation thread. (read: no one would seriously vote for a president on the basis of one speech, not even me). If this were a serious question it would have been posted in General Political Debate.

If I had known people were going to take this so seriously I would go back and edit my original post and make the intentions a little more clear. Unfortunately I am no longer able to edit it, and I have a feeling it wouldn't do much good in the first place because the idea is out there.

Oh Asking Questions you don't mean.. Hmmmmm..

Bad, Cube Jockey! Bad!

Hope that was understandably casual enough.

Completely understand. Hey, wait a minute, you mean there’s something other than a long day?



Couldn’t agree more. Just a casual observation but I don’t think you have to worry about anyone on this board casting a vote until they’ve thoroughly examined all the candidates, possibly to the point of hoping for a collective head turn and cough at the end of the debates.



For me it was an incredible speech on several levels.

His “United” message. Doesn’t matter who wrote it, (and for those who make this a point do you really think Bush writes his own?) when a person with his skills delivers that message it made me feel like I quite possibly witnessed a piece of history.

He’s been on the radar for a while now and last night was the first opportunity I’ve had to see what I’ve been told for months and what others here do agree on: great orator. Even Clintons opponents give him the tip of the hat as a speaker and as I’ve mentioned go back and look at Clintons speech in 88’ and compare him to Obama, he’s years ahead of Clinton. Incredible (to me any way).



Sure it lacked ‘political’ substance, but you’re going to here that from the person it matters the most: Kerry. Obama isn’t the one running for office and it doesn’t make sense for him to lay out Kerry’s platform.

Would I consider voting for Obama on the basis of this speech? Yes, I would consider it. Would I look further into his platform and career because of it? I already have. Would I still consider voting for him on the basis of his record so far and his platform as senatorial candidate? Definitely.

While many of his policies are decidedly liberal, many are not - and, unlike many professional politicians, he seems willing to consider compromises and to promote some ideas which are not entirely "party line". On the basis of the reaction to his speech in the chat room last night - and some of the postings here - it looks as though he at least has the potential to appeal to Democrats, Republicans, Greens, Libertarians, and Independents. It strikes me that he is a politician who really could be a uniter, not a divider. Compared to the last politician who made that claim, there's no contest.

I'm just curious, though, as to why a few people here seem to be putting about the idea that Obama had no part in writing this speech. On the basis of his platform and his history as a state senator, it seems perfectly in keeping with the man and his words. Indeed, there were quite a few things in the speech which I have not heard from Kerry, Edwards, or the rest of the Democratic Party. I'm sure the speech was vetted and there may have been some advisory input, but do y'all have anything to go on here - or is this just speculation in an effort to denigrate the speaker himself?

Something tells me that no one was putting words into his mouth. I have seen scripted puppets - I have seen far too much of scripted puppets - and Obama struck me as someone who spoke with genuine passion and conviction. As a layman, I was inspired. As a professional acting coach, theatre director, and critic, I was convinced. This was a man speaking from the heart - not some fool who memorized a position paper by rote. I think most of us know what that looks like.

I voted yes, I am a liberal. To me, this would be something like "the perfect storm" barak for president, then hillary clinton. It's give Americans a good dose of bigot-be-gone. Im supportive.

Obama is an impressive orator, and certainly a young politician to keep an eye on. Unfortunately he choose the wrong party and the wrong ideology to get my vote so easily. But I'll watch him, and if he proves worthy -- if for example, he changes his mind and becomes a libertarian instead of a liberal -- I'd definitely consider voting for him.