Blogging Obama's Presidential Announcement Speech
11:05: Obama comes on to the stage after being introduced by Senator Dick Durbin.
11:06: Here comes wife Michelle and their two daughters. "Very attractive woman, obviously," Chris Matthews says on MSNBC.
11:08: "In my heart I know you didn't just come here for me," Obama says. "In the face of war, you believe there can be peace. In the face of despair, you believe there can be hope."
11:11: "When a boy turns to violence, I learned that there's a hole in that boy's heart that no government alone can fill." Not a big-government liberal; government alone can't solve our problems. Values and faith are required, too.
11:13: "I stand before you to announce my candidacy for President of the United States of America." Hit just the right notes on that one: Forceful and determined.
11:16: Long riff on why our history shows we should be hopeful about change: "It is time to answer that call...In the face of impossible odds, people who love this country can effect change."
11: 17: Repeats his riff about "petty politics" distracting us from "real problems."
11:19: Really hitting hard now. "It's time to turn the page. Right here. and Right now."
11:21 "Let's be the generation that ensures our nations workers share in our nations prosperity...Let's be the generation that ends poverty in America...We can do this. And finally, let's be the generation that tackles our health...Let's be the generation that right here and right now [brings] universal health care to America. We can do that." He's really playing the generational theme -- which is key to the case he'll make against Hillary Clinton and others -- in an inspirational way.
11:24: "America, it is time to start bringing our troops home."
11:27: On Lincoln: "He tells us that there is power in words. He tells us that there is power in conviction...He tells us that there's power in hope."
11:28: Wraps up: "Thank you very much everybody, let's get to work. I love you. Thank you." And, refreshingly, no obligatory "God Bless America" at the end.
Man, I'm the kind of guy who watches this stuff on a Saturday morning ...and who shares most of his views ...but I couldn't wait for it to be over.
To me, it sounded like tripe. "We can do that ..."
Also, didn't like the shouting, hoarse stemwinder style.
Just talk to us like adults.
February 10, 2007 11:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well, you raise a good point...but I guess his rhetorical challenge was partly to show the political professionals and insiders that he can be a substantial enough presence on the stump to challenge Hillary's perceived gravitas and experience...
February 10, 2007 11:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
I thought it was great. His conclusion actually sent shivers down mine spine and brought tears to my wife's eyes. Political junkies need to remember that most voters do not vote based on policy positions, but rather based on values. Obama is the guy who nows how to frame liberal values in a way that make them interesting to young people and to moderates. If we are going to not only win the election but actually build a progressive majority that is an invaluable skill.
February 10, 2007 12:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
"11:06: Here comes wife Michelle and their two daughters. "Very attractive woman, obviously," Chris Matthews says on MSNBC."
Leave it to Tweety. A history-making occasion, and he's checkin' out the chicks. How does this clown keep a job, especially now that we know that Russert hates him?
February 10, 2007 1:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
The thought of having a President of the United States that can speak with intelligence and even eloquence is mind-boggling. America desperately needs to break out of the cycle of negativity that has dominated American politics for a very long time now.
If America is ready and able to do that, Obama could lead it, so I think could Edwards. My fear is that the hate and fear and cynicism and greed is too entrenched to let it happen and that the media (and/or yet another war) will stop it cold.
I am anxious about that, but not yet prepared to give in to despair. I think I can muster some hope and energy one more time.
global citizen
February 10, 2007 3:34 PM | Reply | Permalink