Michelle Obama Quotes Hillary's "18 Million Cracks In Glass Ceiling" Line
Michelle Obama, who just wrapped up her speech, throws a big sop to Hillary and her supporters, and makes a broad-based pitch for female support, quoting a line directly from Hillary's concession speech in which Hillary alluded to the 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling her candidacy created.
"I stand here today at the crosscurrents of that history -- knowing that my piece of the American Dream is a blessing hard won by those who came before me," Michelle said, adding...
People like Hillary Clinton, who put those 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling, so that our daughters -- and sons -- can dream a little bigger and aim a little higher.
Michelle humbled herself before Hillary here, casting her own presence on the stage as the result of the work of pioneers like Hillary before her -- even though they faced off against each other in bitterly adversarial camps only weeks ago.
The speech overall was a clear success. It was perfect in tone -- she came across as modest and self-effacing but simultaneously driven and unabashedly bullish on her husband's chances and talents. Full script here.
Late Update: More of our take on her speech here.
Michelle - 9.7
Sasha 10
August 25, 2008 11:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
i can totally see Sasha high-fiving Dick Cheney...
August 25, 2008 11:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
That girl is awesome...
August 25, 2008 11:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sasha is LITERALLY the reason everyone who NOW thinks they are "just like that" think that. She came out on top in the entire segment.
August 26, 2008 12:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
like us* I meant to say
August 26, 2008 12:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
That was Malia!
August 26, 2008 8:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
How fortunate is was that the doctors were able to save the limb!
August 26, 2008 12:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Haha! YES! She was the cutest little girl, I swear.
August 25, 2008 11:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry John, that was Malia...Sasha is the oldest.
August 26, 2008 8:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, it's the other way. Wikipedia (and other sources) document that Malia was born in 1998 and Sasha in 2001:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_obama
August 26, 2008 10:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Michelle did an awesome job. I liked hearing from her mother in the intro, too.
August 25, 2008 11:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Amazing speech. I had high hopes, but they were pretty much shattered.
August 25, 2008 11:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
WOW
August 25, 2008 11:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
WOW is an understatement.
It was beautifully written and beautifully delivered, yet at the same time authentic and not the least bit slick.
She is something else. I hope they have her out on the campaign trail every possible day.
August 26, 2008 9:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
All right - who had "the Hillary Clinton line" in the office pool for what Greg would focus on after Michelle's speech?
August 25, 2008 11:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Right. I can't believe that, after that speech, his headline is about Hillary.
Will it never end?
August 25, 2008 11:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL
August 26, 2008 12:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Greg nailed the tone -- "modest and self-effacing but simultaneously driven."
That's it. And the tone is more important than content, even.
August 25, 2008 11:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Greg nailed the tone but the headline is unfortunate.
Michelle's own words should be in the headlines the ones where she said Vote your Hopes Not your Fears.
I am sick of this being about Hillary!!
August 26, 2008 8:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Too bad your first thoughts of the speech were about Hillary Greg.
Geez! Did you hear ANYTHING else? Like how she and her family survived, how Barack and his family survived? Their dreams for America? That thread that holds us all together?
Anything but words about Hillary?
August 25, 2008 11:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
It was a gracious gesture. I didn't mind it at all. And I'm not a Hill fan. But it's never wrong to be kind, and magnanimity is a sign of character.
August 25, 2008 11:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
did you miss our earlier post on michelle's speech? talking about its broader goals?
August 25, 2008 11:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
The speech wasn't about HILLARY CLINTON -- it was about Michelle Obama and Barack Obama -- GET OVER HILLARY -at least for ONE story please.
August 26, 2008 12:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, greg, we caught all of your earlier posts. We can read. We can read between the lines, even. Two points, and they both relate to how far into the Villager's rabbit hole you've gone-
1. "a big sop to Hillary and her supporters"? Why not veiw it as an honorable acknowledgement of the hard and groundbreaking work Hillary has put in these last few decades? Is it all just back-scratching and ass-kissing in your mind?
2. "Michelle humbled herself before Hillary". Words fail me. WTF? A strong, proud, successful woman takes advantage of her rightful place on the national stage to point out the accomplishments of another strong, proud, successful woman, and your first impulse is to frame it in your own personal Delta-male veiw of Dominant/Submissive? That says more about you, than it does about either Michelle, or Hillary.
IMHO, both you and Josh need to get your heads out of the Village sand you've lately fallen into. I know your site traffic is up, your're getting mentioned on TeeVee alot, and all the Serious People Who Matter are prolly treating with less-than-usual contempt, but don't let it go to your head, OK? I'm just saying....
August 26, 2008 2:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
You are so right Kordo,
Why was the entire focus of the speech shifted to Hillary?!
What about when Michelle said VOTE your HOPES not YOUR FEARS?!
That was right headline to focus on the OBAMAS.
But no they just gotta make everything about the friggin Clintons.
August 26, 2008 8:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Come on... Give him a break and read the whole post. It's a great response to the speech. I wouldn't have picked that headline either, but who cares? It was a great speech and quoting Hillary was newsworthy. I'm just happy it went so well. Amazing speech.
August 25, 2008 11:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Too bad your first thoughts of the Greg's post were about Hillary coonsey.
Geez! Did you read ANYTHING else? Like how he wrote earlier about her broader goals?
Methinks you're the one with Hillary on the brain.
August 25, 2008 11:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Rob,
We read what Greg wrote..but this is a campaign. And while Michelle talked about her family and Barack as a father..the take away point was clear also.
Vote your Hopes not YOUR fears!
Stop Doubting and Start Dreaming!
Those were the essence of her speech...not friggin Hillay's 18M votes!!
The Obamas are the sunrise.
Billary is the sunset.
Focus the talking points on the campaign not the loser!
August 26, 2008 8:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
And I would add that the media is focusing relentlessly on The Rift, so anything that speaks to that, especially that which undermines it, should be highlighted.
August 25, 2008 11:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
I so agree. In that ENTIRE speech, you had to bring out the Hillary?? Why? IT AIN'T ABOUT HER ANYMORE???
August 25, 2008 11:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Twinkee,
I am so disappointed with the front page headline. It is STILL about Hillary. Not about Michelle and not about the Obama's.
And you know what...tomorrow after she speaks the headline will STILL be about Hillary.
I'm sorry but TPM is as bad as the mainstream press...they tooo focus on the Clintons and not the Obamas. Just like the surveys said...Obama gets a lot of press but it is mostly negative.
August 26, 2008 8:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
michelle rocks! she was awesome....this lady is an asset, not a liability...in fact, i prefer her speeches....kennedy was equally awesome!!!
red meat tomorrow or i will scratch my eyes out!
August 25, 2008 11:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
My expectations were met. And then blown away. Michelle Obama did an absolutely phenomenal job. There is nothing negative I can say about that speech. As Greg said, it accomplished all that was needed and then some. Barack and their daughters' presence at the end made things so real. I felt truly connected to them, and if that was the goal of it all, it was accomplished beautifully.
August 25, 2008 11:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Barack may have some competition in the house for speechifyin'.
Outstanding.
Home run.
August 25, 2008 11:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I actually thought that parts of the speech during the beginning and the end came off as too cloying. Parts felt a little unnatural—it's pretty clear that Michelle Obama has something of an edge to her (something I like and respect) and the speech didn't give any voice to that part of her personality. Politically, I think this was a very smart move (a no-brainer, really), but the delivery felt a bit unnatural at times.
That said, I thought the end of the speech was great. She was very clearly wholly invested in what she was saying and she exuded earnestness and emotionally-charged optimism.
But I need to keep this all in perspective. Considering that Michelle is by trade neither an orator nor a politician, the speech was a great performance and a resounding success.
August 25, 2008 11:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
"I actually thought that parts of the speech during the beginning and the end came off as too cloying."
I meant to say "...during the beginning and the MIDDLE..." Not the end! I thought the end was excellent.
August 25, 2008 11:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
You are absolutely correct Runaway.
But I dont think it took away from the speech. Their is definitely a fire in Michelle and whoever helped her with her speech refrained from using words that she normally use, or that she likes. You can just tell by how she had to slow down(aside from nervousness) to get some things out, it didnt "fit" her.
But she did a great job. I actually ENJOYED LISTENING to her. Unlike watching a speech and I just want to fast forward through the "drivel".
Anyways, you and I both could hear and see that "uncomfortableness" if you will in her. Which isnt a bad thing, it was more of getting use to a new speaking style. I mean she worked at a law firm for a # of years, its hard to shake that "forcefulness" off. Even harder to hide it if your a woman(imo).
I noticed something else in the speech, but I dont want to bring it up, it may appear "unflattering" to some others. But I think its GREAT! :P
August 25, 2008 11:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I rather prefer the Michelle Obama that sounds "forceful" to the more calculating sounding all-American candidate's spouse. (And I like my impression that she in fact is an all-American woman.)
Maybe my cynicism is out in full force today, but I also felt the speech was cloy. I don't like to see children paraded out to score points. Of course, I don't remember convention speeches that didn't make me wince (except Barack's speech at the 2004 Dem convention). I'm glad that the poster here feel differently and I hope the speech helps the Dem. ticket.
August 25, 2008 11:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Across the aisle we have the iridescent and masterfully evocative speechifying of John Sidney "That's Not Change We Can Believe In!" McCain. Can you imagine John, let alone Cindy McCain, making a speech as crisp, honed, and appealing as Michelle's tonight? I certainly can't. I would be very surprised if Michelle's performance doesn't help, at the very least by drawing a contrast with McCain & Co.
August 25, 2008 11:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not nutty about it either, but in some way, I think it symbolizes how McCain has infantilized the campaign with his constant refrain of the POW defense.
August 26, 2008 10:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Just another perspective:
I loathe cloying, and it didn't strike me personally as cloying. Just one guy's reaction.
August 26, 2008 12:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
All i need to say is wow!!! That was emotional and i love every bit of it. The family is adorable...
August 25, 2008 11:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Gbenga, there was a moment towards the end (just before they left the stage) where Sasha was looking up at her mom. And I was waiting for her to smile, she was looking up, wait for it, and then BAM! The brightest most beautiful smile ever. That was my moment of the night right there.
August 26, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Come on folks, that was a "Holy Shit!!!!!" moment. Best speech I've ever heard. The "Hillary" shout-out was necessary, well-timed, and completely in-line with the overall message. But it was not what this speech was about. She knocked it out of the park. And this speech will be remembered for a long time.
August 25, 2008 11:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Absolutely.
August 25, 2008 11:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I want to punch everyone at CNN. Specially Carville and Gergen. Thank god they didn't bring Dobbs.
Rachel Maddow: Please marry me. I don't care you're a lesbian. Just by the way you hit Buchanan, I know I just love you. My girlfriend is going to kill me, if Halperin doesn't do it first.
August 25, 2008 11:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
My boyfriend has the same crush on Rachel Maddow. And I don't mind at all because I have a total girl crush on her, too. She's awesome.
August 26, 2008 12:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
i have a crush on Rachel too!
August 26, 2008 1:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey! I asked her first! If Rachel ever decides to try playing for the other team, I have dibs! LOL, did you see the look on Bucky's face? That woman is beyond priceless. I can't wait for her show to start.
August 26, 2008 2:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
I, too, am mad about Maddow.
August 26, 2008 7:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
She scored a 10/10. She killed the routine and stuck the landing. amazing job. Hopefully the press gives her performance an appropriate treatment. I don't fully expect it, but we can hope.
August 25, 2008 11:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
If the press are analogous to the crappy Olympics judges..we're screwed.
August 26, 2008 12:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
She is definitely not your standard First Lady. I just kept thinking "dynamic." There is so much to this woman. I can't wait to see her in the White House. She certainly has much to offer this country. Yay for us!
August 25, 2008 11:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol...hillary rosen just socked cnn one in the face...they whine too much!
August 25, 2008 11:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Stop watching CNN...David Brook tried to inject a bit of skeptism on PBS but all the analysts disagreed with him.
Folks, this is home run. She did great... even Adrew Sullivan thought this was the best moment of the night.
August 25, 2008 11:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Brooks is a complete tool. I watched him on PBS for a while (because MSNBC refused to show the other speeches, and because it was in HD) and he pissed me off completely. It seems like he just makes up stuff to say against the Obama campaign.
August 25, 2008 11:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Brooks is no longer simply a Talking Head nor a Hack - he is now, officially, a douchebag.
August 25, 2008 11:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
We've got posters above complaining that the speech was "cloying" and then there was Brooks whining that she didn't humanize Barack enough. Brooks had to work in the "messiah" nonsense. Glad to see all the others on the program set him straight.
Michelle sunk the three-pointer. Nothing but net.
August 26, 2008 9:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Awesome speech. Way to go to Michelle. She rocks.
August 25, 2008 11:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have to admit, Michelle Obama gave a great speech. She comes across as much more passionate, genuine, and down to earth than her husband. I only wish she could transplant some of that into her husband.
August 25, 2008 11:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
That was fantastic. The family values crowd just got a heck of a wake up call. What a great family.
August 25, 2008 11:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nice way to put it.
August 25, 2008 11:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
She really hit a home run here. But the toughest test will be the mother-in-law (mine). To my wife's despair, the MIL has found excuses not to support Obama. First, it wasn't so much him, but the reaction of blacks in general. (Apparently, those she works with were planning some sort of uprising were Barack elected.) Then, she switched to it wasn't so much him, "but the wife scares me".
I'm hoping my wife will agree to send her a youtube of the speech. If it sways her, it could be a bellweather event. (What is a bellweather, anyway?)
August 25, 2008 11:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Barbara Bush still scares me.
August 25, 2008 11:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Me too! I saw her once in a hotel lobby; it was all I could do to repress a shriek!
August 26, 2008 12:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Probably not a bellwether (indication of a trend) - maybe a turning point?
August 25, 2008 11:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ugh, yeah I have relations like that who went through exactly the same steps.
August 26, 2008 12:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
That was great. She's a hell of a woman.
August 25, 2008 11:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was just flipping between CNN and FOX and Chris Wallace of Fox and the normal group on CNN thinks that tonight was a dud, kinda flat. To some degree i agree. Ted and Michelle should have spoken back to back.
August 25, 2008 11:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
If it was a dud, it was because they spent too much time talking to each other and not enough time letting us watch the convention.
I do think Democrats are still suffering from their 2004 disease of trying to be so darn centrist that you never quite find out what makes them different from Republicans.
August 25, 2008 11:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't watch it on TV - live stream it: www.demconvention.com. Why suffer through mindless commentary from the Talking Heads?
August 25, 2008 11:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think it was part of the theme: One Nation. It would have been odd attacking Republicans on a night celebrating us a nation, no?
August 26, 2008 12:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
Michelle hit it out of the park, as I knew she would. And I'm ready to vote for Sasha in 2036.
August 25, 2008 11:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Er, make that 2040. Maybe Malia in 2036.
August 25, 2008 11:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wrong.,...Sasha is the oldest, Malia is the youngest...reverse the order.
August 26, 2008 8:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Other way, Vic Babe, Sasha's the little one. Check it out on Wikipedia.
August 26, 2008 10:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Great. She's absolutely vibrant. Still photography doesn't capture the energy she sheds.
August 25, 2008 11:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
I used up almost a whole box of tissue tonight.
August 25, 2008 11:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Gross. You're gonna go blind.
August 26, 2008 12:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
..well, you are troll jizz.
August 26, 2008 12:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, I thought the speech was a little dull, but I always think these kind of speeches are dull (like how she referred to Barack as having a funny name).
Liked the kids, and although normally I don't go for that sort of thing, they were damn cute. Besides, it's not as if McCain is playing fair.
August 25, 2008 11:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think she humbled herself at all. She turned to camera like a south side chickenhead, rolling her eyes as she belted out "People like Hillary Clinton". I could have sworn she was going to end the sentence with, "Damn, I can't that bitch".
But i guess "18 million cracks in the glass ceiling", is complimentary.
August 25, 2008 11:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
go back to your cave.
August 25, 2008 11:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
The chickenhead reference is totally out of line when speaking about a lady.
August 25, 2008 11:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
"I don't think she humbled herself at all. She turned to camera like a south side chickenhead"
..more clumsy trolling from TPM's resident douchebag.
August 25, 2008 11:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
When you talk about family value,Obama's family is an embordiment of it. The Republicans must be scratching their heads right now.
August 25, 2008 11:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Dang! Nothing to attack. How can that be?!
August 25, 2008 11:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Never fear. They will think of something to make up.
August 26, 2008 12:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
That must be a nice break for the other body parts they were scratching. :)
August 26, 2008 12:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Early on it was kinda flat. Pelosi wasnt a ball of fire and the other speakers, imo, didnt bring the "jucie."
Other than Michelle and Ted, the first night was a 2/5.
August 25, 2008 11:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
I disagree with you. Jesse Jackson, Jr. was on his game tonight. Pelosi was flat and McCaskill was better. I think there was a republican who spoke, he was decent. Ted and Michelle hit homers, bringing the night up to a 3.7/5
August 25, 2008 11:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree with you jdw.
JJJ did a fantastic job. Did you see him earlier at the forum Politico hosted? He did a great job there as well with Wilder, Smiley, West..he was on it!
I felt that Michelle's and Kennedy's speeches were dead on!
McCaskill was awesome and I loved how she had her kids speak as well.
It made a great generational tableau when they spoke of their great grandmother and urging their mom to stand and fight for what she beleives in.
August 26, 2008 9:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
I didnt know about her father and multiple Sclerosis(sp?) though. That was a little interesting. I look forward to seeing what the Republicans respond with, if anything.
Hard to come back on her with this speech definitely.
August 25, 2008 11:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was ten years old when JFK was assassinated. Caroline hardly remembers her dad. It was pretty emotionally powerful for Democrats my age.
August 25, 2008 11:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes! I was too young to remember JFK, but I have vague memories of Bobby and the reaction of my family when he was killed. Caroline's statements about what people have shared with her about how her father inspired them and how Obama invokes the same sort of inspiration was really poignant. I loved it.
August 25, 2008 11:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Amazing speech, perfect...A+
August 25, 2008 11:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Your probably right, and thanks for correcting my spelling. By the way a bellwether turns out to be a wether (a castrated sheep, a la a gelding or a steer) with a bell hung from its neck, leader of the flock. Now I don't know enough about shepherding to understand why a wether would be a flock's leader. Guess, I'll need an OED to look through the history of usages.
And for the record, Bluebell, the MIL I referred to is not Barbara Bush.
August 25, 2008 11:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
This was meant to be in reply to CarolBG above
August 25, 2008 11:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're very welcome. The notion that a bellwether is a sheep that leads the flock makes sense - a trendsetter, if you will. :)
August 25, 2008 11:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
She rocked. I'm thinking 16 years of an Obama dynasty in the WH. All througouth the speech my wife and I would were "Damn, she is awesome", "Holy Cow, she sounds like a professional".
I give it an 11 out of 10.
August 25, 2008 11:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Serious question ... is Cindy McCain expected to speak at the Republican Convention?
August 25, 2008 11:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, I'm sure they'll have her come out in her trite-looking St. John suit. She'll say a few cool, cutting words. Then, she'll go back to being a Republibot.
August 25, 2008 11:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Im willing to bet her nose will start bleeding durin her speech. she screams out coke whore.
August 26, 2008 12:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yep, she's scheduled to speak next Wednesday night.
August 25, 2008 11:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Schedule for the Repub Convention:
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/08/20/politics/horserace/entry4366357.shtml
August 25, 2008 11:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hopefully, she'll update us on what's going on in Georgia.
August 26, 2008 10:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Cindy McCadaver doesn't have the humanity to make a speech like this. That woman is way too cold and Barbie-like to bring the personality like Michelle Obama. It's funny...Republican Barbie is flying to Georgia to bore the troops to death, while Michelle was tearing it up in Denver.
You can't tell me that the McCadaver family has anything on the Obamas!
August 25, 2008 11:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
They are better at not paying their taxes. They probably forget which homes they have paid property taxes for and which they have not.
August 25, 2008 11:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, he didn't pay property taxes when he was a POW did he, why should he now?
August 25, 2008 11:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh you're a sick bitch, aintcha?
August 26, 2008 12:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
They are also better at using inherited wealth to purchase homes and then forgetting how many homes they have purchased with said massive inheritance.
August 25, 2008 11:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, they are better at some things. My bad, ha!
August 26, 2008 12:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey mmeetoilenoir,
I bet St John is too cheap for Cindy..she wears Escada for sure!
Did you see where she was going over to Georgia..to 'assess civilian casualties'????!!
August 26, 2008 9:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, yes. I did see. I had my good laugh over it last night. Haven't those people suffered enough without having to deal with Republican Barbie, too?
August 26, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
I have to admit, I turned over to MSNBC from PBS and after Chris Matthews was pretty emotional and absolutely congratulatory...
words like.. home run... controversy over... and this should end the debate... they also talked a little about how it will be ignored by some in the country but it is to their great loss...
talked like the election was tonight and Barack won....
Strange....
August 25, 2008 11:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
A magnificent speech by Michelle Obama tonight. Her words about our soldiers' families and an empty chair at the dinner table brought tears to my eyes because my husband is leaving for Iraq soon for his second deployment in 2 years. Only a cold-blooded monster would not have been moved even a tiny bit by Michelle's speech. She's dynamic and yet still down-to-earth.
August 26, 2008 12:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
I wish your husband well.
But you do know that neither Obama nor Biden managed to find the time to serve. How could they possibly have been more patronizing. Total and complete fakery.
August 26, 2008 12:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
People can care about the troops and discuss them freely without serving. To think otherwise is childish.
August 26, 2008 12:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
McLame only served because it was the family business (daddy and granddad both admirals and all)
McCain wasn't interested in serving really...his heart wasn't in it. He was more into partying like the spoiled kid he was - finishing at the bottom of his class.
Don't give me that "Obama didn't serve" shit. When it comes to the presidency, I want someone who works his ass off getting student loans and passing with honors than a spoiled lazy brat like McCain.
August 26, 2008 12:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Do you have military experience then too! You are really building up the credentials to be president.
August 26, 2008 12:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Not everyone is cut out for the military; I know that I, for one, am not capable of being a GI Jane.
I do not expect a great leader to be a former soldier but I do expect a great leader to care about all Americans regardless of race, religion, occupation or income just as Obama and Biden do.
BTW.... Biden's son is in the National Guard and is scheduled to deploy in October. This does not make him anymore president material than does having blue eyes. Military service is to be saluted but it's definitely not mandatory.
August 26, 2008 2:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
On MSNBC their response was about RACE and on CNN their response was about Hillary.
GEEZ! People - report the NEWS why don't ya.
August 26, 2008 12:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
I boycott CNN...
Not worse watching...
August 26, 2008 12:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
CNN: The crappiest name in news (if they're any)
James Earl Jones voice over would own that one.
August 26, 2008 12:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
The kid was cute.
Michelle was abysmal. The overly dramatic non-stop hand gestures, fake crying and just overall really bad, forced theatrics was cringe inducing. And then when Obama came on with the Kansas family. I was rolling on the floor by then. I mean this whole segment was right out of the Larry Sanders show when he cries on air and Jim Belushi is cracking up and then Hank Kingsley goes to live with a midwest family and causes their divorces on the air.
This was a disaster. It's like a fake family and bad acting.
Kennedy was good though.
August 26, 2008 12:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
I almost forgot about the first tow or three sentences where she amazingly managed to play into stereotype with the basketball reference, the grace and faith comments and the coming down from above business with the Mariah Carey hand gestures. OMFG!
August 26, 2008 12:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
Your days are numbered.
August 26, 2008 12:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
"I almost forgot about the first tow or three sentences where she amazingly managed to play into stereotype with the basketball reference"
*DOUCHEBAG ALERT*
August 26, 2008 12:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm surprised to hear you say this. It's so unlike you.
August 26, 2008 12:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Michelle was abysmal."
..seriously taqking advice from the likes of you is like getting dating tips from a rapist. Your douchebaggery is noted though.
"And then when Obama came on with the Kansas family. I was rolling on the floor by then."
..cocaine is a hell of a drug.
August 26, 2008 12:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ask Barry. He done tooted plenty.
August 26, 2008 12:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Ask Barry. He done tooted plenty."
..that didn't make sense. but then again, its you..
August 26, 2008 12:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
You forgot "talk to the avatar."
August 26, 2008 12:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Talk to the avatar.
August 26, 2008 12:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, very clever! Just like my Romney avatar on the right-wing blogs! Except there, there aren't smart enough to figure out that trick.
August 26, 2008 12:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you. That made my night!
August 26, 2008 12:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
What's that on your finger?
Got any?
August 26, 2008 12:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
I LOVED Michelle's speech. LOVED LOVED LOVED the kids especially the younger one!!!
August 26, 2008 12:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
August 26, 2008 12:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
I loved the speech and got tears in my eyes listening to it. I even like that she was a little nervous in the beginning, talking a little too fast, and I like that you could tell that much of this was really emotional for her, although she was trying very hard not to get emotional.
Really, truly, she has a great, classic American story, and she told it beautifully.
August 26, 2008 12:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Bwahahaha. The crying! Bwahahahaha. That speech was such poor histrionics that the only way to cry was if you were prepped for it no matter what she said. Either that or they passed out glycerine.
Bwahahaha. Y'all crack me up.
That was such a poor, fake speech. They might as well have just sent out a script with the real writer's name at the top. What was the point? It was like an episode of "Master Thespian" on SNL.
August 26, 2008 12:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Bwahahaha. The crying! Bwahahahaha."
Shitstain, when did she shed a tear? Exactly. Republicans and Hillary dead-enders are reeling, you can tell by their nonsensical responses.
August 26, 2008 12:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm so pleased you were able to take time away from cleaning the guns to watch the speech, fogu2.
August 26, 2008 12:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
After tonight the mood needs to change. Sure, tomorrow there will be time for catharsis, or whatever other sloganeering Hillary and her supporters feel is needed to close ranks. But that should be mixed with a heavy dose of contempt for Bush and his chosen successor. There's plenty of loose bark on the Republican candidate. It's time to strip him bare.
http://pufferfish.typepad.com/
August 26, 2008 12:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good comment. Speech was quietly electrifying. Didn't see it coming!
August 26, 2008 12:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
. . . and I can see Malia disarming him with mature and gracious charm.
(If this doesn't land in the right place, it is a reply to mvp on Sasha and Dick Chaney!)
August 26, 2008 12:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Today was fantastic considering the theme of one nation. Tommorow, Unity/Tearing McCain a new one.
August 26, 2008 12:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Not the best executed speech. I couldn't pay attention through the whole 18 minutes. Too much hesitation and some lack of flow. Though she's not the slow boiler a la Barack. I had expected more from someone who's done this for several years. Don't you learn this in elite schools such as Princeton and Harvard?
August 26, 2008 12:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, they only teach that stuff to the legacy admission students -- like if your father is an admiral, or ambassador to China.
August 26, 2008 12:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think the affirmative action retards get it too.
August 26, 2008 1:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Affirmative action retards?" Like, oh, George W. Bush?
August 26, 2008 1:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
Get what? Magna cum laude on their diploma?
August 26, 2008 9:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
Huh?
It's not too often that people get a chance to speak before a crowd of thousands, so unless Wii has a new 'Speech Hero' game, I'm not sure where she'd go to practice in real world conditions.
I thought it was a little dull myself, but maybe that's a good thing.
Of course, if she gave one those patented, lights out Barack Obama speeches, people would complain that she's just another celebrity speaker.
August 26, 2008 10:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
Words can barely describe how I'm looking forward to Cindy McCain's touching and sweet remembrance of how John courted her.
August 26, 2008 12:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, that'll be so sweet! Like, "I know I'm married, baby, but don't worry: my wife's a cripple!"
August 26, 2008 12:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ha! Okay, that was wrong, but it deserved a big old Guffaw. :)
August 26, 2008 10:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
And how about when they broke the news to Cindy's dad? Reminds me of a scene from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
August 26, 2008 11:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
I thought Michelle looked like a woman who was ready to be First Lady. I was so proud of her. The girls: beautiful and sweet! I fell in love with the entire family. Michelle's mother looked so proud. They were as American as it gets.
Biden looked like he was ready to eat the liver out of anybody who attacked them. ha
And I think Chris Matthews lost any ability not to show support for Obama, because Biden is "just like him."
Enjoyed watching Luke Russert. Wish I'd seen Rachel Maddow go after Pat Buchanan. Although I have to say, I don't think Pat is a huge McCain fan.
Great opening night!
August 26, 2008 12:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Absolutely -- you hit every nail on the head! This was The Truth.
August 26, 2008 1:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
Joe Biden IS Hannibal Lecter!
Nice image. Thats' a winner! (Got to get to work and that avatar.)
August 26, 2008 1:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent point! Try to pick something that is both offensive and factional -- especially if you are actually a Republican troll.
August 26, 2008 1:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
Please don't change the avatar. This one is bar none the best you've had. Totally cracks me up.
August 26, 2008 9:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Biden better be eating puppy liver for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the next 2-3 months. As we've noticed the last few months Obama is too much of a pussy to ttack republicans.
August 26, 2008 1:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Michelle humbled herself before Hillary here, casting her own presence on the stage as the result of the work of pioneers like Hillary before her --"
You are such a clueless putz, Greg Sargent. Since when is paying tribute "humbling" oneself? How grotesque and revealing of your perspective......
No wonder the folks at noquarter think you're the pip.
Maybe "Morning Joe" will interview you as a typical "progressive" type blogger. Right after Harold Ford.
August 26, 2008 1:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Wow! on so many levels, WOW!
Did you see the tears in that convention hall? If you would have been in my living room you could have seen mine.
How far our country has come. Finally! The American dream is alive and well. If we work hard we can achieve anything.
That wins elections folks!
August 26, 2008 1:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
"If we work hard we can achieve anything."
Look at what the last 8 years of "HARD" work took us. I would prefer being lazy and not f**k things up.
August 26, 2008 1:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
There is such a thing as "intellectual laziness." THAT is what got us here.
August 26, 2008 1:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think Richard Cheney is intellectually lazy, he has intellectual capacity. He just lets the evil side win when he processes information, = Darth Vader.
August 26, 2008 1:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
"be lazy and not f*** things up" isn't much of a rallying cry.
:)
August 26, 2008 1:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
I also don't think anyone associates the last 8 years with "hard work" (even though our president told us that his job was exactly that over and over.)
August 26, 2008 1:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
What a disgusting "family life" John McCain had...abandoning his wife and going for the gusto...
You sound very jealous of the Obamas.
Go, commiserate with Newt Gingrich, with his three divorces and gold-digging his first wife on her deathbed, and his innumerable adulteries.
Begone! You have no power here!
August 26, 2008 1:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
In the interest of keeping everybody informed of what kind of racism we're up against, here is as of 10:30 PST the only comment on Michelle's speech from the New York Observer site:
TonyBaloney (not verified) says:
OMG - sorry, but Obama comes off as a pussy whipped bitch everytime I see him with his wife and two daughters. Those two girls apparently think everything they have to say should be said for everyone to hear. The little one kept interrupting, sorry, I don't think that's cute. They show little respect for their father. And did you get a load of that dress the 10 year old was wearing? Who the hell dresses these children? Sorry, I guess I must be some old fart, but that dress wasn't appropriate for a child of 10. I can't believe that an adult would have picked that dress so I have to assume that this 10 year old insisted on wearing it. They come off as two spoiled rotten little girls who probably terrorize their teachers and classmates, but then it could be all that hair relaxer affecting their brains. Hearing Mrs. Obama pat herself on the back for quiting her "big law job" so she could help her community was really too too much especially when she sits at her nice cushy $350,000 a year job now. Oh, Pleeeeeze!!!
August 26, 2008 12:54 AM
http://www.observer.com/2008/politics/live-satellite-lots-daddy-obama
August 26, 2008 1:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
We should be heartened when critics have to stoop so low. (And yes, this was about as low as one could stoop.)
August 26, 2008 1:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sadly, I think it was a black person that wrote that.
August 26, 2008 1:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Just a different paint job on that one, can't seem to find the right relaxer!
August 26, 2008 1:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
This phrase made me think of the Bush twins at the last GOP convention.
August 26, 2008 9:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
BTW: it seems like the pundits are missing the impact Michele's speech had tonight. It was perfect.
Hillary, you are up next. Good luck matching that one.
August 26, 2008 1:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
Homerun. Period. Full stop.
August 26, 2008 1:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
If the glass ceiling cracked, then why is Barack the nominee and Hillary on the sidelines scheming?
Michelle was wise to steer clear of the details of Barack's bizarre childhood and speak in generalities instead. The kids were a big plus.
Let's see what the two tracking polls have to say in the morning. Today Gallup is tied and Rasmussen shows Obama up 3, same as on Sunday.
August 26, 2008 2:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Such shrewd analysis, Dr. Zaius.
You remind me of a saying the Athebaskan natives of central Alaska have...what is it? Oh, yes: "Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape!"
August 26, 2008 2:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
It was just terrific!
The real mystery is who the hell dresses Cindy McCain...
August 26, 2008 2:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
anyone have a link to the whole speech, not the one posted on tpm (it cuts off)?
August 26, 2008 2:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Here are her prepared remarks from Obama's website:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/laurinmanning/gG5dmh
August 26, 2008 10:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
Re/the Page One NYT link: What the hell kind of Freudian slip is "Maternal Wealth"? (That's Cindy McCain you're thinking of)...
August 26, 2008 2:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
Very moving.
August 26, 2008 2:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, put the video up of the speech instead of the script.
August 26, 2008 2:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
The reason why so many McCain supporters -- including William Kristol -- had to refrain themselves from even a single kind word about Michelle Obama's speech is the realization that hit them continually throughout the delivery that their own wanna-be First Lady would not even be allowed to tred on the same material:
"Ahhh, how we met -- it was a dark and starry night at the gala; John was instantly besmitten my my jewels.
"We exchanged hidden glances, sneak off to the nearest dark, removed spot and get to know each other.
"It wasn't always easy -- we didn't even have cell phones or text messaging to plan our forbidden get-togethers, what with him still technically married and all. . ."
Gotta love the Republicans' hold on traditional family values.
August 26, 2008 7:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
You have a point. Talking about being stalked around a buffet table at a high-ticket benefit doesn't have the same cuteness factor as being taken out for ice cream. Ha~
August 26, 2008 10:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
~ = lack of sleep. Boooo. That was supposed to be a !
August 26, 2008 10:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, actually, you're wrong. Malia was born in 1998, Sasha in 2001. Hence my correction of myself.
August 26, 2008 9:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
I actually like pelosi's line that she shattered the marble ceiling better. Why does everyone ignore the fact that pelosi is speaker and talk about a trail blazer? Give me a gd break. The ceiling's been shattered by pelosi and I personally am glad that the clintons are being sent packing. Adios.
August 26, 2008 10:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
I was flipping between Fox, MSNBC, and CNN,....what a difference in the commentary,...When you get Karl Rove saying that Michelle wasn't personal enough and it was too touchy feely liberal, she didn't do this or that(totally making shit up as he does)....you know it was a good speech. You just get the feeling that FOX is trying to echo McCain's talking points and diminishing any momentum.....adding at the end, "....but is he ready to lead" for the majority of commentators?
FOX IS PURE PROPAGANDA!
August 26, 2008 11:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
What the hell would Karl Rove know about "touchy feely"? This cold hearted bastard wouldn't know emotion if his dog got backed over by his wife, as she attempted to escape with another man.
August 26, 2008 12:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
MP3s of the "18 million cracks" line and highlights of the rest of the speech are up now.
August 26, 2008 12:31 PM | Reply | Permalink