I went to bed early last night and didn't see any caucus results as they came in.
So this morning, I watched the YouTube clips of the top 3 Dem finishers. Here's my observations, as a person somewhat removed from the emotions of the evening.
YouTube link to Edwards speech
Edwards - Great speech. He was clearly energized by the results. During the speech, he reiterated some of the stories which illustrate issues he wants to address as president. I'd guess he's told these often during the campaign. I like the way he talks about specifics. He spoke to what sounded like a large crowd. The backdrop behind him was part of a US flag on his left side and a man who held up a campaign sign saying 'Carpenters for Edwards' on his right side. I guess the campaign sign was held by a labor supporter however it seems a subtle Christian message to me (who's the most famous carpenter you can name?). Kiss from Elizabeth after the speech.
YouTube link to Clinton speech
Clinton - Good speech, fine message. Her first words were of congratulation for her fellow front runners and thanks to Biden, Dodd, and Kucinich and to all Iowans who participated in the caucus process; most important thing is we need a Democrat in the WH. Very classy. Then she talked about what's next, the national campaign, I'm the best candidate, etc. Clinton also mentioned specific issues she would seek to address as president. It sounded as if it were a large audience. To the left of her stood Madeleine Albright, to the right stood her husband. Bill stared smilingly at Hillary the entire speech and did nothing to draw attention to himself. Clinton's backdrop was a crowd of supporters.
YouTube link to Obama speech
Obama - Dull speech. I listened to it a second time since I've read so much hoopla in other diaries about it being as great as an RFK rally. He began with the preacher's technique of repeated words at the beginning of sentences 'They/You said...' but I found the effect missed the mark. He never defined what was the big IT - it couldn't be done, it was unreachable, it would never come, etc. What it? The only it I could fill in the blank with was - it was to put a black man at the top of the list of Dem candidates, which has been achieved before by Jesse Jackson (h/t Meteor Blades for writing a diary about this). Then came long stretch of bland platitudes - change is coming, be united, honesty. He appealed to people to vote for me, I'll cut your taxes, etc. Then he listed off issues like bullet points, with no specifics on what he would do or what exactly is the problem with each - just a quick list. Thank you to his wife. No thank yous to anyone else or congrats to other candidates - maybe I missed this? This is the moment. Hope. Band of colonists, greatest generation, lunch counter Selma freedom marchers. Message to carry to NH - believe that we write our own destiny. Obama had an enormous crowd. He appeared to be standing ina stadium. His backdrop was a large group of supporters waving campaign signs. I wish the chanters would change their cadence rhythym - not o-bam-A rest o-bam-A rest, instead try o-BAM-a o-BAM-a o-BAM-a. It's more dynamic.
Edwards' speech was the most to the point, specific, and energetic. Clinton's remarks were gracious and looked forward to the rest of the campaign. Obama's speech seemed like so much typical campaign pablum and I wasn't inspired. Maybe it's me - the supposed Great Communicator (Reagan) never moved me either. I do remember being inspired by Jesse Jackson's speeches (disclaimer I was a Jackson state delegate).
Shoot - the poll question below should read "Whose speech did you like best?"