A keynote is that which establishes the principal theme the piece. In some cases, like Chopin's Raindrop Prelude, it is somewhat chearful. In others, like Tartini's Devil's Trill, it starts off slow and unsettling but then is modified to heart-wrenching. In still others, like the Minute Waltz, it is free floating and whimsical. But what should we, as a party, be striving for in a keynote speaker?
A keynote in speech should outline the tenets of our philosophy. A keynote should explain to voters in the most elegant language why they should elect us. What a keynote should not do, however, is list policy after policy (as has been done in the past) or list grievance after grievance (as Barbara Jordan did in 1992). The best keynote speakers have given undue attention to history (Barbara Jordan in 1976) and to the basic philosophical tenets of the party. Some have even thrown in a bit of humor (Ann Richards in 1988).
The ideal musical equivalent, in my mind, should be bombastic, yet constrained. It should be well paced, well placed, and well written. It should revolve around its theme. It should modulate from uplifting passages about the future to somber recounting of the past and then back again to an uplifting vision of the future. It should be a triumphant example of what our party stands for and what we decry in our opposition. The perfect musical example is Rachmaninoff's g min. op. 23 #5 (Lisitsa is amazing by the way, if you have the opportunity to buy her CDs you should).
In short, we should have someone speak who will do so well and who will give a speech that will be remembered forever. For my part, I think that we should be picking someone slightly further down in the weeds than Senator or Governor. Our best speeches have been done by House members or other state officials. With this guideline, my list is below.
This diary has been posted to DK Elections, an official Daily Kos sub-site. Please read the DKE Mission Statement. Our focus is on electoral politics rather than policy or preference. Welcome aboard!
Cory Booker. I had never seen him speak until now, but this simply endears me to him. He's amazing. His voice is calm and soothing, but yet still somehow commands authority. His off-topic remarks about his core philosophy shine well under pressure. Can you imagine how amazing he would be scripted?
Fort Worth Councilman Joel Burns became an internet sensation last year when he cried during a council session. Although he isn't the greatest orator here, I'm sure he'd do much much better under the auspices of the convention.
This is perhaps the best option I'm putting forth. She's simply goddamn amazing. Her voice is one that is needed on the national scene. Her story is one that the Democratic Party needs to be championing. She started in a trailer park for God sakes! I just love her.
This State Senator from Michigan would be an amazing choice. I simply love her. The emotion in her voice draws you in and makes her words all the more riveting.
A list of potentials wouldn't be complete without this woman. I don't think she'll even be on a shortlist though because the optics of her being from Massachusetts would be disadvantageous for the party.
Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor gave an impassioned speech on voting rights here and would play up two important distinctions between the Democrats and the Republicans. Voting rights and labor rights.
I'm not a fan really of either Castro brother, but I have to admit that both of them are great speakers. Joaquin is better.
I'm not really a fan of her voice, much to squeal-y for my taste, but a friend of mine (wink wink) wanted her on the list.
This is perhaps, beside Wendy Davis, my favorite on the list. She's amazing.
Hansen Clarke would be an interesting choice. I know he appeals to certain people across the aisle (I'm looking squarely at you illinoyedr), but he also appeals to the base instincts of our party. He also gives a nice combination of somber and of energy (the mix of which is very interesting).
Start this one at 1:00 in. He's so hot. That's the only reason he's here. He doesn't stand a pigs chance of flying in hell of doing this speech, but the point was to throw ideas on the wall. So hot. Yummy. Yummy. Yummy.
Okay, thank you user BluntDiplomat. I can't believe I left her off the list to begin with! She's young and attractive and a statewide official. In the clip above she doesn't really speak, but if you look up her ad "Alison's Action Plan for Kentucky" you'll see a good example.
Also thanks to BluntDiplomat. He's a very good speaker. The low timbre of his voice automatically commands attention.
As for others, feel free to add to the list in the comments. Also feel free to critique the people I've put down as future speakers (perhaps not keynote, but hopefully of some variety). Again, my favorite is Wendy Davis. She's simply be amazing. Completely danged amazing