I was too busy to post a review for day 3 of the convention, and yesterday I was busily comparing Sarah Palin to her soul brother Michael of Monty Python. But here we go.
--Bill Clinton said Obama was ready to be President, which was a good thing. Makes up for some of BC's previous behavior in the primaries.
--John Kerry looked old, flinty, and worn out, God bless him. I still wonder how he got picked as the nominee last time...and don't get me started on that aging Batman's "boy wonder" or "Robin", John Edwards.
2008 feels much better than 2004.
--Biden delivered an adequate speech marked by numerous slips and errors; but still, he gave out a strong "good daddy, regular 'Joe'" vibe, and whacked McCain's judgment and readiness severely, as he should have.
He was introduced by son Beau "rhymes-with-Joe" Biden, who may be a better and more compelling speaker than his father: little Beau may have quite a career ahead himself. (I will scream if they issue a wine called "BeauJoeLais", though...I just will!!!)
(more, including Gore)
--Al Gore.
'Nuff said.
--Now as for Barack Hussein-"Bolt" Obama:
A pleasant biographical video preceded the speech, with notable emphasis on Barack's fatherlessness. (Cf. my diary on Obama and father issues vis-a-vis his campaign and Biden)
As for the speech: ...that was a nice little speech, I thought.
Or a nice big one, rather. Along with hopey-changey type stuff, he mentioned plenty of specifics re lower taxes for most Americans; a renewable energy plan; etc. (The only thing I wondered about was his not evoking Bill Clinton's "safe, legal and rare" re abortion; he mentioned reducing unwanted pregnancies, but I'm not sure that will go far enough for some people in the middle on the issue...)
The important point was the tonal one, though; he was not the meanderer of the Rick Warren event. (Cf. my diary What Obama needs to learn from McCain re Rick Warren, especially, quoting myself,
B. He needs to sound punchier and more aggressive. Why didn't he say anything about getting Osama?
This time, he mentioned Osama. Oh, my friends, how he did.
In fact, he shoved McCain's words at the Warrenfest and elsewhere, back down Mc's rhetorical craw, by noting that Johnny said he'd follow Osama to the gates of hell, but he wouldn't even follow him to the cave where he lives!
OUCHHHHHH!!! !! !!!!!!!
Critical hit. John McCain, your hull is leaking. And I'm not sure taking on Sarah Palin as a 5th rate "She-bama" will plug the leak, either.
As for the surrounding scene, and the end of the speech: the fireworks (cf. the recent Chinese Olympics ceremonies...can we call the 2008 DNC the "Obamalympics"?) and big-stadium setting were a nice and populist celebratory touch. I was reminded of the Rolling Stones "Steel Wheels tour" concert I saw in the fall of 1989 at the Los Angeles Coliseum--a crazy-acting Guns N' Roses as opening act--, complete with fireworks (I believe), and "Carmen" playing after the band had left the stage!
Speaking of the music from "Carmen": don't call Barack and Biden the Bad News Bears. I think they have a better chance than that. Especially with a convention and speeches like that.
McCain is palin' in comparison, unless he uncorks some miracle at the 2008 RNC; and I doubt very strongly that that will happen. . . . . . .