Al Gore:
I want to say to all Americans this evening that whether it is the threat to the global environment or the erosion of America's leadership in the world, whether it is the challenge to our economy from new competitors or the challenge to our security from new enemies, I believe that we need new leadership that is
both strong and wise.
Jimmy Carter:
I do not despair for our country. I believe tonight, as I always have, that the essential decency, compassion and common sense of the American people will prevail. And so I say to you and to others around the world, whether they wish us well or ill: do not underestimate us Americans. We lack neither strength nor wisdom.
Bill Clinton:
Their opponents will tell you to be afraid of John Kerry and John Edwards, because they won't stand up to the terrorists--don't you believe it. Strength and wisdom are not conflicting values--they go hand in hand.
This coordinated development of the theme that it is critical to combine strength
with wisdom was very impressive. Across the three speeches, it was introduced, elaborated and then brought to a stirring and memorable climax. It was like the work of a great composer in developing a melodic theme across the movements of a symphony. To do this within a single oration is fine speechcrafting. To bring this off over three separate speeches each having it's own distinct tone and content and to do so in a way that was completely natural within the context of each is the work of a master.
This was not just party unity, this was precision political engineering!
Will we see a comparable performance tonight?