| As you might expect, the room was packed for Senator Barack Obama's speech to the DNC Winter Meeting. Every candidate had an introduction from a DNC official, and Obama's was quite effective in naming numerous progressive bills that he passed in the Illinois legislature. Unlike the other candidates, he had no introductory music, but the crowd's wild cheers served just as well, and the lack of music set the tone effectively. He began -- like most other candidates -- by observing that Howard Dean's 50 State Strategy proved that a "progressive, common-sense message can sell everywhere." Then, reflecting on his sudden popularity, he observed that he felt like a contestant on a hit reality show: though he was unsure whether he would soon be 'voted off the island' or be given a 'ticket to Hollywood.' Then he said that this is not a game, not a contest, it's a serious moment. The crowd fell silent.
He continued: We're fighting cynicism. Cynicism makes us afraid to say what we believe. I found the speech incredibly moving. His style was totally different from the other candidates. |
| He called for a serious discussion about health care. He argued that we can now pass health care reform, because both business and labor understand that the current system needs reform. (I interpret this to mean that the car companies now understand that if they had not foolishly blocked government-sponsored health care, they wouldn't be at a competitive disadvantage to everyone else in the developed world.) I started to wonder if he would give any specifics, but then he promised he would pass health care for all by the end of the first term.
He observed that our dependence of oil is a threat. He pledged to wean ourselves off of Middle Eastern oil.
He said we must end the war in Iraq. It was enough to run against Bush in 2006, but it won't be in 2008. [This was very similar to what Dodd said, in a completely different way.] He rather pointed noted that he had publicly and frequently opposed the war at its beginning. He declared Everyone should have a clear plan to get out. I take this to be a shot at Hillary Clinton, and the Republicans. He said we need a new foreign policy. I observed that he is calling for details from other candidates but not providing his own i nthe speech.
He then criticized the media, which I think everyone here would agree with.
Finally, he said he would bring Hope to America. [This user is all in favor of Hope!] Interestingly, he contrasted hope with specifics, details, white papers. We Democrats have had lots of plans, we've had a shortage of Hope. Now, I remember a lot of mentions of hope in 2004, so this is not to be taken literally, rather, I think this effectively made the point that we need more charisma in our candidates.
The Obama campaign was quite different from the others, especially Clinton's. There were quite a few young volunteers, but before the speeches began they did not have an obvious section the way the Dodd or Edwards supporters did. I asked one where the Obama section is, and he said that they were spreading out throughout the crowd. I think that was true, and it seemed to me that they were effective in starting applause. Their style was definitely low-budget insurgent campaign -- there were no colorful campaign posters. They passed out fliers boasting that the 33rd state Draft Obama organization had been started. I was a little surprised by all this given that the media has run so many stories about how Obama's organization is raising lots of money and rivalling the Clintons for lining up the big-time donors. As I'll write later, Hillary Clinton's campaign organization is obviously very formidable so it will be very interesting to see how this develops.
Overall, it was a great speech and Obama lived up to the hype. (Remember, these are my personal feelings.) He implied that he has details and plans [to appear on his website? well, he has a bill to get us out of Iraq.] and challenged his opponents. He clearly has the charisma and a progressive message that is wrapped in attractive moderate, inclusive language. |
