Two former presidential speechwriters critique the convention oratory.
Comment: ABOUT SARAH PALIN:
http://webpages.charter.net/suasponte/
If you really want to know Sarah Palin's history (in detail) this is a "must read". It was written by Anne Kilkenny, a resident of Wasilla, Alaska.
Comment: It's taken over a year for Obama to proove he is ready and qualified to be president. We've only got 2 months to decide if Palin could be POTUS. The likelyhood of her having to step in as POTUS is much greater than Biden's. What a gamble for the repubs to choose her. McCain just jumped the shark!
Comment: Today in a statement, John McCain said this about Palin being under investigation for ETHICS VIOLATIONS:" My Freinds. If I may, I was a POW!"
ENOUGH!
Comment: Ailin' & Palin 08......HILARIOUS!!!
Comment: Once again the Republicans have made a very aggressive move to manipulate voters??? opinions based on emotions, while keeping their positions on the issues out of scrutiny. If the voters are once again, like in 2000 and 2004, swayed based on appeals to their emotions, prejudices and biases or by any single issue and neglect putting full consideration and weight on all of the issues, we could end up with four more years of nothing but more of the same. Imagine more of the same. This country really just can???t take more of the same and voting for John McCain-Sarah Palin, for whatever reason, just guarantees more of the same!
Comment: Mr. Gerson, I am renewed by your critique of Obama's ho-hum speech last night.
You have returned, in my mind, to status as a fair and equitable critic of what is and what is NOT memorable in Obama's ''sermon'' from his TEMPLE OF DOOM. The other day, when you GUSHED over Michelle's similarly ho-hum speech, I was flabbergasted and disenchanted with your column.
I will continue to read your comments since they appear to have begun to once again be in touch with reality.
Comment: Mr. Gerson did not listen to the same speech I and 90,000 others in Denver and millions acorss the country heard. You wrote speeches for Republicans and we're supposed to believe you still don't have an axe to grind? Mr. Obama spoke to unity in the face of devisiveness, but all you heard was the devisiveness. It is obvious you heard only what you wanted to and therefore are not qualified to comment on the speech.
Comment: Baloney!
What you and 90,000 others heard in Denver was each other screamng and chanting.
All Obama said was""I" , "I", "I".....
Nonsense ....
Comment: To me the speech was a little like a state of the union. It promised a lot of programs including a tax cut for 95% of the people but said nothing about the exploding debt and has we're going to pay for it. If the people are going to get tax cuts what's left? While I'm not a fan of big business, it obama taxes them too much, more people will lose jobs won't they. And we certainly can't do this by borrowing more money from China. They almost own us as it is. I would be so grateful for someone to say, "look, we can't do anything until we get rid of this debt and the threat of Chinese control". Instead we get what we want to hear. Which I believe is pie in the sky. Idealism is fine until it gets in the way of realism. Neither one of these candidates are worth anything. I'm not impressed.
Comment: If it is true that Obama will remove us from Iraq there is a ton of money to be saved. Also rolling back Bush's tax cuts as promised will provide more money to enable the 95% to get cuts instead of the 5% that Bush's cuts helped.
Comment: Earliest withdrawal would be 2011. How is that going to save the economy right now?
Comment: But it is not enough to take care of the debt and tax cuts for almost everyone. If you have a hugh debt in your personal life, saving nickels and dimes here and there isn't going to make any difference. I would love to think we can make everything right but we can't. First order of business, get out from under and we can't do that until we curb spending, not explode it.
Comment: Now you see the puppeteers in action, and I thought only the terrorist hide behind women and children and called foul when attacted, while their psychology is revieled I would suggest fighting the position not the person, We know how he is, he is immoral in what he tell's women to do if they are raped, a scumbag for cheating on his first wife and leaving her when he took an oath to stand by her "in sickness and in health" how many other oaths will he break? and he believes in capitalism over Humanism, He and his republican party have damaged their brand and lost perspective of what comes first, that to me is Anti-Americam, Americans come first, it's their will and labor that made it strong and to have some capitalist sell it out from under us, well like I said that's Anti- American and as for Palin, that person is being used, the puppet
masters are at work.
Comment: A true patriot would NEVER say those foul things about a US POW. McCain is anti-American? That is beyond disgusting as well as completely ignorant. Do you realize her family may be reading your despicable comments? What is your candidate's view on personal attacks on the opponent? What you write reflects directly on Obama. After his speech there are undecided voters reading these blogs and all they see are comments like yours and that isn't going to make them vote for Obama. The undecideds want to hear what OBAMA will do - not hurtful, ignorant, self-serving comments like yours. How many potential voters do you think you turned off with your comments - as well as all the others here? What do you want more? To feel better by attacking the opponent? Or Obama to become president? From this it's clear.
Comment: You get paid for this. I think you may want to listen to the speech again Mikey. Please remember he is trying to win the presidency which has been literally stolen the last two elections. The glass is half empty for you Mikey obviously, or maybe you fall short of objective. Are you kidding this is exactly what he has been saying this whole damn campaign. Nice try, but he will prevail, America will prevail, even with the likes of pathetic... I guess this journalism... crap like this. You got it wrong. Try again.
Comment: GREAT SPEECH!!! I agree with Jon Stewart. Basically he said no mater what Obama does he will be trashed by the pundits. It's clear to me that is the truth. After months of watching & reading every thing I can to be well informed I am appalled at the comments made about Obama. John McCain on the other hand seems to be able to say anything no matter how stupid and no one calls him on it. IN MY OPINION Barack Obama's speech last night was GREAT!!!! As for me CNN is off my watching list forever! Keith Olbermann's Countdown will be the only show of it's kind that I will I watch. Sorry Chris but it's obvious to me your ego is way out of hand. Joe S is clearly another narcissistic run away! In my opinion the guy is a jerk. And please tell me why Pat B. is allowed to speak. Please give the viewer a break and get him off the air.
I would have voted for John McCain in 2000 but that guy is gone. The one that replace him is scary! NO WAY will I consider voting for him.
This is one 71 year old "white" woman (Mom, Grandmom & Greatgrandmom) that will vote for Barack Obama. People read his books if you want to get to know him. I agree with whoever said he is a once in a life time candidate! It is time for Obama/Biden. My heart will break if we get 4 more years of Bush.
Comment: GINA PORTER:
"Basically he said no mater what Obama does he will be trashed by the pundits. It's clear to me that is the truth. After months of watching & reading every thing I can to be well informed I am appalled at the comments made about Obama."
And where you the same about Sen & Pres Clinton? They still haven't "done enough" for Obama. How appalled were you about the comments: she-goat, b*tch, c*nt. lesbian, pimped out, 'ho, take the family dog to the vet, or my favorite: IT. Were you appalled as a woman that a US Senator and former first lady besides a mother and daughter was called all of these? How would you react if you heard them say it's time to take Obama out behind the barn? Time to take Michelle to the family vet? Or refer to either of them as: IT? And the man? who said that was not sanctioned in any fashion. If the Obamas were called IT?
So forget the sudden onset of being appalled. It just shows that respect to you is applicable only to Obama. And that says more about you and your candidate than any of your other words.
Watch this video and transpose Hillary to Michelle or Hillary to Gina Porter or your mother, sister or daughter's name. Then come back and tell me if anything that has been said about the Obamas is even remotely close. A further thought: After watching it - remember the claim of Obama that he is a unifier and an above the fray candidate. Wonder why he let this go on without saying stop it like he is about Michelle and McCain's attacks. If you take the time to watch a three minute video - you won't have to wonder anymore why Sen Clinton supporters are angry. And you as a woman should be too - no matter what candidate you represent.
I will check back. Here's the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcdnlNZg2iM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skIlZflDs9Y&feature=related
(would you want your children to hear this? Imagine if the names were transposed Obamas & Clintons)
Comment: There are always those who are incapable of appreciating good things!
Comment: I think the comments here tell you two "experts" everything you need to know about yourselves. Speeches are for the people, not for experts to like. Go get your etcha-scetch and draw some pretty pictures.
Comment: I see why niether of them are currently writing speeches, It does not take an expert to know a greast speech, and these guys got it wrong... look for a new job fellas
Comment: Yesterday, these are all things repigs can say, even though his case is totally gay, oh they will CLING to yesterday.
Suddenly, Obama is the man that cares for "WE", McCain's not half the man he used to be. Barack Obama is backed by "WE"
Why he had to be half black I don't and I don't care, but repigs think it's wrong and they long for yesterday.
Please sing along ;)
Comment: Did Michael Gerson listen to the same speech on Thursday night that I heard? Obama called for unity in the face of divisiveness, he did not emphasise division. Unless he feels that any disagreement with the status quo is 'emphasising division'. This is along the same lines as calling out the Democrats as being unpatriotic. No, it is you, Mr. Gerson, who is devisive. You are spewing the same old Republican rhetoric. You, and the Republican establishment, are getting desparate, and it shows. For shame. What a bad article!
Comment: Are you guys serious? Good but not great? He had 90,000 people crying with his brilliance. How can a guy who wrote Bush's speeched comment on Barack Obama. Obama is the genius, you guys are speech writers. It must be real hard writing Bush's speeches (terrorism, Al-qaida, terrorism, al-qaida, terrorism, osama bin laden, terrorism...etc.)
Comment: Are you guys serious? Good but not great? He had 90,000 people crying with his brilliance. How can a guy who wrote Bush's speeched comment on Barack Obama. Obama is the genius, you guys are speech writers. It must be real hard writing Bush's speeches (terrorism, Al-qaida, terrorism, al-qaida, terrorism, osama bin laden, terrorism...etc.)
Comment: Expect different results from the same players in the same game? How could anyone vote McCain?
Obama nailed it last night. I am all in.
This election is over. Landslide baby!!
Comment: You must be a Republican. The speech Obama gave was heart felt. Obama will win in November and finally after 8 long years we will have a president that will work for the people.
Comment: Obama has so many great points. Its too bad he had to ruin it by bringing his imaginary friend into politics. It is hard to take Obama seriously ever since he dragged his god into the race. Gods are for small children and schizophrenics, not grownup, and especially not presidents. Obama will certainly loose the Bright vote on this issue.
Comment: Typical Democrat rhetoric. Promise them everything, tax them to death and give them nothing. Obama's arrogance is disgusting.
Comment: hey if it's not JFK's best buddy (lmao). Yeah DRILLIN and KILLIN + boobies, great ticket. She's dan quayle with a pony tail.
Comment: Typical Republican rhetoric, scare the people, give them money to keep them quiet, let the Democrats figure out how to dig the country out of a recession.
Comment: Sometimes so called 'experts' are so stuck in their heads that they can't recogize an exceptional event... it was not just the speech but the sincerity and heart of the man. Experts are often stuck in only viewing circumstances from the 'mental' plane and they miss the rest of what is going on in life. I feel sorry for the 'experts' who were unmoved and did not recognize that after last night's speech americans all over this country are believing in american again, feeling pride in being american again, hopeful and dreaming about a great future for america.
I saw a on old clip of Joe Biden recently in which he stated 'I'll tell you how you can recognize a leader. Leaders change attitudes'.
Last night we heard from Senator Obama the speech of a man who changed the attitudes of millions of americans, we hard the speech of a great leader.
Comment: Something to look closely at is the immensely large ego of this presidential, yet unaccomplished , candidate.
Since when do Americans wave posters of any leader or candidate..Is this China, Russia, Iraq or North Korea? Is this an American or a Che Guarvera type leader? Very scary for someone with so little to show but canbeleader of the greatest country in the world. If he is thatbold now just imagine what he will be like when he is president with no checks and balances and no John McCain to have to answer to for the American people. Just think how many times he has changed his mind with the polls. We don't know him, his real views or what his sorted past really means. How can we take such a chance. We should watch the change we wish for.
Comment: I believe your biggest mistake in the comment above is to believe that a person like McCain will be "checking" any presdient in office. Did you see the statistic that since 2004 he's voted with Bush 95% of the time? What kind of checking is that?
This is not the McCain of 2000 who believed in immigrant rights, restricting campaign money and the woman's right to choose. THis is the one who believes that whatever he can say to rally the Republican base is what needs to be said. Even if it means selling his soul.
Comment: Igorance is like the pupil of the eye, the more light you cast upon it, the more it constricts. Really, you had all week (and all year) to learn who Obama is and your ignorance prevailed. What a shame.
Comment: What is interesting about Obama is that Washingtoners never seem to get him but WE, the people do. He's one of us and you're not. You don't understand that what Obama did last night was above critics like the two of you because it wasn't a "speach" at all. It was a leader leading, not a face reading.
Comment: I didnt ever say it wasnt an impressive speech...Thats what a candidates speech at a nomination party is supposed to do is sound good..Im sure McCain will give a good speech also...Doesnt mean is wasnt edited or rewrote to sound better than they intended..Facts are his speech DID NOT come off the top of his head IT WAS written for him as ALL speeches are for ALL politicians. Otherwise they would say things and make promises that they cant keep as they wander through a long drawn out made up speech. But if Obamites want to pretend that he came up with this off the top of his head without any help (as some are implying) then go on pretend..Im sure you believe the image of the Virgin Mary on a piece of toast should be worshipped to.
Comment: I would never say all. Obama has a history of writing his own speeches although I agree he probably has them reviewed by someone.
Comment: You actually had to watch and LISTEN, so how's your ethics violating Dan Quayle with a pony taial gonna work for you? Do you reall y think women are that stupid?
Comment: Oh what a pitiful bunch of Gerson. Can't this man remove himself to the rhetorical manure pile and be done with it?
Comment: Yesterday, these are all things repigs can say, even though his case is totally gay, oh they will CLING to yesterday.
Suddenly, Obama is the man that cares for "WE", McCain's not half the man he used to be. Barack Obama is backed by "WE"
Why he had to be half black I don't and I don't care, but repigs think it's wrong and they long for yesterday.
Please sing along ;)
Comment: What a bad article.
Comment: "Sarah beautiful,Tall, Bossy, and Smart"
Comment: Did you listen to the same speech I did? Last night? Mile High Stadium? Denver? Apparently you didn't. Either that or you have severe hearing deficits. May I suggest that you both get a transcript of the speech I heard and go over it. I think you will find that 99% of the criticisms you make are so completely out of line as to be ludicrous. Try it.
Comment: Did you listen to the same speech I did? Last night? Mile High Stadium? Denver? Apparently you didn't. Either that or you have severe hearing deficits. May I suggest that you both get a transcript of the speech I heard and go over it. I think you will find that 99% of the criticisms you make are so completely out of line as to be ludicrous. Try it.
Comment: as an independent voter who tries to see the real truth before I vote, I am dismayed that Republicans and conservative political writers such as Michael Gerson can't seem to be at all objective, but only listen to the speeches of great American's like Barack Obama to find fault. Then again, I guess I am expecting too much of someone who writes speeches for George Bush. After all, he is the more boring speaker in US history.
Comment: There are people that will actually vote for McCain. That in itself is laughter at America from the rest of the world. McCain truly is a third Bush term. There's no escaping Bush policy with him.
Comment: Number 1, if I had written any of George Bush's speeches, I wouldn't want anyone to know it, and Number 2, no one is mentioning the fact that Obama didn't need a speechwriter, he wrote his own.
Comment: I think the fact that we have previous speechwriters for both BUSH and CLINTON as the supposed 'experts' here is laughable. The speech sent my entire family into exuberance, even my republican grandfather.
Comment:
Lincoln had eight years as a state legistrator with no national experience became a great president. FD Roseevelt had little experience great president, John F Kennedy same thing and William J Clinton. So what dose this exprerience thing tell us about a president. Not much it is their intellect , character, commitment, and unshakable belief in their cause that made the difference.
Comment: I'm amazed that people are still bringing up this ridiculous argument. It's just like Obama's fairy tale on Iraq. Lincoln got around by horse and train as did information. He didn't have to worry about airplanes flying into the Pentagon. JFK came from a long-standing political family and was a war hero. He had 14 years experience and much more than 150 days in the Senate. Clinton was a governor for 10 years. Obama has absolutely no governing experience and neither does Biden. Bush is the only president who has to deal with widespread at any time terrorism. No comparison to a previous presidency is remotely realistic. The next president will have to deal with global terrorism, two active wars - one fomenting and one looming - a recession. unemployment, foreclosures, energy crisis, healthcare, masssive debt, immigration...Obama would be the least experienced president at a time when experience and judgment (his iraq speaking out "judgment" has been debunked) is paramount. This next president will face the most challenges ever in our nation and Obama would be the least qualified president ever. Just fact. Try not to sugarcoat it. Whether the voters care now doesn't change the facts.
"unshakable belief in their cause"
Since the primary obama has changed positions on FISA, abortion, Iraq, sitting down with enemies without preconditions, universal healthcare, DC handgun, death penalty...all since June. Unshakable? And he refuses to admit that the Surge worked.
Just say he inspires you and that's why you're voting for him. All the other arguments don't hold water. No I am not a Republican and think Obama at this point is the lesser of two evils and Biden just gave him a chance to win. I would like people to open their eyes and see who Obama really is and understand that a man as inexperienced as him will have every American's future in his 2 years on the national scene experience. And anyone would be CHANGE! in Washington after 8 years of Bush.
Comment: Were you actually listening to the same speech I was? The one at Mile High Stadium? Last night? I don't think so. Apparently you heard some other speech delivered somewhere else. What a ridiculous "analysis". So Obama chose to emphasize division, did he? Let's see, what were the words? Oh yes, something about all of being Americans first, all of us being in this together, all of us needed to turn things around. Yes, I see what you mean. That's certainly emphasizing division. May I suggest that you get online and read the transcript of Barak Obama's acceptance speech? Apparently the one you heard last night was by someone else.
Comment: To Michael Gerson ,
I have to say you criticize Obama's speech and call it unmemorable, well I feel it was one of the best speeches since President Clinton left office. Also the information about you says you helped craft some of George W Bush's memorable speeches I am sorry I am not aware that he has had any memorable speeches.
Comment: i hate to break it to you Gerson, but that speech was a hundred times better than ANY you ever wrote for W... about that there is absolutely no room for doubt...
Comment:
Obama had to layout his plans address GOP and John MCain, fire up the Dems all in obne speech. I thought he covered all the bases plus shown a firey will that has been lacking. This was no small task and he did a great job.
Comment: Based on the writing skills of SNOOZEWEEK journalists, I really don't hink you can talk smack on Obama's speeches. He is smarter than your entire staff put together. It's easy to criticize him, but really, i'd like to see any of your writers come up with something better. Please! Not going to happen!!! Your publication is a joke, that's why the majority of Americans prefer TIME!
Comment: Yeah..this article is pretty much irrelevant, being that it's coming from NewWeek. You have failed miserably in your duty to remain objective throughout this election. No matter what Obama does or says, NewsWeek is there to minimze it completely. You lack the integrity that is required to reach readers on both sides of the aisle. I mean, c'mon, Obama's speech last night was "partisan"? Really? Well, here's a news flash for you, it was the DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION!! Just face it, the speech was flawless, you are one of the very few outlets naysaying it, and the only reason you didn't like it is because Obama is now on the attack. You really oughtta think about how dumb your journalists and your publication will look once Obama wins the Presidency. I just plain feel sorry for anyone who doesn't know a good thing when they one. Then again, you people voted for Bush, the worst U.S. President of all time, so perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised. McCain's V.P. pick Sarah what's her name, is already being booed and mocked for the blatant pandering it represents, not the mention nobody outside of Alaska has ever heard of her. All I know is that she is under investigation for corruption charges. Bring it on!!! Change is worth fighting for, and we look forward to smacking you around!
OBAMA/BIDEN '08!!!
YES WE CAN!!!!!!!
Comment: I think what this shows is where you stand depends on where you sit. If you didn't favor Obama going in, you probably wouldn't walk away thinking that it was a momentous speech. I submit, your focus would probably be on punching holes rather than seeing the merits of its many facets. If you went in as an Obama fan, you probably felt you heard what you needed to hear: policy priorities, highlights of the Bush failures, and how you will get more of the same if you cast your lot with 90%-vote-with-Bush-record McCain -- policies that are linked to strong economic growth where the median income contracted, and the corruption of the intelligence process to fit the facts around the war policy.
Comment: Obama writes his own speeches...and he wrote this one last night
Comment: There were lines right out of Senator Clinton's stumps. Her speech writers have been working with Obama's. Bill Clinton's was written by himself and delivered much more convincingly over the TV, which is what matters. Clinton talked about the issues with conviction and knowledge and Obama looked left and right reading them from the teleprompter. Al Gore, although he rushed over the applause, spoke like a president and what he knew what he was talking about. I found it interesting Obama's insecurity in making Pres Clinton speak at the Pepsi Center and not at Invesco. Had he the crowd would have been riled up for hours. Biden-Gore-Clinton-Obama would have been awesome. Waiting 3 hours for 30 minutes didn't come over well. He could have at least came out right after Gore. Somebody better wake this man up and tell him Democrats have not put anyone in the White House since Clintons and it's their proven voters who are unhappy with Obama because he refuses to ask for Pres Clinton's advice. That is the biggest indictment of his inexperience.
Comment: Yeah..*wink wink*..He came up with that on his own....and I got gold for 5 cents an ounce to sell you *wink wink*
Comment: Today John McCain said "My Friends,As for my VEEP being under ETHICS INVESTIGATION, I AM A POW!"
Comment: Your right, the 3 medals stint didnt work for your Dad Kerry...McCain better stop that...
Comment: Yesterday, these are all things repigs can say, even though his case is totally gay, oh they will CLING to yesterday.
Suddenly, Obama is the man that cares for "WE", McCain's not half the man he used to be. Barack Obama is backed by "WE"
Why he had to be half black I don't and I don't care, but repigs think it's wrong and they long for yesterday.
Please sing along ;)
Comment: You ppl seem to forget that speeches are written by numerous ppl and edited...Obama, Clinton and Hillary REPEATED a writing wonderfully...Im sure it would sound "wonderful" if Morgan Freemans voice recited it. And I know McCain will be reciting his to...Quit acting like Obama and his forced followers came up with this off the top of their heads cause they didnt...And there isnt an Easter bunny either!
Comment: Bush made a million mistakes and now my husband is sufferring for it in Iraq. Its time for a change. McCain is another one of the good ol boys. We need fresh, new ideas. Obama's speech last night was hope for all of us military families and middle class families.
Comment: "Here Here Bravo..Mr. Obama"..Come on if you are voting for Obama for the sole reason of getting your loved ones home quickly from Iraq you got another thing coming...They are just going to Afghanistan or Russia..Obama is blatantly lying on that promise...There is NOTHING (unless he really is God like you ppl think his is) That is going to bring our military home from these conflicts...Like it or not If we werent in Iraq..He would be sitting in Afghanistan...And I dont hear Obama USING his speech for bringing the ones that are on the Afghanistan front home...By the way I appreciate your loved one serving no matter which conflict it is...Thanks.
Comment: Unfotunately for your argument we were never trying to fully occupy Afghanistan. We are Iraq and that's part of the issue. While I believe that we will be sending many people to Afghanistan we won't be using nearly the amount we have been in Iraq. And Obama is also smart enough to know that A) sending people for 3 and 4 tours of duty is killing their want to fight for the US and B) people were much more enthusiastic to fight the Taliban who support Al Queda who actually attacked us than Iraqis who DIDN"T.
Comment: Oh yes you are right we are OCCUPYING the world...In a way that should make Dems happy because the (occupied countries) would just be something that could easily be pork barreled or taxed all to hell...Dems love doing that, but use a little bit of the money they are pushing for to put on the budget title...example; "School budget proposal" thats the type of header on a dem sponsored bill...1% of budget would actually go on schools, 89% on bullshit spending that benefits dems/libs, scams, legal issues, hookers, more scams, trips to greener earth conventions on high polution emitting airlines, buying said aircrafts, painting and detailing said aircraft to particular dems tastes, printing books to counter the scams involved in, "I hate Bush for beating us out of 2 elections" literature, invest in fronts to help various dem campaigns for the next election. 8% on promoting reasons to tax us and give themselves pay raises. 1% on materials to get the U.S. citizens to shun their troops for their faithful sevice..Thats the jist of a Democrat sponsered bill..But remember, just because it has the words school, health, G.I. bill, or any other inticing words across the top it doesnt make it a sound bill, or economic plan...read the dem fine print and youll see stuff like funds to paint a fish on the side of airlines, or over $200,000 to teach college kids to watch t.v. (true)..Gems like these are what McCain vetoed, not the G.I. bill itself as others want you to believe..He vetoed it because of the rampant unneccesary spending that the dems LOVE to slip into these bills that have nothing to do with the actual bill itself...P.S. the above percentages were used as an example of the ridiculousness of a dem sponsered bill. So in the end dems should love it if we occupy and stay in our invaded countries...Even though thats not going to be the case in Iraq...Sorry dems!
Comment: These are McCain's words in 2002. For all of you that don't see through the mud that McCain slings, or all the lies that he has spewed, read it for yourself.
"I didn't decide to run for President to start a national crusade for the political reforms I believed in or to run campaign as if it was some grand act of patriotism.
I wanted to be President because it had become my ambition to become President.
I was 62 yold when I made the decision and I thought it was my one shot at the prize."
Again I say, McCain just wants the title, not the responsibilities.
Comment: Have yet to hear a solid statement from any Republican as to why they would vote for more Bush policy in McCain and no experience Palin. But then again, they know only spin. Republicans have Gestapo style policing and war mongers that enjoy making the rich richer and the poor poorer. There is no national security, no homeland security, no infrastructure, economy in shambles, gas prices unaffordable all under the GOP watch. Great job fellas and fellettes. But that's ok, like I said, McCain is imploding already and we haven't even had the Repub conventions yet.
Comment: Damn Bush for NAFTA! He should have known our jobs would have been sent overseas...That ass! He should have dealt with Osama and his bunch before 9-11 When he had the chance...Bush should have been serious about Nat Sec. After the first Trade Tower attacks, Oklahoma City, Second Tower attempt...OooH that evil Bush...He should have managed the run amuck practices that lenders were shafting Americans with in the 90s. And came clean with his wifes Whitewater real estate scandal..And last but not least he should have kept his hands off the interns and Not lied in OUR court of LAW and to officials about it, thinking the American ppl were to stupid to believe HE was in the wrong..Sadly he was right...Oh wait that wasnt Bush!
Comment:
Count on it. As I said before about the Conventions. They have already separated the apples from the onions. And you can have the onions, they smell, cry and complain way too much. Anyone (1-2% at best from Camp Hillary) that is willing to turn their backs on their party will bear their own burdens. I won't spend time weeping. Besides there are more than enough Republicans voting for Obama to make up for them. The demographics should be very interesting once the results are in. It will likely show the overwhelming middle class working people of both multi-'races' that voted Obama and upper class suburbia (which is nothing in terms of numbers) that voted McCain. Come November, the rest of the nation will see McCain as the elitist, out of touch, Bush policy friend, war mongering, kick the little man while he's down, o.d. 'old despot' that he is.
Comment: John McCain just made a gutsy and smart move with his pick for vice president; not gutsy because it was a woman but rather gutsy because it was an unknown and smart because it was a woman. He has been trying to cultivate those Clinton supporters not yet reconciled with Obama and he intends for this move to help him there and with women in general. He has been getting static from his extremely conservative base and Gov Sarah Palin, being a strong conservative advocate, could appease them. Once again the Republicans have made a very aggressive move to manipulate voters??? opinions based on emotions, while keeping their positions on the issues out of scrutiny. If the voters are once again, like in 2000 and 2004, swayed based on appeals to their emotions, prejudices and biases or by any single issue and neglect putting full consideration and weight on all of the issues, we could end up with four more years of nothing but more of the same. When you look around at the economy, the deficit, the jobs, the cost of medical, the War in Iraq, the needs in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the progressive decline experienced in all of these things and everything else and the embarrassing and costly gross dishonesty of our government, I don???t know how the issues can be ignored, yet it has happened before. After Obama???s great speech last night and the impressive Democratic convention, the Democrats and Obama, with regard to all of the issues and their plans and positions, are well known. We also know McCain and the Republican???s plans as we can look at the last eight years and at everything McCain says, which strongly commits to just more of the same. Imagine more of the same. This country really just can???t take more of the same and voting for John McCain-Sarah Palin, for whatever reason, just guarantees more of the same!
Comment: did we have people like this in 1963? i wonder how one of these guys would have characterized "I have a dream" as "good not great", applause lines were "weak", "designed for focus groups not history". give me a break. its a good thing these guys werent working for MLK. last night was definitely NOT Reagan/Busch "morning in America" bs speeches with applause lines designed for history. it was much much better. Newsweek, what are you paying these guys? Whatever it is, its a waste of money.
Comment: Mr Gerson, how is it "snide and small" to respond directly to the accusation that Mr Obama puts his ambition in front of his patriotism? And in this case it was not some 527 group, but Mr McCain himself. The accusation is beyond small. There is an old saying: If you were as low in stature as you are in character, you could walk under a snake's ass with at top hat on. That would apply to Mr McCains accusation.
Comment: Obama's speech will be historic regardly of what people say. He is the first black Democratic Presidential nominee which will be recorded in history along with his speech. Just like Obama said in his speech. This election is not about him it is about the people. If you want change Obama is the one to vote for and who I am voting for in November. I believe we have a Democratic Party that is totally united and will give McCain a run for his money.
Comment: Get real Gerson. What kind of leap in logic do you need to make to even get past this guy's accreditation at the top of the page of helping to "craft some of President George W. Bush's most memorable speeches" Huh? Which ones were those again? I suppose if you take Gerson's resume into consideration his little "In a better, nobler speech, similar points might have been made with humor and a lighter touch" would make a bit of sense.
Comment: Why do we even read the dribble that comes from pundits? Sorry to be so negative - but this is a sorry story with poor critique. Starting to realize that maybe it's not so much the politicians that turn Americans away, but the supposed experts who pretend to know the real truth behind the politicians. Inane.
Comment: McCain/ Palin The Winning Ticket.
Comment: Being on of those Hillary supporters that everybody keeps talkiing about I had not decided who I was going to vote for. McCain vs. Obama............. Last night Obama hit it out of the stadium and left me proud to be able to vote for him. the speech was amazing and I believed him which is what mattered the most to me. I really believe that he thinks he change things. And yet I still thought maybe if McCain pick a strong running mate I will change my mine that is finally comfortable voting for Obama. Today McCain made a huge blunder by picking Sarah, whats her name and where is she from? Oh yeah and she is under investigation as well???? Sorry McCain I am voting for Obama after last night and today.
Comment: not a historic speech? it sure sounded and felt like one to me. as for all of the negative hype about the backdrop - who gives a rat's rearend what the stage looks like?
Comment: I loved the stage and the speech. And I sick of hearing about Obama's lack of experience. I used to think it mattered too but after doing some Presidential research, I have determined that experience isn't everything. Look at JFK, minnimal experience great president. Nixon maximum experience, poor president. Experience clearly isn't everything, but good judgement, vision and leadership skills are vastly important. Obama may lack experience but he has the rest.
Comment: That's true LaurieSue! And how about the old "we don't know where he stands on the issues" or "we just don't know anything about this guy" arguments by the pundits. Well O'reilly, the guy wrote Two (2) autobiographies - why don't we start there? It's pretty literally spelled out there for you "who this guy is"
Comment: I too am reminded just how much we need someone who is smart, astute and experienced in the office of the Presidency---not some rookie is a first-term senator with absolutely no executive experience at all (unlike McCain's VP pick, who is Governor of Alaska and who does have executive experience).
Comment: Is that why you voted for Bush, because he's so smart and astute and had such relevant experience? His experience was bankrupting a few businesses and being a crappy governer. And look what he did with all that knowledge, helped the USA and millions of citizens along their way to bankruptcy. If you want to predict the future, look at the past. Seriously, you couldn't possibly think that McDone, being at the bottom of his class in the naval academy is smarter than Obama, the top of his class at Harvard law. You create your own reality. Must be nice.
Comment: I don't care how wonderful a speech Barack Obama gives, there are always the folks on the side who couldn't give a speech if their life depended on it, who will complain. Obama gave a wonderful speech. Stop the hating! It does not become you!
Comment: Was Gerson listening to the same speech? It was not the usual rhetoric, it was speaking to individuals in this country about unity, personal responsibility and goals for our future. The most brilliant speech I have ever heard in any of the political conventions, Democrat or Republican. Obama will lead the way. And now McCain's VP pick. You can't give us just any woman to get women voters behind you. We want smart, astute, experienced women - not a former beauty queen with less than 2 years in state government.
Comment: Here here! McCains choice of VP is insulting to women. If he really wanted the women vote he should have picked a strong smart woman like Condi. That is a choice I could have voted for........... not Sarah whats her name?
Comment: Another republican bashing Obama.
Gee, what a surprise.
Comment: I'm 53 and I'm proud to live in a time when we all get to voice our opinion. I love all of you , my fellow Americans. Now someone put on some James Brown ....and let's do THE FUNKY CHICKEN !
Comment: And what type of critique would you expect from W's speechwriter ? Gerson asserts that O'Bama's speech was all about division? I watched it 3 times. It was all about UNITY, getting past the red and blue mentality to create a more productive Washington. Yes, he did point out the differences in platforms and philosophies but, DUH, that's essential in a campaign. Gerson and company can only win if they maintain the division in America. Hence the attempt to DIVIDE the Hillary dem's by picking a female running mate. So transparent. Look at McCain's record of public slurs on women.
Comment: Sarah Palin with less than 2 years of any significant legislative experience and that too in a state with less than 5 people is now on the line to be President of the United States. Good luck America. Where are the Republicans who were saying if only Barack Obama had more than his 11+ years experience they would vote for him? What excuse do you know have Republican bots?
People on the board - The Republicans have hired bots in India to post the same message under different ids. Just watch HolyRoller etc. Once you catch them they will change their ids but it is the same people with the same comments.
Comment: Just remember one thing:
McCains team Rick Davis says, "It does not matter if it is true as long as it works."
Does that tell you anything about what they will say to get into the White House?
Comment: And what type of critique would you expect from W's speechwriter ? Gerson asserts that O'Bama's speech was all about division? I watched it 3 times. It was all about UNITY, getting past the red and blue mentality to create a more productive Washington. Yes, he did point out the differences in platforms and philosophies but, DUH, that's essential in a campaign. Gerson and company can only win if they maintain the division in America. Hence the attempt to DIVIDE the Hillary dem's by picking a female running mate. So transparent. Lokk at McCain's record of public slurs on women.
Comment: The media is trying to compare Palin with Obama and not Biden.
Comment: The comparison of Obama with Palin is a fair one. Palin would become president should McCain suddenly die or be unable to fulfill his duties as POTUS, and, at McCain's age, that is a very possible scenario.
Scogs
Comment: Like we are supposed to get un-biased reviews from a former Bush flunky and a former Clinton flunky. Let's be honest here..these two guys wouldn't a great speech if it fell on them. Obama and Biden just cemented history last night, and the McCain lovers at Newsweek and their GOP allies, are going to to have to watch as the Democrats take back the WH, and win massive majority's in both the Senate and House, great day for the country, bad day for anti-American Repug's and News media losers (yes that means Newsweek and MSNBC:)
Comment: Pat Paulson....have a great Labor day weekend.
Comment: whoa ...Everybody take it easy... these people are in politics. Everybody needs to go back and listen to the nomination speeches for the last 50 years. Last night was so Hollywood swinging.. and you have got to rent THE CANDIDATE with Robert Redford.It is a vision of where we are at now in the Political process. These delegates
on the floor are the people running the Public School system in American't . Democrat's are the trick or treater's.
Comment: NEWSWEEK contributor Michael Gerson helped craft some of President George W. Bush's most memorable speeches????? When did Bush ever give a memorable speech? The only memorable thing Bush has done is tear this country down!! No wonder Gerson didn't have anything good to say about Obama's speech. . Mr. Gerson is just envious that HE couldn't write one as memorable!! Get a new job Mr. Gerson since speech writing or critiquing is not your strong point!
As for McCain's choice??? Does he think women in general are stupid??? That they only voted for HRC because she was a woman??? Does he think he can just willy nilly put another "woman" in the pot and it will satisfy the "stupid women" he has to deal with??? I, we women are not stupid!!! I supported Hillary ALL THE WAY because of where she stood on the ISSUES. . . NOT because she was a woman. I was fully prepared to put my support behind Obama because of my strong support for Hillary and I have to say after hearing Obama's speech last night. . . I am totally and whole heartedly behind OBAMA because I now truly believe he is what American needs. I will never vote Republican!!! and even more so, I will NEVER vote for McCain no matter who he chooses as a running mate !! By choosing a woman. . and this is not a hit against Ms. Palin. . . does McCain think ANY WOMAN WILL DO?? Yes, I think the poor Repugs and poor McCain do think that way and it is an insult to Ms. Palin and to all women as Ms. Palin should have been chosen based on her credentials and not based soley because she is a WOMAN (with 5 kids) and I have NO DOUBT in this world that that IS THE ONLY REASON she was chosen as his running mate. WHAT A LOSER McCain is!!
Comment: Scared and worried huh??? hahahahahahahaha
NOBAMA!!!
Comment: I would say she is insulted, just as I am by McCains choice. He didn't even pick a strong woman, he picked one who is under an ethics investigation. If he really wanted the Hillary women he should have chosen a better woman veep. Condi comes to mind, and there are so many others to choose from as well. This choice was a token to women and an insulting one as well. His choice is insulting and it didn't work to bring this Hillary supporter to his cause, I am now voting for Barack Obama as of last night.
Comment: NEWSWEEK contributor Michael Gerson helped craft some of President George W. Bush's most memorable speeches????? When did Bush ever give a memorable speech? The only memorable thing Bush has done is tear this country down!! No wonder Gerson didn't have anything good to say about Obama's speech. . Mr. Gerson is just envious that HE couldn't write one as memorable!! Get a new job Mr. Gerson since speech writing or critiquing is not your strong point!
As for McCain's choice??? Does he think women in general are stupid??? That they only voted for HRC because she was a woman??? Does he think he can just willy nilly put another "woman" in the pot and it will satisfy the "stupid women" he has to deal with??? I, we women are not stupid!!! I supported Hillary ALL THE WAY because of where she stood on the ISSUES. . . NOT because she was a woman. I was fully prepared to put my support behind Obama because of my strong support for Hillary and I have to say after hearing Obama's speech last night. . . I am totally and whole heartedly behind OBAMA because I now truly believe he is what American needs. I will never vote Republican!!! and even more so, I will NEVER vote for McCain no matter who he chooses as a running mate !! By choosing a woman. . and this is not a hit against Ms. Palin. . . does McCain think ANY WOMAN WILL DO?? Yes, I think the poor Repugs and poor McCain do think that way and it is an insult to Ms. Palin and to all women as Ms. Palin should have been chosen based on her credentials and not based soley because she is a WOMAN (with 5 kids) and I have NO DOUBT in this world that that IS THE ONLY REASON she was chosen as his running mate. WHAT A LOSER McCain is!! Well, let's see if this comment gets posted.
Comment: Get over it. It was a great speech. Dmn the man can't even get this to his credit. What does he have to do? Cut his wrists and bleed to prove to yoy people tht he is passionate about this country. Oh i forgot, he's black and there's no way ever, he was going to just get a well deserved good speech Obama recognition. They must crap on one of the most significant moments in recent history
Comment: Thanks once again..for telling us how to think. I hope you will tell me how to vote, as you did in 2000 and 2004. Gee, what would we do without you analysts!
Comment: Wow - what a headline - not just a little biased are we? Obama's speach was the best I've seen in my 55 years and, as a student of history, I can say easily that it rated right up there with the best this country has ever seen. I was in Obama's column before the speach, but worried about his toughness and resolve - not anymore. I'm not only voting for him, I'm volunteering to help him. He is exactly what this country needs.
Comment: Any one who claims that it was'nt a GREAT speach, was probably not watching it!
Comment: And these are speech writer experts from where?!
And they represent who?
Not me, that's for sure!
As far as I am concerned, as an American citizen I thought his speech was awesome!
These speech writers are obviously voting on the other side , and I refuse to go there!
Comment: waiting for the hype to die down
Comment: The headline "Good but not Great" does not accurately describe the opinions here. Only one writer - Gerson - thought Mr. Obama's speech wasn't "great." Mr. Waldman's opinion is much, much more favorable. So, why the bias in the headline??
Comment: Are you crazy? I'm a McCain supporter and that speech was absolutely incredible. I'm on the fence now.
Comment: I was on then fence between the two as well. But after that electrifying speech last night and McCains abysmal choice of veep today. I am now an Obamaphile and am even thinking about campaigning for him as well. I thought the speech was unifying and powerful and it was the first time I thought Obama was presidential. It made me cry and it made me think and it made me cheer for our country and its potential.
Comment: We need serious prayer that someday we will be able to be free from THE PARTY'S , and just elect someone who
is not LOBBIED to death. It all has that pie in the sky thing that I have heard for 50 years. It all has a Jimmy Carter ring to it. As long as the McCain's like and promote great SOUL music from the 60's , were gonna be OK.
A DJ for the White House that will play great Memphis and Muscle Shoals records on Friday afternoon's from 4-6.
Friday
alright.
Comment: The headline "Good but not Great" does not accurately describe the opinions here. Only one writer - Gerson - thought Mr. Obama's speech wasn't "great." Mr. Waldman's opinion is much, much more favorable. So, why the bias in the headline??
Comment: I'm not surprised that a republican spin doctor like you would write such an absurd article. I'm 55 years old and have heard the greatest speaches ever delivered since 1960 and, as a student of history have read the greatest of all political speaches. This one rated right up there with the best of them. I've voted republican for many years, but this guy is a leader and I'm voting for him.
Comment: Bill Clinton is the Quintessential political figure of our time; probably the best since JFK and I've heard both speak in person. I've been very fortunate.
Comment: This Republican can't wait to cast his vote for Obama!
Comment: I wonder if Obama had selected Clinton as #2, McCain woundn't selected Palin.
Comment: I couldn't be more thrilled this morning! Still on a mental high from last night's remarkable, riveting and overwhelming speach by Obama, I find that McOverwith has selected a no name woman who is under state investigation!! Am I dreaming?? I cannot believe he just committed political suicide like that! McDone must be scared shitless! It's going to be hilarious to see their feeble old man & lame ol' party try to top what the Dems did this weeek!! They can't be stopped!!!
