August 28, 2008
The Clinton Democratic Convention
Tonight's the night that Obama makes his appearance before 60,000 adoring acolytes cultists true believers in The One, at an outdoor stadium in Denver.
I can't hardly wait.
The Clintons have provided the most interesting parts of the proceedings so far, with Hillary calling for party unity, although her speech struck me as rather perfunctory when it came to rallying her Amazonian warriors to Obama's cause.
The pundits were seemingly blown away by her speech, many calling it the best of her career; me, not so much. Hillary Clinton's voice has always had a sharp, grating tone, a relentless quality to it. She's a shouter, too, seemingly incapable of remembering that she's miked and amplified to the gills -- just talk to us; you don't have to bellow to the back rows. Still, even I'm forced to grudgingly admit that she was as good as she gets.
Then there was the moment when the New York delegation cut short the roll call vote, Hillary moving that Obama be named the candidate by acclamation. I've got to tell you, the whole point of conventions used to be for the party to pick the nominee, for states to offer a brief tribute to themselves before saying who they were supporting. It was a graphic demonstration of the power of federalism at work.
Sure, the outcome is known ahead of time -- for the most part -- but there is always the possibility of a floor fight, a real debate, democracy in action, even.
Not yesterday, though. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, grinning like the cat that ate the canary, announced to the delegates of Clinton's motion and asked if it was seconded (it was), then asked for all those in favor to say "Aye!"
They did, and Pelosi then said, "AllthoseopposedsayNay.TheayeshavingatwothirdsmajorityBarackObamaisdeclaredthenomineeoftheDemocraticParty."
Honestly, she couldn't have rushed through the "Anyone opposed?" portion any faster if she had been a hog caller at the county fair.
Bill Clinton, on the other hand, was in rare form, the true master of ceremonies, proving again that when it comes to political speechifying he is without peer.
Of course, there were countless distortions and "Hey, that's a load of bunk!" moments as I listened, but then I remembered that this was Bill Clinton, speaking to his peeps, so it was to be expected.
There's no denying that the man was at the top of his game. Ann Althouse had the best take on his performance.
8:15: Clinton turns the topic to domestic policy (which we've read is what he wanted to talk about): "Barack Obama knows that America cannot be strong abroad unless we are first strong at home. People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power." That was written to be a famous quote, and I think it will be remembered. "Look at the example the Republicans have set." Great segue.
8:17: I love the shots of Hillary -- her chin pulled in unattractively, but with expressive resolve, her eyes bulging, her lips pressed together in a strong smile. It all says: He's right! My husband is right! Then we see Michelle, who -- though she never ran for President -- is presiding over all of this, monitoring everything. She smiles charmingly when Bill is promoting her husband and has an edgy look when it seems as though he might not have his heart 100% in this.
8:24: Bill Clinton is doing a fabulous job tonight. His superiority to everyone else who has spoken is painfully obvious. "American will always be a place called hope." Brilliant. He's the greatest!
8:26: And, now what is going through his mind? "And that's how it's done you losers. Screw you for rejecting Hillary. Enjoy your doom, fuckers."
Biden?
Meh.
I wasn't impressed; the more you know about him, the less there is to say. For all the talk of his foreign policy credibility and experience, the man simply has been in the Senate since he was 29, accomplishing precious little -- beyond earning a reputation for being a serial plagiarizer (read: liar) and grinning nincompoop, prone to saying the first thing that pops into his head.
For my Jewish friends and family who recoil from the thought of voting for a Republican, let me remind them that Biden voted against giving aid to Israel in 1987 ... and wanted to give Iran $200 million in 2001.
Yeah, foreign policy genius, this one is.
Anyhow, only a few hours left until the big nighttime rally.
Like I said, can't hardly wait.
Posted by Mike Lief at August 28, 2008 06:57 AM
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