Last night, when history was made, three politicians gave speeches.
John McCain started out the evening in front of a hideous green backdrop, having stolen part of Obama's campaign slogan, and gave a dreadful speech in which he attacked Obama with a chorus of "That's not change we can believe in." As he finished each sentence, which he delivered quite seriously, he gave that silly artificial smile. The message, the delivery, the appearance of McCain, even the reaction of the crowd, was not befitting a presidential candidate. Additionally, it was foolish of McCain not only to try to steal Obama's moment from him, but to be willing to pair his speech with Obama's, and have it be compared unfavorably. From here on in McCain needs to realize that no one can match Obama's gift of oratory.
Hillary Clinton was up next, having ramped up expectations of what she might say by sending out little hints all day that she would, then she wouldn't concede, that she wanted or didn't want the vice presidential nod. Her speech was in the basement of a university, where cell phones and other wireless devices could not work. Apparently she held her listeners hostage inside the room, kept in ignorance that Obama had won the nomination, so she could pretend it hadn't happened yet. When she finally gave her speech, she did not acknowledge his victory, only his good campaign, and spent the time trying to tell her supporters what she wanted. The speech was all about her, all about her supporters, with the constant (untrue) reminder that more people had voted for her than for her opponent. By all accounts, except those of her staff, it was a poor loser speech, a speech in which she seemed to be saying to Obama: "not so fast buddy, you still have to deal with me." In my estimation, the speech was one more way of the Clintons saying "It all depends on what the meaning of "is" is." It all depends on what the meaning of sniper fire is, it all depends on what the meaning of the popular vote count is, it all depends on what the meaning of victory is. One wonders if Hillary will ever concede.
Then, speaking last, was the Democrat's new presumptive nominee. His speech was generous to Hillary, gracious to her and her supporters, and tough on his Republican rival. The tone varied from humble, to matter-of-fact, to fiery. In stark contrast to McCain, whose delivery of a speech ranges from reading lines to looking up and smiling, Obama knows how to vary his style, to make his speeches interesting, to move from facts to emotion and back again. Obama's speech inspired me and made me proud.
There were three speeches last night, each with its own goal.
McCain's goal was to upstage Obama. He failed miserably.
Clinton's was to deny Obama her concession, taint his victory, and warn Obama that he would still have to contend with her. In future days, it will be obvious that her strategy backfired.
Obama's was to claim the nomination, be gracious to Hillary, and set the tone for the general election contest. He succeeded on all counts.
