JerseySmarts.com

The RNC Ends And The Real Campaign Begins

Joe — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:00:45 +0000

Thursday night was the final night of the Republican National Convention and Senator John McCain gave his acceptance speech. While his speech was not as thrilling or electric as any of the other main players in this election, I thought he performed well. Senator Barack Obama’s speech was more emotional and Senator Joe Biden’s gave a great attack speech. Governor Sarah Palin gave a more exciting, electrifying, and attacking speech than McCain, but I think McCain telling the story of his Vietnam experience made his speech much more personal than the rest.

Still, his speech would rank fourth of the speeches listed above. But not a generic fourth, more like an Olympic fourth – you know, where everyone finishes the event within the same half-second.

Both the RNC and the DNC were good events. However, aside from the tradition of holding these events every four years, I think we’d all agree that there isn’t anything really “big” decided at Conventions any more. In fact, one of the biggest highlights of these events is that they signal the impending end of the Presidential campaigns!

America is tired from a far too long Presidential campaign. We had people putting themselves into the exploratory committee process as far as two years ago. Yuck! Whether we get McCain/Palin or Obama/Biden, I do not think we are getting the best that America has to offer. That said, let’s hope that we get the best this campaign has to offer and that this campaign is out of our heads soon!

Hillary Clinton Swings it Home in Denver

Joe — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:35:45 +0000

Like every other political wonk out there, I watched New York’s Senator Hillary Clinton give a great speech during the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. The goal of this speech was for Senator Clinton to show her unyielding support for Senator Barack Obama’s candidacy and I think she did just that – and did it in grand style. Many of the talking heads on the television talked about how Hillary’s speech put herself in front of Obama on a variety of policy issues. I disagree. I think that she said as clear as she could possibly say it – she supports Barack Obama for President.

Yes, her speech was lacking a lot of flowery language and poetic verse. But folks, Hillary isn’t Obama. Senator Obama gets on the stage and sounds like the modern day Mark Twain, yet says nothing in the process. Sure, he’s someone that is probably fun to listen to live, but he gives no indication on what his specific course of action will be if he is elected as President.

For those of you who expected a flowery speech from Hillary – you’re nuts. Flowery speeches are reserved for those political figures who are on their way out (think Senator Edward Kennedy in 1980 – YouTube it if you’ve not heard it). Poetic speeches are reserved for those who will not run for higher office again and you KNOW Hillary is going to run for President again!

All in all, I was pleased with Hillary’s speech. I’m having a major problem with the DNC, though. It seems like it’s a good time out in Colorado, but I’m not able to get that feeling in my living room. By matter of contrast, both the Republican and Democratic conventions in 2004 brought a palpable excitement into many homes around the nation. This year the Democratic convention is missing that electricity. I think it’s because there are no specific policies being explained in detail (and if they are being explained, then our biased American media isn’t reporting it).

Here’s hoping the Republican convention has as many good speeches as the Democratic convention has had so far…and that’s it more fun to watch!

Senator Edward Kennedy and Michelle Obama at the DNC

Joe — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:21:13 +0000

Last night I, along with millions of Americans, watched Senator Ted Kennedy give a raucous speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Whether you love him or you hate him, you have to admit that it was good to see the man standing up on his own power and speaking with the force and passion that defined his political career. I thought the opening tribute video was a nice summary of his political accomplishments, too.

I understand, however, how some people will never be able to forget his connection to the Chappaquiddick incident. But putting those issues aside, the man looked pretty good for someone who has recently undergone brain surgery and chemotherapy.

As for the rest of the convention, I thought it was a good night. And I don’t subscribe the theories that the Democrats should have been stronger on the attack. Americans have been promised “change” and a “new politics” and I think the Democrats are carrying out their end of the deal by not using their convention to bash the opponents. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi gave a nice speech (giving a great shot out to Italian-Americans – whoo hoo!). I didn’t care for Jesse Jackson, Jr.’s speech, but that’s because I don’t think he really said anything…which is par for the course.

Michelle Obama gave a good speech, too, but mainly because she has completely changed course from her previous anti-American stances. I’m sorry, but when a person says that “America in 2008 is a downright mean country” and that this is the “first time in my adult life that I am proud of my country,” those are extremely negative statements. But her speech tonight was very well written and very well spoken. An excellent job by Michelle Obama!

Unfortunately, these conventions are always marred by morons on the outside. The anarchists who are protesting the DNC should be ashamed of themselves. They represent that worn-in crud on the boot of American politics and, frankly, that’s too high of a position for them. I saw one article that reported there were anti-Obama, anti-gay, anti-black, anti-war, anti-Democrat, anti-government, anti-American, and anti-FOX News protesters outside of the convention yesterday…to name a few.

Talk about people who are brainwashed!