That was the line from Clinton’s speech at the Democratic convention, completed just moments ago, that I’ll never forget. So simple, so concise, and so perfect in making its point — you can be tough and smart at the same time. Just carrying a big stick is not acceptable.
The man is simply the most brilliant speaker of our age, better even than Tony Blair. He knows how to tighten the strings and excite the crowd, like an ingenious DJ who’s totally tuned in to his dancing followers.
Everyone, absolutely everyone is raving about him, even the Fox goons. Attack his morals, criticize his policies, deconstruct his hypocrisies — it doesn’t matter. He is the best orator of our age and he accomplished his mission in spades. What a thrill. What a poignant memory of what it’s like to have a real president. What a rallying cry for Kerry (and Clinton was extremely careful to make Kerry the centerpiece of all his points).
Now Bill, go away and let things settle down so that when JFK steps up to the podium on Thursday you’re an inspiring memory. Pass the baton, and let Kerry work his own magic. Everything, absolutely everything hinges on his upcoming performance. I believe he will rise to this extraordinary occasion and electrify the party and the nation in a way we never believed he could. The world is holding its breath, and Kerry knows it. He won’t disappoint.
1
By Angry Chinese Blogger
“better even than Tony Blair”
For those of you who don’t know, Tony Blair is a weasle and is as slimy as they come.
He also doesn’t write his own speaches, so what you are actually hearing are the words of his speach writers, Blair is not a man to be admired, he took Britain to war against the desires of its people just as Bush took America to war.
July 27, 2004 @ 1:00 am | Comment
2
By Joseph Bosco
Richard,
As a student of such things, and also a professor of such things (Communications), I can only agree by saying that President Clinton’s speech was one for the ages–it was one of the greatest of all political speeches and will be remembered and studied as such.
He needed to hit one out of the ballyard, and he did–a Ruthian blast appropriate for the setting, Boston.
All the best,
Joseph
July 27, 2004 @ 6:33 am | Comment
3
By richard
Joseph, it was absolutely thrilling, and even the most to-the-right writers are saying he is simply unbeatable on the podium. Repellent Dick Morris wrote about it in the NY Post, gushing about the way the guy can talk.
ACB, let’s give credit where it’s due: Tony Blair is a master of rhetoric. Forget about speeches — have you ever seen him handle a gaggle of angry reporters? The man is a genius, the absolute antithesis of the bumbling, stuttering shrub who is our president.
July 27, 2004 @ 11:30 am | Comment
4
By Eric
Let’s hope the Democratic Convention gives up on Kerry and nominates Clinton for president.
July 27, 2004 @ 7:11 pm | Comment
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By richard
Eric, I hate to say it, but I wish it were possible. I’ve come to respect and appreciate Kerry, but no one — absolutely no one — can electrify and unify the people like Clinton. Gore was dumb, not letting Clinton campaign for him. Kerry’s smarter, and Clinton will be a big help in electing him.
July 27, 2004 @ 7:16 pm | Comment
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By jacky
I think at Gore’s time, Clinton wasn’t all that ‘acceptable’. Time and Bush’s behaviour/performance have lent a better view (or review) of Clinton’s standing. It has been Gore’s loss but Kerry’s gain.
July 29, 2004 @ 1:23 am | Comment
7
By Anonymous
While Surfing I found this….!
Thanks Peking Duck for these words!
“Strength and wisdom are not opposing values”
That was the line from Clinton’s speech at the Democratic convention, completed just moments ago, that I’ll never forget. So simple, so concise, and so perfect …
July 29, 2004 @ 9:58 pm | Comment