[R. S. Gwynn]

This has nothing to do with the political ideas expressed therein, but with the total lack of meaningful expression. I found this speech to be absolutely flat, devoid of any of the rhetorical flourishes that could have made it, at the least, somewhat memorable. I know that we shouldn't expect too much from today's polticians, or from their speechwriters, but, frankly, I would take McCain's whole writing team out, line them against a wall, and consign them to local newspapers, not even to the sports pages. If this speech was supposed to be the expression of some kind of passion, where was the passion? Dull, dull, dull. I don't support McCain, but a stirring speech would have at least made things interesting (as Palin did in hers). This one was a flatliner.

[Kevin Andrew Murphy]

And this surprises you how, given McCain's past speeches? The man is blander than Mondale.

I think future political historians--and current ones--have the makings of an exceedingly easy compare-contrast essay with the two tickets.

Of course Ferraro was a far more accomplished politician when she was tapped as VP candidate, but even so....

If you had to put a ticket into comic book terms, it used to be that Captain Milquetoast & Brash Chick would have only one answer. Now it's definitely two.

[Anne Bryant-Hamon]

From Bleeding Heartland (A Blog)

Shamelessly, the producers of tonight's events thought it was a good idea to show a "9/11 tribute video" with graphic footage. You can watch the video here if you have the stomach for it.

Also, McCain started speaking at exactly 9:11 pm central time.

-------------
My comment: What's next, another threatening video tape from Bin Laden just as they came out in the run up to the '04 election? Amazing how gas prices are falling with all these hurricanes lining up as we move toward the November election (just like it was in '04).



[This message has been edited by Anne Bryant-Hamon (edited September 05, 2008).]

[Catherine Chandler]

Shameless, indeed. My heart goes out to all of those who lost loved ones on 9/11 for how their loved ones' deaths have been exploited in this video for political purposes by the Republican Party. I can't believe they are basing their campaign again on fear.

[Laura Heidy-Halberstein]

Originally posted by C. Chandler-Oliveira:
I can't believe they are basing their campaign again on fear.

Why not? It worked the first time.

Although it does give lie to the "change" message, doesn't it?

[Laura Heidy-Halberstein]

No poetry??? Read this and weep, Sam.

And when McCain took the microphone, he too delivered a glorious speech --

There was another flash of poetry at the end of the speech.

"Fight with me," McCain implored. "Fight for what's right for our country. Fight for the ideals and character of a free people. Fight for our children's future. Fight for justice and opportunity for all...Stand up, stand up, stand up, and fight! Nothing is inevitable. We're Americans, and we never give up! We never quit! We never hide from history! We make history!"


Sarah Palin's fans are already comparing her to Margaret Thatcher. After John McCain finished speaking, I had a similar thought. Like him or not, agree with him or not, this self-described "imperfect servant" may just be the closest thing Americans have to our own Winston Churchill.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/...ain/index.html

Excuse me while I barf up my mooseburger.

[Terese Coe]

http://cartoonbox.slate.com/mikeluckovich/
http://cartoonbox.slate.com/mikeluckovich/2008/09/03/
http://cartoonbox.slate.com/mikeluckovich/2008/08/27/

[This message has been edited by Terese Coe (edited September 05, 2008).]

[Anne Bryant-Hamon]

Originally posted by Laura Heidy-Halberstein:
Why not? It worked the first time.

Although it does give lie to the "change" message, doesn't it?

I think the cartoon Janet posted from The Sydney morning Herald sums the situation up - a "woman" riding a beast. When I woke up this morning the thought came to me - this is Circe' and she has made her people drunk with religion and blood. In Greek mythology, Circe turned men into animals, if I'm not mistaken. I would like to say more about what I believe is going to happen come November and into next year, but I will just keep that to myself for now.

Last weekend, everyone around the globe (those who are paying attention) was asking themselves, WHO IS THIS WOMAN?
The pieces of the puzzle are beginning to fit together. It is time for great courage.

[This message has been edited by Anne Bryant-Hamon (edited September 05, 2008).]

[R. S. Gwynn]

I think McCain may have lifted his peroration from Gunga Din.
http://www.hollywood-elsewhere.com/i...12507/kill.mp3

[Jerry Glenn Hartwig]

Ohgoodlord: now Palin is Circe!?

She must really have you Democrats scared!

I didn't hear McCain's speech, but I'll read the transcript later and try to comment.