Did Obama's speech clarify his agenda?

I say no. Actually I thought the video before his speech was more moving than his speech. So much raa raa about what he was or wasn't going to say. Michelle's was much better. I thought he gave a wish list, instead of meat on how he would change those policies. But I did like the end where he said

"We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country.

(APPLAUSE)

The -- the reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than they are for those plagued by gang violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals.

(APPLAUSE)

I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in a hospital and to live lives free of discrimination.

(APPLAUSE)

You know, passions may fly on immigration, but I don't know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers.

But this, too, is part of America's promise, the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort."

actual full transcript here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/28/us/po ... ted=5&_r=1

What did you think, were you persuaded for him, affirmed in what you already supported?

[Flynn]

Re: Did Obama's speech clarify his agenda?

Well I think that the "meat" will come in the debates but he outlined nicely how he differs from McCain in his speech.
I thought he did a great job and yes I will vote for him. No question.


I honestly don't know how this can be a tough election for people. McCain and Obama are so different!

Re: Did Obama's speech clarify his agenda?

I have to admit, DH & I got bored with the partly line spiel and turned it off. We liked the video, too. I'll try to read the rest of his speech later today, as it sounds like it got better.

BUT - I was shocked to hear DH say he's considered voting for Obama. Once again, the split ticket may be the way we'll go here. I think Obama & his family have the potential to be our first generally well-liked first family in quite a while.

As long as diplomacy is required the next four years more than military action, I think he'll do great.

We'll see what McCain has to say... *sigh*

Re: Did Obama's speech clarify his agenda?

Party line? Didn't clarify his agenda?

Even Pat Buchanan was gushing over this speech! DH and I were just shocked to hear what Buchanan had to say about it - the other MSNBC commentators had to cut his accolades off to go to commercial!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Fru4dZLGA

"This wasn't a liberal speech AT ALL." - Pat Buchanan

Nearly all of the top commentators and reporters on the three cable news networks had hailed Obama's speech as something new and powerful, and filled with specifics, and predicted it would have a positive effect on his chances vs. John McCain. This hallelujah chorus included conservatives such as Bill Kristol and Pat Buchanan and the longtime Republican David Gergen, as well as Tom Brokaw and Brian Williams. Buchanan called it the best and most important political convention speech he had ever heard, going back 48 years.

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp ... 1003844063

He wasn't going to stand there with a power point presentation - but he did give detail as to what things he would cut / loopholes he'd close in order to accomplish what he hopes to accomplish. He also called for personal accountability, asking Democrats to remember that we can't save everyone, programs have to be responsible, and people have to take ownership of their own behavior.

As long as diplomacy is required the next four years more than military action, I think he'll do great.

(from Deb)

Diplomacy is always required, and has been sorely lacking in the past 8 years. McCain has shown no interest in diplomacy - and that terrifies me. "Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, Iran"? "100 more years in Iraq"? The man can't even keep Suni & Shia straight - how on earth is he supposed to address any issue in the Middle East without using a bomb?

I *loved* it when Obama said "We ALL put America first!" (the slogan for the RNC). It was a FANTASTIC speech, IMO.

Re: Did Obama's speech clarify his agenda?

Good point that the debates will get more specific. It's just when I hear things like "I will cut taxes for 95% of the working Americans" I'm like hum, how are you going to do that? That sounds nice, but what exactly does that mean? It's a little too pixie dust like for me. But, that said, I know McCain will do the same.

Why am I not sure? Because I agree with 50% of many "Republican" issues and 50% of many "Democrat" issues. I'm trying to figure out which issues I think are more important, and who represents the strongest change for those issues. So, I'm really perplexed. I truly feel I'm that independent voter who probably won't know until the gut of the debates. For the record, there are many more of "us" than there were last election, or so I hear reported.

[GrayMatterWife]

Re: Did Obama's speech clarify his agenda?

I am not sure. I couldn't concentrate on the speech. I was too distracted by the incessant pan-shots to the Hollywood stars whose presence made clear that Obama shares their values, and by the roman columns framing Obama's profile shots in some sort of bacchanalian tribute to Caesar.



Seriously, the set was so silly and presumptuous.

[Laker]

Re: Did Obama's speech clarify his agenda?

he was starting to sound like Rev. Wright.....he was getting angry and constantly attacking McCain by name...so much for his new politics of change. sounded like the typical attack session to me.

[alison]

Re: Did Obama's speech clarify his agenda?

I thought it was a fantastic speech. I wasn't so sure about Obama at first, but there's no question in my mind.

Re: Did Obama's speech clarify his agenda?

he was starting to sound like Rev. Wright.....he was getting angry and constantly attacking McCain by name...so much for his new politics of change. sounded like the typical attack session to me.

John McCain is his opponent. Who else should he have been referring to when making the comparisons?

Re: Did Obama's speech clarify his agenda?

The reasons he lost me (just in this speech, not overall) were the early vague allusions to healthcare reform and a couple other aspects of the economy. I think Obama values capitalism, too, but I'd feel better hearing him say it, instead of making me wonder if he's planning to plunge us into socialized medicine and whatever else.

In any case, we went to bed before he got to the "let me spell out exactly what that change would mean if I am President" part. I read it just now (it's nice to read without the convention drama ), and he does have very clear goals, along with a general plan for funding them. I liked his ideas - once explained - on the environment and the economy. Those ideas were much more developed than the ones on foreign policy, IMO. I would have liked to have heard such clear goals about getting out of Iraq and "renew[ing] diplomacy... build[ing] new partnerships," etc. Maybe that's not practical to address in a speech that is heard around the world. But these are the issues that make me most apprehensive in this election.

In any case, I like Obama, and this speech certainly didn't make me like him any less, especially now that I've read the whole thing. He seems like someone who is more about genuine belief in his ideals than about following the generally accepted norms of being a politician.

[Flynn]

Re: Did Obama's speech clarify his agenda?

In any case, I like Obama, and this speech certainly didn't make me like him any less, especially now that I've read the whole thing. He seems like someone who is more about genuine belief in his ideals than about following the generally accepted norms of being a politician.

...and that is one of the many reasons there is so much excitement surrounding Obama.

I remember hearing him speak for the first time in 2004. He gave me goosebumps. DH said "THAT guy should run for president!"

DH and I watched together as we have been all week. He praised the speech and he has voted mostly for Republicans in the past. We will watch the Republican convention with as much interest.

Say what you want about Obama's platform -- disagree with EVERYTHING he stands for -- having 75,000 + people come and hear you speak IS A BIG DEAL. This is history folks.

[Rapunzel]

Re: Did Obama's speech clarify his agenda?

Obama's ability to attract rock-star type crowds does not impress me. He's a celebrity. :huh: Doesn't make him qualified for the presidency.

Anytime Obama has been vague about his intentions if he is elected president I default to the basic Democratic Party platform. He's a Democratic presidential nominee. He's going to support his party- hook, line, and sinker.

So, I think any vagueness on his part is just a silly game. Just read the Dem party platform and you can get the gist of his ultimate goals.

[Sheherezade]

Re: Did Obama's speech clarify his agenda?

I think any vagueness on his part is just a silly game. Just read the Dem party platform and you can get the gist of his ultimate goals.

I recently heard a news report on the crafting of the Republican Party platform for the upcoming convention. They stated that it contained several elements that were not held in common with John McCain. Apparently (as per the report) it is not uncommon for a candidate for President to hold different positions than those put forth by the party at convention (the platform). I didn't know this.

Does anyone have any more information on that? I wasn't aware that party platform could differ substantially from the candidate's postitions.....but it makes sense. The party is lots of elected officials with varying views. Clarification from those more in the know around here would be great....