home

Convention Open Thread 2

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Democratic National Convention 2008
Posted on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:27:32 PM EST
Tags: (all tags)
Share This: Digg! StumbleUpon del.icio.us reddit reddit

Bob Casey is on now, then Mark Warner, then the "Hillary Clinton Segment," with Hillary speaking at around 10:30. Her speech is said to be about 20 minutes.

Casey spending some time praising Hillary Clinton. Casey is trying to deliver some red meat. The lines are lame but, hell, they are better than nothing. The line is "Four more months." Um, ok. I prefer my formulation "Say No To Bush's Third Term. Say No To McCain."

I'll write about Warner on the flip.

This is an Open CONVENTION Thread.

"My fellow Democrats . . ." I like that. Not original but damn, have not heard that in THIS Convention.

At least Warner brought some energy to the occasion. Good start.

Warner better than most. That said, an awful lot about Mark Warner.

It's a pretty good speech overall. Here's what's missing - Contrast. But not bad. As I said, better than most.

Nice line - "Four more years we can't afford."

Nice stuff on the economy and health care. Issues. Contrast.

I like it better the more it goes on.

Hate the post partisan schtick. The way to make that idea work - "the it does not matter if it is D or R is to add, but the good ideas are coming from the Ds now. On health care, economy, Iraq, keeping us safe. I am not asking you to vote for Democrats because we are Democrats. I am asking you to vote for Democrats because we have the better ideas, the better vision and will give America a better future."

< Not Covering The Convention | The Hillary Clinton Hour >

  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


    • Display: Sort:
    Convention Open Thread 2 | 162 comments (162 topical)

    Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment

    God Casey is a boing speaker. (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by Maria Garcia on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:28:50 PM EST


    Okay he's warming up a little bit.... (none / 0) (#3)
    by Maria Garcia on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:29:59 PM EST
    ...with the Republican bashing. But he's such a dork.

    Parent
    gee, gosh (5.00 / 3) (#2)
    by Turkana on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:29:10 PM EST
    casey and clinton on the same night. that just reminds me of how the clintons kept casey from speaking at their convention because tweety and everyone said so!

    Yep (5.00 / 3) (#6)
    by chrisvee on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:30:51 PM EST
    Paul Begala went out of his way to 'correct' the record with Wolf Blitzer. Wolf seemed unconvinced.

    Parent
    i've watched begala refute it (5.00 / 2) (#28)
    by Turkana on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:36:45 PM EST
    over and over and over, through the years, and his own supposed colleagues just continue to lie. wolf is the personification of conventional wisdom. he gets visibly nervous when anyone deviates from the script.

    Parent
    Yep (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by chrisvee on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:49:27 PM EST
    Wolf seemed uninterested in anything that disturbed conventional wisdom.

    Parent
    Wolf gets positively DISTURBED (5.00 / 2) (#136)
    by litigatormom on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:11:09 PM EST
    by anything that disturbs the conventional wisdom.

    I thought Warner was weak.  The post-partisan thing was lame.  For once, I agree with the MSNBC talking heads (Maddow, Robinson, Noron O'D., and Pat Buchanan, God help me) who said that Warner's speech seemed like a brief for political parties to disappear.

    He also reminded me of Dukakis.  Need I say more.

    Parent

    I endorse this message. (none / 0) (#158)
    by Molly Bloom on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:23:00 PM EST


    Parent
    As he usually does, of late (none / 0) (#15)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:33:53 PM EST
    Wolf seemed unconvinced.

    He's become quite the a$$hole. Yesterday and today, he's been introducing the narrative of the "Evil and Vengeful Clintons," something that would be more consistent with the shameful folks on MSNBC. Really disappointing.

    Parent

    Bloggers on the case? (5.00 / 4) (#10)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:32:06 PM EST
    Nah, Casey bragged about it in his speech. Confirming the lie.

    Parent
    if it smears the clintons (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by Turkana on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:37:39 PM EST
    the bloggers will be there for the assist...

    Parent
    Ugh, I'm sorry to hear that. (none / 0) (#63)
    by andgarden on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:48:30 PM EST
    You know who's corrected the record on this before? Chris Matthews.

    Parent
    Why am I not surprised? (none / 0) (#138)
    by litigatormom on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:11:50 PM EST
    Tweety has a Ph.D in Counterfactual History.

    Parent
    I read that Casey, Sr. (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by Tzal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:56:00 PM EST
    would not endorse the Clinton-Gore ticket. And that was the reason he was not allowed to speak. If that's true, then it's justified. But I didn't catch Begala's comment so there may be another reason.


    Parent
    That was the reason (5.00 / 1) (#98)
    by andgarden on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:57:25 PM EST


    Parent
    Begala also said (none / 0) (#103)
    by Democratic Cat on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:59:28 PM EST
    Casey wanted to give a 30 minute speech on abortion and no one wants that at a Democratic Convention. Gotta love Mr. B.

    Parent
    Is it just me or (5.00 / 4) (#5)
    by kenosharick on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:30:03 PM EST
    does this whole convention seem rather boring so far?

    Boring (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by dissenter on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:33:16 PM EST
    Doesn't cover it. The Communist Party Convention in Moscow 1980 would be more entertaining.

    We might be watching this, but I am quite sure the average person is watching Law and Order and Design on a Dime

    Parent

    ever been.... (5.00 / 2) (#27)
    by p lukasiak on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:36:26 PM EST
    Have you ever had a boss whose primary qualification was sucking up to his superiors, and he gets a promotion -- and then throws himself a dinner and invites the people who worked under him?

    Its like that.

    Parent

    Game Show-Like (5.00 / 2) (#41)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:41:13 PM EST
    Music and Stage Set-Up ... with American Idol-like production value.

    Everyone seems to be waiting for the next musical break from the 60s cover band ... all the speeches are fillers.

    Most of them only seem to be there just to shake their tailfeathers.

    Parent

    This comment (none / 0) (#141)
    by litigatormom on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:12:44 PM EST
    is a slur on American Idol.

    Parent
    Like watching paint dry (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:34:29 PM EST


    Parent
    Today was flat (none / 0) (#20)
    by catfish on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:34:42 PM EST
    Where are our Democratic mayors? Where is the theme? Very disjointed. Where are the Democrats we can show off? Where is the history?

    Parent
    There was that one segment in the middle (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by JavaCityPal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:46:16 PM EST
    Kucinich, then a couple boring ones, the women Senators (until McCaskill), Rendell. Oh, and I really enjoyed the black caucus and their tribute to Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

    That was the pick me up segment, now, it appears, we just need to wait for Hillary.

    Not finding Warner to be particularly engaging as a speaker.


    Parent

    Missed the black caucus! (none / 0) (#66)
    by catfish on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:49:55 PM EST
    Why was McCaskill on two nights in a row?

    Parent
    It just seems like he's mouthing lines (none / 0) (#79)
    by Eleanor A on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:52:37 PM EST
    Is it just that everyone knows Obama's gonna have an uphill battle?  I just read a headline that Gallup's got him slipping since he picked Biden.

    Parent
    Is it partially the venue? Just seems to swallow u (none / 0) (#30)
    by jawbone on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:37:14 PM EST
    all the energy--sound. Everyone seems so distant.

    Or is it the content?

    Parent

    its like a britney spears concert.... (5.00 / 0) (#40)
    by p lukasiak on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:40:59 PM EST
    only with Britney singing a capella, with no dancers  -- just this huge over-the-top glitzy set, and mediocrity displayed there-on.

    Parent
    Remember who the co-chairs are (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by JavaCityPal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:47:29 PM EST
    Pelosi, Sebelius, etc.

    Parent
    It's not the venue (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by catfish on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:00:00 PM EST
    when you have to hide the half of the party that backed your rival, and you have to hide Civil Rights history, and you have to hide women's rights history, well what are you left with?

    There is so much to celebrate about this party. But none of them were invited to speak here.

    Parent

    No (none / 0) (#33)
    by dissenter on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:38:19 PM EST
    The Avalanche and Nuggets have no problem in that building. They love it.

    Parent
    Dick Morris is saying Hillary (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by bjorn on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:31:26 PM EST
    will be sensational tonight but only because she wants to show up Obama and make people think they made the wrong choice.  I know Dick Morris is deranged, but couldn't someone else point out the obvious, what did he expect her to do then -- give a terrible speech so we could all feel better that Obama was the nominee???  Switching over to Law and Order reruns until Clinton speaks.

    Um (5.00 / 3) (#12)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:32:41 PM EST
    Dick Morris is deranged. FULL STOP.

    Parent
    Make sure (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by DemForever on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:34:14 PM EST
    you keep your shoes on around Dick

    Parent
    2016? (5.00 / 1) (#95)
    by weltec2 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:56:14 PM EST
    First, I sincerely doubt that either Obama or McCain have what it takes to be more than a single term president.

    Hillary was born in November of 1947. In January of 2016 she would be 68 tying William Henry Harrison as the second oldest president in American history after Reagan who was 69 when first elected.

    I'm thinking of making some shirts with Clinton/Gore 2012 on the front and Gore/Clinton 2012 on the back. Either way, I don't care.

    Parent

    Poor Hillary (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by Eleanor A on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:38:25 PM EST
    Seriously.  She's going to get blamed for everything, good or bad.  If she gives a bad speech (which will be impossible, I'm just sayin') the press will go to town - now if she's anticipated to give a good one they're gonna tear her apart.

    I really hope she's got a good long vacation coming up somewhere tropical.

    Parent

    I really don't feel sorry for Hillary anymore.... (5.00 / 5) (#44)
    by Maria Garcia on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:41:50 PM EST
    ...I think that she's past the point where it hurts. I think (at least I hope) she is at the point where she sees the farce for what it is. Hopefully she and Bill have a countdown to freedom.

    Parent
    just hoping she's mad (none / 0) (#125)
    by Eleanor A on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:06:08 PM EST
    enough to do something about it going forward.  What was done to her shouldn't be done to anyone in a just society.

    Parent
    I forgot Biden was the Veep candidate until (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by rooge04 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:31:27 PM EST
    Bob just reminded me. LOL. What a bore.  My goodness.
    "4 more months..."  I cringed.

    On such an important day for women's rights... (5.00 / 3) (#14)
    by justinboston2008 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:33:47 PM EST
    Why the sam heck is the most anti-choice Democrat speaking at the convention? Why today??? Gives the media something to talk about while he speaks... Oy.
    I'm Guessing (5.00 / 5) (#29)
    by dissenter on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:37:13 PM EST
    Because the cast of clowns running this convention couldn't find their way out of a plastic bag. I am beyond astonished at all of this.

    They don't even have a message. The marketing 101 class at the local high school knows every convention needs a message....never mind a friggin presidential convention. If I am John McCain I am laughing my ass off at this ineptness.

    Truly shocking.

    Parent

    Even the cheerleaders at MyDD (5.00 / 5) (#21)
    by dws3665 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:34:55 PM EST
    are underwhelmed. It's puzzling, until I remember that Nancy Pelosi and Donna Brazile have had hands in running the convention. So disappointing.

    that does explain it (5.00 / 2) (#23)
    by bjorn on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:36:06 PM EST


    Parent
    I was banned from there today (none / 0) (#24)
    by catfish on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:36:18 PM EST
    for about the third time.

    Parent
    I like Lily Ledbetter (5.00 / 2) (#26)
    by Emma on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:36:21 PM EST
    Good for her.   It's hard to be the plaintiff in a case that goes on that long.  And then to get totally scr*wed at the end of it.

    Jeebus Crispies (5.00 / 2) (#35)
    by americanincanada on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:39:21 PM EST
    Dancing with the Stars has a better band...

    They look like they're having in the hall (5.00 / 0) (#39)
    by Redshoes on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:40:46 PM EST
    but it's painful out in tvland -- an even lamer "So Excited" is playing now.

    It makes me think of jokes where "you just had to be there."

    Do democrats have a message to get across? (5.00 / 2) (#42)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:41:18 PM EST
    There is just no message or theme here at all in this convention. It is like an amoeba... headless, directionless, random.

    With a few hackneyed cliches thrown in about the american dream and hardworkin muricans.

    I don't get why it's this bad.

    That's what I'm noticing. (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by lansing quaker on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:48:00 PM EST
    A lot of rust belt economy talk, which -- while salient -- doesn't offer solutions except on the back of "McCain is just Bush... again!"  Very little on new tech and even though I LOVE GOV. GRANHOLM, her panel was so scripted it hurts.

    Granholm could have given a better segment just speaking on her own.

    The only other note I get is on energy/gas prices.  And, in my opinion, if McCain picks Palin as his VP -- with her pro-drilling in ANWR stance -- they're going to snatch the energy debate right away.

    Parent

    its intentional... (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by p lukasiak on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:52:24 PM EST
    Its boring because that is what the Obama wants.  People are passionate about what they believe in, and that passion and conviction is what makes speeches worth watching.  But Obama insists on message control -- that strips speeches of any possibility of conviction and passion and interest.

    Parent
    here's why: (5.00 / 3) (#80)
    by dws3665 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:52:44 PM EST
    The ponies aren't allowed in the hall.

    Parent
    well (5.00 / 2) (#145)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:14:00 PM EST
    when you have a nominee who has no message what do you expect? It's been nothing but a hodge podge just like Obama's campaign.

    The whole aura is that of a funeral.

    Parent

    I guess where they are losing me, (5.00 / 5) (#43)
    by Anne on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:41:36 PM EST
    aside from the general flat, bland, I-can-read-off-a-teleprompter delivery, is after someone ticks off a laundry list of areas where we need to prevail, and I'm thinking, "yeah, that's it - that's what we need," the speaker starts in with "Barack Obama will..." and that's when the air goes out of me when I realize that has no ring of authenticity about it.

    Did that make sense?

    And, my god - this music is just horrid.

    Yes, Anne, that makes a lot of sense... (5.00 / 2) (#57)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:47:24 PM EST
    I felt particularly deflated at the end of Kucinich's rousing speech and he had to say "Up with Obama".

    That was the one line in his list that I didn't buy.

    Oh Lordy, Warner made his fortune on developing car/cell phones. Is he LOADED and trying to account for it?

    Parent

    GAAAH (5.00 / 0) (#107)
    by Eleanor A on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:00:43 PM EST
    The schmaltzy band is playing a cover of "Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News.

    This is the best we can do?  The party of Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and 1000s of other fantastic recording artists?

    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#153)
    by Steve M on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:18:31 PM EST
    It's the theme from one of the "Back to the Future" movies, as I recall.  So there's the hook.

    Parent
    So far I only see shades of 2004 (5.00 / 2) (#45)
    by justinboston2008 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:42:31 PM EST
    Another boring infomercial that says nothing and will do nothing to get the undecideds to support Obama. Part of this is the media's fault but let's see what Mark Warner has to say...

    If his speech is a big fuzzy hug and not a sucker punch to the Republicans, I will have to vomit.

    Wow. (5.00 / 2) (#51)
    by Maria Garcia on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:45:28 PM EST
    Mark Warner has actual accomplishments. He's like hopey change on steriods.

    Looks like a Ken Doll to me (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by nycstray on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:45:51 PM EST
    this is change?

    I'm sure he's a nice guy and all, but where's the change when they show our future as another white guy in charge? Oh, yeah, the boys club. How silly of me.

    Yeah a little plastic (none / 0) (#59)
    by DemForever on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:47:31 PM EST
    but it would be great if can win Virginia

    Parent
    I don't want plastic (5.00 / 1) (#76)
    by nycstray on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:52:33 PM EST
    I. Want. Real.

    And Obama and his cheerleaders aren't it. Obama's all about "change", but he's not. And as a woman, I don't see giving the keynote to possibly the next white male, freakin' change.


    Parent

    Lego man (none / 0) (#90)
    by waldenpond on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:54:36 PM EST
    I hadn't heard him before and I thought.... if he runs for Pres there will be commercials with him made out of Legos with a robotic voice.

    I am picturing this... lego.

    Parent

    lol!~ (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by nycstray on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:02:34 PM EST
    yeah, I hadn't heard him speechify before either, thank Dog!

    I may have to use my computer skills and morph Ken and Lego ;)

    Parent

    Is it just me (5.00 / 3) (#56)
    by americanincanada on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:47:01 PM EST
    or have we not heard a word about down ticket dems so far at this convention? It has been all Obama all the time. Nothing really about the platform or congress or sufferage or nothing.

    Wow...

    Obama and McCain about even on going after Russia (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by jawbone on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:48:19 PM EST
    Comments at Time Magazine.

    OBAMA: "I condemn Russia's decision... and call upon all countries of the world not to accord any legitimacy to this action."

    MCCAIN: "Moscow's action deserves condemnation from the entire international community, and Russia must understand that its violations of international law carry consequences."

    Hey, guys, chill out--we don't need another war, OK?

    While you're there, check out this Obama article, The Five Faces of Obama.

    I was searching for the article on Obama and his Obama Sr., but came across this one on this mother.

    The Dems need a better farm team. (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by Redshoes on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:50:03 PM EST
    Warner is doing better than the earlier speakers (Casey, Sebelius) but if this is keynote material, we need to start trading for some talent.
    Warner Is Underperforming (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:50:42 PM EST
    I've heard him speak before, and while he's giving a really substantial speech, it seems ill-fitting for tonight.

    it seems cliche or (none / 0) (#77)
    by bjorn on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:52:34 PM EST
    something or maybe because the dems have been so lame lately we are no more credible than repubs when we say "if we put the resources into education."  Haven't we been saying that for over 40 years and still NADA!!

    Parent
    Woohoo!! (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:51:15 PM EST
    Warner gives a shoutout to science! I officially love him.

    Seriously, he's pretty good, better than the rest tonight.

    He is good! (none / 0) (#120)
    by befuddledvoter on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:05:06 PM EST
    Friends in Va really like him; very popular!!  He is delivering tonight.  Finally someone with a message and the ability to excite a bit.    

    Parent
    At least he had a little energy and something (none / 0) (#151)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:17:47 PM EST
    resembling passion. The rest of the night was like watching scripted robots.

    LOL, grade inflation!

    Parent

    Warner seems like he's doing well.... (5.00 / 0) (#74)
    by Maria Garcia on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:52:01 PM EST
    ...I know its partly because they set the bar so low with all these other boring clowns.

    lol. Look out though. Here comes the (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by Teresa on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:53:33 PM EST
    Republicans and Democrats must love each other and work together....not getting much applause on those lines.

    Parent
    yeah (none / 0) (#81)
    by andgarden on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:53:00 PM EST


    Parent
    Warner...eh.... (5.00 / 0) (#88)
    by Coral on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:54:21 PM EST
    I like the science stuff, but his delivery is dull.

    Warner is a good speaker (5.00 / 2) (#92)
    by Steve M on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:55:35 PM EST
    but this isn't up to the standards of a Democratic keynote address.  No one will forget Barbara Jordan, Mario Cuomo, or Barack Obama for that matter.

    What it sounds like is a regular old stump speech, a well-delivered stump speech, but just that.

    Sounds like his campaign speech (5.00 / 2) (#93)
    by DemForever on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:55:57 PM EST
    not a key note

    i don't think your tag line builds unity (5.00 / 1) (#118)
    by Edgar08 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:04:55 PM EST
    Because of her age most reasonable people figure she won't be running in 2016.

    If it's intended to build unity, i don't think it works.

    Besides if you wanted 16 years of Obamas and CLintons, it only made sense to have Clinton go first.

    Anyway, just my two cents.

     

    Parent

    And the preferred alternative is? (none / 0) (#126)
    by DemForever on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:06:17 PM EST


    Parent
    Nothing at all (none / 0) (#139)
    by Edgar08 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:12:26 PM EST
    I think.


    Parent
    Actually, you know, If it had to be something (none / 0) (#147)
    by Edgar08 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:16:02 PM EST
    Just do Obama 08.

    There's no reason to draw any more attention to the fact that it won't be Clinton 08 than already exists.

    Parent

    How about we skip Strickland (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by DemForever on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:57:15 PM EST
    and go directly to Hillary

    My favorite video of him (5.00 / 3) (#100)
    by andgarden on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:58:40 PM EST
    is when he's standing behind Hillary nodding for "meet me in Ohio!"

    Parent
    Strickland's doing quite well! Bless him for his (5.00 / 1) (#123)
    by jawbone on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:05:40 PM EST
    mention of Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

    And not bad at making points.

    Parent

    Hillary will look good (5.00 / 0) (#109)
    by Coral on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:01:17 PM EST
    compared with this warm soup of a speech Warner is delivering.

    Except that it doesn't take a droning (none / 0) (#133)
    by JavaCityPal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:10:16 PM EST
    speaker ahead of her to make her great. She could have followed her husband and still sounded like a winner!!

    Parent
    Nominate For Most Underwhelming (D) Keynote (5.00 / 2) (#110)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:01:27 PM EST
    Substance: A-
    Delivery: C
    Effect: F

    Warner not even off stage (5.00 / 0) (#114)
    by waldenpond on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:03:32 PM EST
    and nooz is asking about Clinton hahahaha.... I will forever call Warner 'Lego Man' ...

    Re. attitude: Does anybody sense an overall (5.00 / 1) (#117)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:04:47 PM EST
    lack of conviction in the speeches? Or are the speeches just less substantive than usual?

    It all plays like a charade, imo.

    Are they putting on a boring show (5.00 / 0) (#119)
    by kenosharick on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:05:01 PM EST
    on purpose, to make Obama seem SPECTACULAR in comparison? The media will rave about his speech no matter what. He could fart his way through it and MSNBC would compare it to Lincoln, FDR, and Churchhill all rolled into one!

    I like Ted Strickland (5.00 / 2) (#121)
    by americanincanada on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:05:15 PM EST
    alot. He stuck with Hillary until the end and bet he'll cast a vote for her here. The moment for Stephanie was awesome.

    "We're all in this together!" he says. (5.00 / 3) (#124)
    by karmadillo on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:05:53 PM EST
    Now that's a slogan that will move the working class. To the barricades, comarades! Almost as good as Warner's previous claim that "if an idea works, it doesn't matter whether it has a D or an R beside it." The worst Presidency in the history of the Republic and all we can say is it's all about the "race for the future." Hard to see how lobotomizing themselves as the altar of post-partisanship is going to win the election for the Democrats.

    The good thing is these guys are setting the bar so low, Hillary, who would have given a good speech anyway, is going to sound like Churchill.

    Gergen just reference (5.00 / 1) (#128)
    by JavaCityPal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:07:15 PM EST
    Caroline Kennedy as part of a rising generation.

    How old is Gergen?!

    Strickland just mentioned (5.00 / 1) (#132)
    by americanincanada on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:08:39 PM EST
    Bill Clinton, good for him. Nice line about stealing second base.

    Why is CNN's raw feed showing a split screen of Michelle Obama talking to people?

    Actually, I heard that Michelle (5.00 / 1) (#150)
    by JavaCityPal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:17:39 PM EST
    was coming just for Hillary's speech. I think that was one of the most sincere gestures she's made and deserves kudos for it.

    In spite of all else, I do believe that Hillary's graciousness toward Michelle has had a real impact on her. Barack, I think will take much, much longer to see what makes the Clintons great.

    I've still not changed my mind about who I'm voting for, of course :)


    Parent

    She was on PBS being interviewed (none / 0) (#160)
    by Anne on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:26:21 PM EST
    by Judy - Sit Down Governor Rendell - Woodruff, but I had the sound muted.

    Parent
    He should have attributed. . . (none / 0) (#135)
    by Tzal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:10:58 PM EST
    the third base line to Gov. Richards.

    Parent
    Her line was much better (5.00 / 1) (#142)
    by DemForever on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:12:56 PM EST
    I wish she were around to give the key note

    Parent
    Is she shown in the audience--or somewhere else? (none / 0) (#137)
    by jawbone on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:11:23 PM EST
    That is kind of strange--unless it's a message that she's not listening to Strickland?  Who knows the wiles of the MCM?

    Parent
    Hilary is owed an apology (5.00 / 1) (#140)
    by yourkidding on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:12:30 PM EST
    The pundits are awash in statements that it is up to Hilary to bring her supporter over to Obama. OK, she should & is doing much & more than most of what is needed.
        BUT, does it not occur to any of these 'wise' men & women that the pundits, commentators, radio show hosts, bloggers, & politicians who have belittled Hilary, insulted her, her husband, her supporters owe her an apology?
       Matthews leads my list, but Alter, KO, Maddow, Stephanie Miller, Arianna, Kookie Roberts, and almost (Craig Crawfore excepted) all the rest of the gang at MSNBC
       It takes some nerve to insult people on a regular basis & then expect them to support your view.  Chutzpah!

    There's a uniform format to the speeches... (5.00 / 0) (#156)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:20:56 PM EST
    The speaker lays out some 'issues' and at the end each speaker says "Barack Obama"; meaning, I suppose, that he is the solution.

    Then the whole preceding speech gets vaporized for me.

    Patrick says Obama "wants to fix and fund No Child Left Behind". Isn't the whole thing totally test-driven junk?

    It will be hard for anyone to ever top (5.00 / 1) (#157)
    by JavaCityPal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:21:29 PM EST
    the greatest line ever from Ann Richardson about Bush, Sr.

    "Poor George, he was born with a silver foot in his mouth."

    I miss her every convention.

    schweizer... (5.00 / 0) (#159)
    by dws3665 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:23:52 PM EST
    really sucks. he looks nervous and fidgety, and his string tie is a silly affectation.

    plus, he leads with another peaen to bipartisanship. FAIL!

    And yes, a crucifix reference. My nausea is complete.

    This Is Your Obsession (1.00 / 0) (#177)
    by daring grace on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 10:20:28 AM EST
    At least that's how it seems when you repeatedly misrepresent what is said.

    This--

    'I came from a home where I had to share a bedroom with my brother.'

    was never uttered by Michelle Obama,

    When her brother, Craig, mentioned it on Monday in his introduction of her speech, it was within the context of THEM BOTH HAVING THEIR OWN ROOMS--their parents having divided one room into two, and it was about them staying up talking at night.

    Nothing about poverty or neediness or any 'downmanship'.

    Why do you cling to this silly need to distort what the Obamas are saying about their lives?

    Parent

    He's doing better now! (none / 0) (#162)
    by eleanora on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:27:24 PM EST
    He was super-nervous right at first, but he seems to have settled in. He's a big energy policy wonk, and he's hitting McCain hard. Schweitzer is the real thing, a Dem from his bones. And at least he can say Barack Obama's name properly!

    Parent
    I hope he's not criticizing McCain with the same (none / 0) (#165)
    by JavaCityPal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:32:04 PM EST
    energy bill Obama voted YEA on.


    Parent
    Maddow is on crack (5.00 / 1) (#172)
    by Landulph on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:37:30 PM EST
    She just said (on NBC) that Obama's nomination represents the rejection of the "Clintonian legacy of triangulation." Really. She must be have missed Obama's vote for FISA, flip-flop on oil drilling, parroting McCain on Georgia, and cozying up to evangelicals--and for that matter, the astonishing number of anti-choice speakers at this convention.

    To continue: (5.00 / 2) (#176)
    by Landulph on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:40:54 PM EST
    The self-delusion of pro-Obama progressives continues to amaze me.

    Parent
    Bob "Unibrow" Casey (none / 0) (#4)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:30:00 PM EST
    just praised Hillary.

    Unfortunately, I didn't catch it. Someone, please fill me in?

    I did catch that he and Obama disagree on the issue of abortion. Well, at least he kicked the elephant in the room out of the way, didn't he?

    It's worth it to read BTD's comments and (none / 0) (#9)
    by Teresa on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:31:58 PM EST
    updates.

    Casey did get a couple of zingers off (none / 0) (#18)
    by Lahdee on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:34:36 PM EST
    one was about McCain and his propensity to vote as Bush wants, 90%, he skewered McCain,...he fancies himself a maverick, but he's more like a sidekick.

    Carville gave Paul Begalia credit... (none / 0) (#61)
    by mogal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:48:04 PM EST
    for the "zingers" which I didn't understand.

    Parent
    Lord... (none / 0) (#19)
    by americanincanada on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:34:39 PM EST
    Seblius and CAsey and Nappolitano....wake me when Hillary's video starts.

    Have they said anything about sufferage yet?

    Nothing about Suffrage (none / 0) (#22)
    by catfish on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:35:55 PM EST
    This is appalling.

    Parent
    No (5.00 / 9) (#84)
    by chrisvee on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:54:11 PM EST
    but the male speakers keep talking about being the fathers of daughters as if that's some unique qualification for President. It's like they are naturalists who have observed the creatures in the wild or something.

    Parent
    Not A Single Thing (none / 0) (#31)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:37:15 PM EST
    At least from the coverage I've seen -- but then again, I've been tuning in and out.

    It was all lip-service and a ploy to get the wimmin-folk tuned in, I suppose.

    Liars.

    Parent

    Bet you Hillary mentions it. (5.00 / 3) (#47)
    by Anne on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:43:21 PM EST
    She gets it - that's what just so obvious.

    Parent
    I have faith she will (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by americanincanada on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:45:08 PM EST
    I also know that by the time she is done I will be in tears thinking of what might have been. I doubt I'll be alone.

    Parent
    Right there with you... (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by justinboston2008 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:46:34 PM EST
    I already am getting misty just thinking about it... :(


    Parent
    It is not that she lost (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by JavaCityPal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:54:16 PM EST
    It is how she lost that has all of us so burned. We can take defeat when it comes fairly. We can yield to the better candidate. But, this has been a great big "in your face" because they have the control.

    These college kids who are pushing this show will have to live in the world they are creating.

    I heard at least one boring speaker say he had made up his mind when he heard Obama speak at the 2004 convention. I agreed with him. I got the very same feeling from that speech.  Thank goodness I watched the debates, the handling of the primary, and the abuse of the democratic process.


    Parent

    When I heard him speak I thought (none / 0) (#102)
    by BarnBabe on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:59:26 PM EST
    Now there is a future VP for the Democratic Party. What a leap he made.

    Parent
    It's not that she lost (none / 0) (#130)
    by Eleanor A on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:08:17 PM EST
    It's that she didn't lose.  And she's still not the nominee.

    I don't envision myself getting over this outrage anytime soon.  Luckily there are a lot of other hopping mad folks staying in Denver this week...In a lot of ways it's been great to be here.  I think the seeds of something are being sown that has a lot of great potential.

    Parent

    My heart gets heavy (5.00 / 2) (#64)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:48:53 PM EST
    each time I see her. She doesn't even have to open her mouth. Looking at her does it for me. I know we're losing the potential of a great leader.

    Parent
    She's not going away... (5.00 / 4) (#86)
    by justinboston2008 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:54:17 PM EST
    Hillary is a survivor. She will regroup. Be the best Senator, Majority Leader, or Governor she can be. Lead and implement change where she can and come back in 4 years... (I've already written this election off) and be the nominee she should be now.

    Tonight will be bittersweet, but we will not be defeated.

    Parent

    They did show a few delegates (none / 0) (#37)
    by Eleanor A on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:39:55 PM EST
    All duded up like suffragists - wearing white, with sashes and yellow roses, etc.

    Parent
    Of course CNN (none / 0) (#25)
    by americanincanada on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:36:21 PM EST
    is not covering Lilly.

    Four more months (none / 0) (#46)
    by cannondaddy on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:43:01 PM EST
    is easier to chant.

    I hate chants (5.00 / 2) (#50)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:45:12 PM EST
    I like roars better.

    Parent
    Casey is my Senator (none / 0) (#52)
    by BarnBabe on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:45:45 PM EST
    Casey has the personality of a door knob, but he was a Democrat and Santorum had to go. It was the only way we could do it. Yeah, we had to elect a Pro Lifer just to get rid of the wacko Republican Pro Lifer. Casey was a known name because of his Father, Gov Casey and thus, he was a shoe in against Santorum. Casey also rode the bus with Obama and thus he got a ticket as a speaker.

    Is Mark Warner pro-life like Casey? (none / 0) (#69)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:51:08 PM EST


    No (none / 0) (#73)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:51:36 PM EST
    Pro-choice.

    Parent
    Don't Think So (none / 0) (#82)
    by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:53:31 PM EST
    He hasn't voted on anything since he was a Governor, so we don't really know all his stances on the issues. I'm sure they're all available somewhere online.

    Parent
    I just tuned in for Warner (none / 0) (#78)
    by andgarden on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:52:35 PM EST
    This is better than last night. I do see some contrast here.

    That's interesting (5.00 / 0) (#91)
    by Lahdee on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:55:25 PM EST
    I'm not hearing it yet. In fact he just blurred the lines with his it doesn't matter if it's a D or an R next to the idea.

    Parent
    He backtracked. . . (none / 0) (#96)
    by andgarden on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:56:47 PM EST


    Parent
    I'm not hearing contrast (none / 0) (#87)
    by Lahdee on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:54:18 PM EST
    from Warner BTD. Goodness, where's the beef?

    Warner WTF (none / 0) (#99)
    by Lil on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:58:17 PM EST
    I just can't believe how uninspiring these people are. He says some good things but Jeez I could deliver this better.

    He's giving Gov. Bill Clinton's 1992 stump (none / 0) (#104)
    by mogal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 08:59:53 PM EST
    speech changing Ark to Va. Dream's of the future=
    "Don't stop thinking of tomorrow."

    My God (5.00 / 0) (#112)
    by dissenter on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:02:17 PM EST
    Not even Springsteen and Bon Jovi can fix this. I am forcing myself to watch this but I seriously doubt those 20 somethings in love with the "change" theme are sitting through this crap.

    This is so beyond bad I'm speechless.

    Parent

    Somebody last thread (none / 0) (#106)
    by echinopsia on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:00:20 PM EST
    asked how the polls are responding to this.

    Not well.

    Rasmussen

    Gallup

    Has any candidate in history ever gotten a negative bounce from the convention?

    This could be historic.

    Thats Biden 'bounce' (none / 0) (#127)
    by cannondaddy on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:06:21 PM EST
    Convention bounce wouldn't show till Wednesday/Thursday.

    Parent
    Kerry got a negative bounce (none / 0) (#131)
    by justinboston2008 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:08:34 PM EST
    enough said

    Parent
    NBC, Chuck Tood etc. (none / 0) (#115)
    by yourkidding on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:04:15 PM EST
    Todd's comment is so stupid as to be almost unbelievable. Todd is regularly praised for his intelligence & politcal savvy.
       Is there some oath that these MSBC chaps have to take to be on the air? With Matthews the derogatory attitude to all women is authentic, he's not putting on an act. Olberman, Maddow, started off as politcally neutral, no snide comments and constant taking pot shots at Hilary, but as the primaries went on they lost their objectivity & joined the sniveling smart-asses on their channel - very disappointing.
    BTD - I wish you were his speechwriter (none / 0) (#116)
    by Democratic Cat on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:04:28 PM EST
    Your thoughts on Warner's post-partisan pablum are spot on.

    Ted Strickland is . . . (none / 0) (#129)
    by Tzal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:07:58 PM EST
    beating the crap out of McCain. Why are the Democrats not attacking during the speeches which the media chooses to air?

    What's up? is the teleprompter busted? (none / 0) (#146)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:14:31 PM EST
    Strickland said "there's no speech" [on the teleprompter] and his speech was handed to him on paper.

    I hope that puppy is fixed before Hillary is on!

    Parent

    I ::heart:: Governor Patrick (none / 0) (#143)
    by Redshoes on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:13:17 PM EST
    He's had challenges governing Mass but finally somebody's got some energy!

    I saw an interview with him (none / 0) (#148)
    by nycstray on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:16:58 PM EST
    this past year. He seemed on top of things.

    BTW, my NY Rep and Gov had some energy :)

    Parent

    I'm in love with Paterson! Too bad for Spitzer, (5.00 / 1) (#152)
    by jawbone on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:18:16 PM EST
    but he did a fine job of selecting his Lt. Gov. Who ever dreamed he would be the gov so soon??

    Parent
    Deval Patrick is a very good speaker--better than (none / 0) (#144)
    by jawbone on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:13:57 PM EST
    Obama, imho.

    Listenable. Smooth, not broken into three to four word phrases (like BushBoy). Not as imposing looking as the lean, lanky Barry, but much easier to listen to--and the sense of his words really comes through.

    Deval is very, very good. Too bad he got such a rocky start in MA. How's he doing as gov there now, anyone know?

    Obama's speaking style is not going to wear well (5.00 / 0) (#149)
    by jawbone on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:16:59 PM EST
    over 4 years....

    Deval is d*amn good!

    Parent

    :) Four more months (5.00 / 0) (#154)
    by JavaCityPal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:19:51 PM EST


    Parent
    As someone who worked very hard (5.00 / 1) (#163)
    by justinboston2008 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:28:31 PM EST
    for Governor Patrick's election, his first 18 months in office have been a MAJOR disappointment. He is a brilliant and smooth speaker. Not very effective as a executive. I would be surprised if he gets reelected. He screwed up big time in his first few weeks in office and has not been able to repair the damage.

    Massachusetts got on the Hope and Change band wagon in 2006 and sadly, the hopium buzz has long passed.

    Parent

    Yes (none / 0) (#155)
    by Steve M on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:20:27 PM EST
    Very impressed with Deval Patrick.  I hope he gets past his initial difficulties in MA.

    Parent
    Schweitzer (none / 0) (#164)
    by Lil on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:30:10 PM EST
    is at least entertaining. In a funny kind of way.

    Petro Dictators (none / 0) (#171)
    by chrisvee on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:36:57 PM EST
    Gotta love it.

    Parent
    YEAH! (none / 0) (#167)
    by Lahdee on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:35:37 PM EST
    This is how you do it!
    Way to go Governor Schweitzer.

    Energy, for the first time tonight Energy. YEAH!

    Why? (none / 0) (#168)
    by Oje on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:36:02 PM EST
    Why do none of the speakers just once say, 'The Democratic Party' instead of Barack Obama... It is the Democratic convention. It is the Democratic Party that understands that the barrel of oil that we do no use is the most important barrel of oil (Schweitzer paraphrased).

    I am disappointed that the Democratic Party must only be mentioned in juxtaposition to the Republican Party, as joint failures and as that which must be overcome through bipartisanship.

    Bill seems to like (none / 0) (#170)
    by Emma on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:36:50 PM EST
    Schweitzer.  I missed what Schweitzer said though.

    Heh (none / 0) (#173)
    by Emma on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:37:55 PM EST
    "Hillary's Husband"

    That was great.

    Warner did not give the keynote (none / 0) (#174)
    by MichaelGale on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:38:31 PM EST
    address because he did not want to give a partisan attack against MCain so Schweitzer took his place.

    I just saw the most remarkable (none / 0) (#175)
    by Lahdee on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:39:09 PM EST
    title I've ever seen. Under the former President of the US was the title, Hillary's Husband. Are you f**king kidding me?

    Convention Open Thread 2 | 162 comments (162 topical)

    Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment