Thoughts on Obama’s Speech Tonight

As I was listening to Fox News contributor Charles Krauthammer’s astute commentary on Obama’s speech, it dawned on me what Barack Obama did tonight. Obama delivered his version of Hillary Clinton’s stump speech to the Invesco crowd tonight (although she would have delivered it far better than he because she truly cares about everyday Americans).

Somehow, he and his campaign finally got it. As Dr. Krauthammer observed, Barack Obama finally realized — after the Berlin fiasco (and, might I add, the last couple months of the primaries) — that the “hope and change” messages that had thrilled audiences and made them fall in love with him were not working anymore. Obama realized he had to deliver a TRUE Democrat’s speech to the American people, focusing on workers, on health care, on education, and all the other issues that are so vital to the core constituency of the Democratic party.

Dr. Krauthammer also observed that, if Obama can stay on this NEW theme of core Democratic party values, he can possibly win in a landslide in November.

Another commentator also noted that Obama’s line — “It’s not that John McCain doesn’t care, it’s that he doesn’t get it.” — was exceptional.

That line worked by deftly, adroitly painting McCain as “out of touch” but NOT heartless.

Obama realizes that he dare not demonize John McCain.

Obama understands that he cannot make any callous remarks about John McCain, as Jimmy Carter thoughtlessly, carelessly did earlier today.

John McCain is too much of a familiar hero to millions and millions of Americans, no matter if they agree or disagree with his policies.

Did Obama succeed in connecting with the American people tonight?

We shall see.

But the Republicans had better pull off a heck of a convention next week. And John McCain had better practice his acceptance speech until his rhetoric soars.

John McCain has another looming problem: All the rumors point to McCain having selected Mitt Romney as his running mate.

Quite frankly, I find Romney a very disheartening choice. He’s perhaps waffled on more issues than either McCain or Obama.

Romney allows himself too easily to be tugged by conflict, and he too willingly cedes ground in order to “people please.”

Then there’s that Romney, in actuality, has very little experience in elected office. Romney has LESS political experience than Obama or John Edwards. He served as the governor of Massachusetts for only FOUR years. That’s his entire political career.

Earlier today, I checked out the resume of Tim Powlenty who has vastly more experience and would have been an intriguing choice — that would have garnered more than the usual press coverage — because he would have been a fresh face to the American people. Romney is boringly familiar to most voters, and will not give McCain an advantage.

The next two-plus months are going to be fascinating.

Much will depend on how the four men do in their debates.

Much will depend on any slip-ups or on any scandals emerging.

Much will depend on how effectively the 527s can finance and air their attack ads.

Barack Obama is a huge target for the 527s.

His terrible voting record on “infanticide” (live birth abortion) is a problem for anyone on either side.

His voting record on gun rights will alarm 2nd Amendment hardliners.

His associations with known, unrepentant terrorists will shock millions of Americans.

And Obama is in a bind in that he cannot go after McCain too hard or too personally given that McCain is roundly regarded by the vast majority of Americans as a man who sacrificed and endured years of excruciating pain and deprivation for the sake of his country.

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Hillary Clinton — always the person with the most class — issued an excellent statement tonight immediately after Obama’s speech.

STATEMENT FROM SENATOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON IN RESPONSE TO SENATOR BARACK OBAMA’S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

“Barack Obama’s speech tonight laid out his specific, bold solutions and optimistic vision for our nation and our children’s future.

“His speech crystallized the clear choice between he and Senator McCain. Four more years of the same failed policies or a leader who can tackle the great challenges we face: revitalizing our economy and restoring our standing in the world. I am proud to support Senator Obama, our next President of the United States and Joe Biden, our next Vice President of the United States.”

But how I wish that it had been she tonight, accepting the Democratic nomination. She has the requisite experience and knowledge to step right into the presidency. And no amount of clever campaigning by Barack Obama in the short time left will make up for what he lacks.