This year the DNC took place in Charlotte, NC a swing state of course, that should fall in Obama's favor. The coverage began from Tuesday to Thursday and I tried my best to watch every night just as I did the RNC. Although I know there are some who think the idea of political conventions are a waste of time and money, I greatly disagree. I think these conventions are an effective way for political parties to come together and present their case and direction to the American public. Whether Republican or Democratic, I honestly enjoy watching these rallies unfold. It is an assembly of the super-stars, as well as the new up-and-comers to the political-sphere. One of these days I would actually like to attend one of these conventions, and perhaps catch a few notable speeches. Nonetheless here is my analysis of last weeks' DNC.
Rahm Emmanuel
The mayor of Chicago and former White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emmanuel, was the first speaker I tuned into Tuesday night. I must confess that he wasn't the best speaker, and stuttered way too much. However he got his message across and provided some good insight on his work experience with the president. He described the president' courage to go up against his advisers, and make difficult decisions, such as in the case of the auto-bailout. He did however finish on a strong note, rallying up the chants of "Four-More-Years!"
Deval Patrick
On Tuesday night the first speech that fired me up was from governor Deval Patrick. He succeeded Mitt Romney in 2007 as governor of Massachusetts, and easily won re-election in 2010. He gave a fiery speech, rallying Democrats to "Get a Backbone!" and support President Obama's direction. He was a very passionate and convincing speaker, and could be a potential Democratic candidate in 2016.Martin O'Maley
Then came another charismatic speech from the popular Governor of Maryland, Martin O'Malley. He began his career in office as Mayor of Baltimore, from 1999-2007, than governor in 2007. He has won praise for his courage and support of Immigration and Same-Sex issues. As an Irish-Catholic and at only 49 years old he has a very prominent future ahead of him and could be another potential candidate in 2016.
On Tuesday night the keynote speaker was a new up-and-comer mayor of San Antonio, Julian Castro, who nailed the spotlight with a powerful speech. He was raised in a politically-active, Chicano family (half-Mexican, half-American) and studied law at Harvard. He began his political career in 2009 as mayor of San Antonio and easily won reelection in 2011. On stage, Julian had an affective baritone style of speaking, very similar to President Obama. His charismatic appeal on stage is no doubt what has brought him such popularity within the democratic party.
Michelle Obama
The main star of Tuesday night was first lady, Michelle Obama, who quite possibly gave one of the best first lady speeches of all time. As normal at these conventions, the first lady is expected to show a personal side of the president. And in the past, first ladies have always played the cliche role of "stand-by-your-man" and why the country should chose their husband as the president. Hillary was perhaps the first to break this ceiling and create her own political agenda.Yet on Tuesday, Michelle captivated the country with a heart-felt speech on what the last four years had meant to her and her family. It is clear that Michelle is no stranger to the stage of public speaking, and presented herself in a favorable personal manner yet also an intelligent manner. As I watched her speak late that Tuesday night, I suddenly realized that the wife of Barack, could possibly have a future in political office. There is no reason to think, that first-lady Michelle, just like Hillary Clinton, could assume a senatorial or gubernatorial position after the presidency. She would be a much welcomed and inspiring democratic leader for the country.
Elizabeth Warren
I didn't get a chance to listen to Elizabeth Warren's speech, however read some mixed reviews. She is running for the highly contested senate seat of Massachusetts against republican Scott Brown. Over the last year she has gained major media attention, most notably from the Huffington Post, for her straight talking approach. She's a Harvard law professor and adviser to the financial protection bureau. One thing I quickly have admired about Warren is how she is able to emphasize the importance and necessity of government. She has stressed that businesses need the many provisions of government such as roads, security, schools, etc. And that small businesses would be nowhere with government support. Wednesday night she countered the Republican's theme with a strong message that "We Built it Together". I heard her speech was a little stumbly at times, yet she got her message out as usual, and hopefully she can win the senate seat on November 6th.
Bill Clinton
Bill gave a very long speech, over 40 minutes, essentially about why he endorsed president Barack Obama. He based most of his speech on the economy, hardly any social issues whatsoever, which is much better in my opinion. He speaks quite naturally, arguably one of the most comfortable public speakers I have ever seen. He made a clear distinction between the Democratic ideology and the Republican ideology. In this contrast he attacked Romney and Ryan's direction of individual self interest. He emphasized that we are a united nation and work best when we work together. He was very effective at rallying the crowd. When he finished his speech, President Obama, joined him on stage, for some inspiring images; the two champions of the Democratic Party.
The former governor of Michigan Jennifer Granholm gave one of the most animated speeches of the entire convention. She served two terms in Michigan, as a very popular governor from 2003 to 2011. Since her governorship she has become a very effective supporter of the Obama presidency. She hosts a talk show on Al Gore's Current TV and is considered a potential cabinet member or supreme court Justice if Obama wins re-election. Her speech highlighted the benefits of President Obama's Auto-Bailout. She went on an energetic rant explaining all the jobs that were saved from this action. As she listed the amount of jobs saved in each state, the crowd went wild. Granholm should definitely be used on the campaign trail.
John Kerry
The 2004 presidential election was the first time I really got interested in politics and the democratic candidate John Kerry was my guy. I was a sophomore in college, and finally beginning to understand the state of things in the world. In my opinion, President George W. Bush was a war-monger and complete puppet, and needed to be replaced. I thought the Kerry-Edwards ticket was a sure winner, and I got very involved that fall. Yet I was very disappointed when they loss. Nonetheless John Kerry has continued his long career in the senate, and is surely one of the most respected politicians still on the job. On Thursday night, the Senator of Massachusetts took the attack role, slamming Romney on his misguided approach to foreign policy. He highlighted Romney's numerous over-sea blunders and gaffes, such as Romney's criticism of the London Olympics. He emphasized Obama's dedication and commitment to Israel, as well his achievements in Afghanistan and Iraq. He joked about Romney's understanding of Russia, as if it were still in the Cold War days as depicted in Rocky IV. He also highlighted Romney's failure to acknowledge soldiers in his nomination speech. Kerry described Romney as a wishy-washy candidate unaware of his stance on foreign policy. This attack on foreign policy will definetely be a theme to the Obama campaign, and rightfully so. Hard to argue against his resume. Kerry did a very effective job at jabbing the Republican candidate.
Joe Biden
Vice President, Joe Biden, is a very effective and likable speaker. He's gained a notorious reputation as a "talker" however looks so natural and comfortable on stage. Along with his wife Jill, he once again presented his story to the country. Beginning with his humble roots in Scranton, PA, to his long tenure as senator of Delaware (he was the fourth most senior senator, since assuming the office of vice president). He was a democratic candidate in 2008, however overshadowed by the popular trio of Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John Edwards. When Obama chose Biden as his running mate, I thought this was the perfect balance to the perfect ticket and it proved true. After four years as VP, Joe Biden has done just as expected, supporting the president at all times.On Thursday night, he gave an incredibly passionate speech, about his close relationship with Barack Obama, a fierce attack on Mitt Romney, and his vision of America. Biden described his loyalty to the president and was admired by Obama's courage. He then went on a fierce attack of Mitt Romney, for seeing people as a product of business, rather than human beings. He also pointed out Romney's lack of outreach to soldiers and veterans who had served their country. Pointing out that Romney didn't consider Afghanistan as an important matter. Throughout his speech he instilled a very strong tone, challenging Romney and Ryan's economic plan. He challenged their notion that the country was in decline and suffering. He echoed a phrase to both Republicans and Democratics, to never bet against America. This was a great rally cry and powerful speech from Joe biden.
Barack Obama
Finally at about 10:30 Thursday Night, came the man of the hour, President Barack Obama. He had proven himself time and time again as a very passionate, soulful speaker. As a matter of fact it was at the DNC in Denver, 2004 when I first witnessed this incredibly charismatic keynote-speaker at work. Barack Obama has always had a powerful skill of speaking, through his baritone voice and his soulful energy. He went on to use this to his advantage throughout the 2008 presidential campaign, his speech at the 2008 DNC, his inauguration speech, as well as his three state of the unions. President Obama always remains a great public speaker. That being said this night wasn't his greatest speech, yet still a convincing speech nonetheless.Right from the get-go, I honestly thought the tone was rushed and not as passionate as we've come to expect from Obama. However upon consideration, this should only be expected from a man who has already served four years as president. Before Obama's message was an inspiring one of "hope" and "change", however he can no longer serve that same message. For he is now in the driver seat, and must convince the American public, that he needs more time to complete his vision. Thus forth the theme of "forward" is quite fitting for the Obama campaign, to continue with the direction they began with.
President Obama's case to the Convention and the country, was that we needed to press forward. He emphasized that the policies of the past, such as the Bush era of deregulation, is exactly what put us in the economic collapse to begin with. That the best way forward is not to repeal taxes on the wealthy, yet on the Middle Class. This has always been Obama's direction from the beginning, to look out for the middle and lower classes, and should be highly admired. And although he has clearly grown withered of uncompromising politics, he is still undeniably the best man for the job. President Obama has the experience and the better vision to progress this country in a forward direction.
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