Inspired, Challenged, Comforted, Trusting but most of all, Believable. That’s the speech I heard.
I hoped for it. I wanted it. I was nervous about it. But then it happened. John McCain delivered a very effective speech and I believe inspired millions of Americans with his story and life’s history in the process. What we saw was a leader showcasing his talent, vision and beliefs with a lifetime record to give it substance and make it believable and inspirational. It wasn’t an audition. Nor was it a case for splendid curiosity. What we got was a promise from a faithful servant and an American icon.
He evoked a comforting message that told us struggles are eternal and challenges arise daily. It’s only how we choose to meet them that decides the day. And that hope isn’t a solution. Just like change isn’t a destination (If I may borrow Rudy’s line) and leadership isn’t a position. But it has always been a trait of character. Tonight, John McCain proved to America he has both.
McCain admitted, “they broke me.” Well, that may be true Senator, but tonight you made us. I’m convinced fully that John McCain is the right man for our times.
Johnny Mac ain’t no hack — Stephen Kruiser
Contrasting the two Thursday speeches: One man looked like he was auditioning to be President of the United States, one looked like he was auditioning for a Rob Reiner movie.
We went from the “My Big Fat Greek Nomination” speech of Barack Obama to John McCain explaining why, in these still dangerous times, the adults should perhaps be in charge.
The McCain Change — WSJ
By historic standards, he should be a sure loser. Yet Mr. McCain remains a formidable contender — in part because of his opponent’s weaknesses, but also because he can credibly claim to be a reformer who often fought his party’s worst instincts, notably on spending and immigration. His chances of winning now hang on whether he can make the case to voters seeking change that a President McCain can shake up government while a President Obama would merely expand it.
McCain shows he will be formidable
A few thoughts as John McCain takes his bows: one cannot leave that speech without having enormous respect for him as a war hero and patriot. His retelling of his story tonight was extremely moving. I have long been a fan of John McCain the human being and I came away even more impressed tonight. It is worth remembering that a McCain has fought in every American war since 1776.
I agree. I don’t think the article was necessarily pitting the North against the South but was drawing out differences ...
Besides the north vs south battle this article implies, it hits on the one thing I think America is forgetting ...
Nope. Looks like the bleeding will stop with Coleman and Chambliss victories. I'll just be glad when the GOP can ...
It seems that the Obama folk use variations of the word "douche" with great frequency. For some reason they consider ...
Yeah, John Zeigler's a real piece of work. He contacts Nate Silver to ask if Nate wants to interview him ...
Finally a real one? Don't you mean there's finally a poll which says what YOU'd like to say. ...
But didn't all the most educated people vote Democratic?
That's not to say you can't be both educated and ignorant of ...
Right now I don't see a silver bullet in the GOP that can pull off a Reagan type resurrection. ...
Paulson did not exactly reject a bailout for the automakers and reiterated: it would be unwise to let US automakers ...
Red Spy,
My claim followed by however was intentional. The purpose was to say that the issues shouldn't be treated ...
Comment by Does it matter on 5 September 2008:
I was convinced though I think you got a little dramatic with your response. McCain showed up and made his case to the American people. But, he did hit several dry spots and seemed to fall off message. i wasn’t real impressed with about 20 minutes of the speech. But in the places where he was making his claim and telling his story I thought he did superb.
If anything, he got the base fired up and I’m sure gained at least some outside support. Over all is was a success and I look forward to finally seeing the general election get underway!
McCain-Obama 08!
Comment by Loozianajay on 5 September 2008:
Sometimes this site draws a tough crowd. I didn’t think I was being dramatic — to me I was being honest. That was my exact take on the speech.
Other than that, I’m inclined to agree even with the dry spots in the speech. But I’m wondering if the Code-Pink distractions didn’t throw off his rythm.
What’s up with “McCain-Obama 08?” Indecision? Wishful thinking?
Comment by Serena on 5 September 2008:
Don’t worry, Jay. If I had been blogging, it would have been even more “red, white, and blue” than your patriotic offering.
Johnny Mac hit it — but as a hard-fought in the ballpark homerun. I think it was the best speech I’ve ever heard from him on teleprompter.
Rove broke the speech down into paragraphs and the most were devoted to bread and butter issues, but to me, the ending was just phenomenal and so absolutely honest and true. And the crowd went wild!!
This is the most interesting election and most nail-biting one since 1980 for me because again we are faced with two very divergent paths from which our populace must choose. Let’s hope we stay on the progressive reform path and don’t end up on the Road to Socialism.
Comment by Special K on 5 September 2008:
I agree, I don’t want to “end up on the Road to Socialism. But wait, are you implying that we are currently “on the progressive reform path?” Surely not.
Comment by jack on 5 September 2008:
By nature I understate things–but that was a GREAT SPEECH–I was surprised at how good it was–sure Palin is a total natural and anyone that can go from major to governor can go from governor to vice-president–but McCain’s speech for me was better because only a man that has lived what he has lived could deliver that speech–ONLY a senator that has never applied for a cent of pork can realistically offer REAL CHANGE REAL REFORM –when have you ever heard a candidate oppose his own party–that WAS HISTORIC–the country and the economy needs LINE ITEM VETO and finally we have a ticket that can deliver THIS DRAMATIC CHANGE–when the senator democrat or republican won’t give their vote to a needed bill if can’t add millions of “kick-backs” for their state and future re-election McCain and Palin have to ANNOUNCE to the american people who these senators are so americans can do their part and apply pressure against this sort of “legal” corruption–
Obama has never stood up to anyone–him pelosi and reid would make a killer threesome with GIANT SPENDING that would be a GIANT STEP BACKWARDS–AMERICA the leader would become america the mediocre–big government america would be no different than europe and canada
obama and gang are the wrong candidate wrong party wrong direction–you wouldn’t go back to coaching a football team the way they did decades ago you sure shouldn’t do it when it comes to government and the economy
and there is NO WAY that obama represents the majority of americans–they don’t agree with abortion till past the ninth month and they don’t want the court system or the government to tell them what to think or to act like their keepers–they want accountability a president with guts and the chance to keep up the american way the american dream the american indomitable spirit–americans have a sense of individualism that no other country possess–they don’t want to give that away for a nanny big brother state
McCain is the right man for the economy for SERIOUS POLITICAL REFORM for the american way and not to mention for national security
Comment by Special K on 5 September 2008:
“him pelosi and reid would make a killer threesome with GIANT SPENDING that would be a GIANT STEP BACKWARDS.” You may have to clarify because I don’t quite understand that statement. Are you saying that Obama’s spending would be a step back from the admininstation that spent more money than any other in THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?
Who knows, maybe you’re right, maybe he will break the record. But it wouldnt exactly be a good idea for the Republicans to use that as their platform.
Comment by Serena on 5 September 2008:
Jack - no, heaven forbid. I was talking about Reagan’s progressive reform. I haven’t seen that for a long time and was glad that McCain chastized the “do-nothing” Congress and those Republicans who put self above service in the past several years. Thanks for asking me to clarify that.
Comment by Serena on 5 September 2008:
Oops - last comment was to Special K - I think I need some sleep. I stayed up to watch the re-runs of McCain’s speech last night and I’m a little loopy. :p
Comment by Special K on 5 September 2008:
Well then I agree for the most part Serena.
Comment by CKA in Red State USA on 5 September 2008:
John McCain was at his best last night. He did what he needed to do. And he did it with class.
His speech was one of the best non-political political speeches delivered at a polititcal convention that many of us will hear in a lifetime.
The Republicans-conservatives coalition’s ticket has credibility, experience, authenticity and believability–and a servant’s heart.
The fighter pilot and the real governator will prevail.