First and foremost, no matter what party we align ourselves with or political philosophy we identify ourselves with, all Americans had to be a little prouder of our country tonight watching Barack Obama accept the Democratic nomination. 40 years to the day after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lit a fire throughout this country for the cause of equal opportunity, Barack Obama (to use his words) “stood on the shoulders of giants” and gave America reason to believe that Dr. King’s dream was finally becoming a reality. In all honesty, I was moved. Even though I’m not someone who plans to vote for Barack Obama in November, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of joy and pride watching Senator Obama deliver his speech tonight. Just four short years ago, this man was a somewhat obscure state Senator from Illinois. Now, he has overcome what many believed was a true barometer of racial equality in our country: whether an African-American would ever be a major-party candidate in the United States. Politically speaking, Senator Obama needed to use his speech in an attempt to reach those most skeptical of his candidacy; namely, white blue-collar voters. Whether he did it remains to be seen. Personally, I thought the actual speech text was a rehashing of previous speeches given by Obama, that seemed to veer from classic liberal themes to Clintonian “Third Way” politics. It was a good and well-delivered speech, but the moment was bigger than the actual words Senator Obama spoke. I don’t think, at least in my lifetime, such a political spectacle will ever be replicated. Obama’s energy and passion met and perhaps exceed that of the 80,000 in attendance. However, the crowd on hand wasn’t his intended audience. Barack Obama needed to connect with the guys watching on TV at the corner bar, or the VFW group who gathered together to watch his speech tonight, or the middle-class family who surrounded their set to see what he had to say. Again, whether Obama accomplished this is uncertain. Polls will say 100 different things between now and Election Day. Politically, we’ll find out the true impact of this speech a few short months from now. From a historical perspective, what Senator Obama achieved tonight made me proud to be an American. I’m confident that, as they looked on from a better place, the souls of Dr. King and those fellow Americans who fought to make a night like this possible perhaps finally began to find a sense of peace.

The previous was posted by a conservative from the Pittsburgh area.

Obama did an excellent job. And, importantly, he didn’t try to be someone he isn’t. He didn’t decide to suddenly succumb to some distorted version of himself and flame the GOP in a way that wasn’t true to who he is as a man.

By today’s “sound bite” standards his address was long, but it never dragged.

What I saw was a man ready to take on the GOP slime machine….and win.

Pilt

A new leader for a new time! Go Barack Obama!
Let the green revolution begin!

He again proved that he’s a glitz, highly polished empty suit — more Paris Hilton than JFK.

I was a bit too young (first grade) when JFK ran in 1960 to understand how he connected with young voters as my folks were then. But after watching Obama, I now have an idea why. Obama’s oratory isn’t on a par with Kennedy’s (probably because Ted Sorenson isn’t his speechwriter), but it’s the same call to be our better selves, to return to the can-do spirit that makes this country what it is. That is a call Americans are ready to hear and follow.

I will be very interested to watch the debates. The contrast between Obama and McCain will personify the choice voters face between the old and same (McCain) and the fresh and enthusiastic (Obama). I think when people see the two candidates side-by-side, that’s when it will truly hit home.

pd

Taxes will go up, frantic worries about carbon dioxide and global warming boogeymen will fill the airwaves, and we will all be poorer under an Obama presidency.

I (a 56-year young, former R, now registered Independent) thought Obama did a great job. It was just the right message, including the hit on McCain for talking about invading Iraq immediately after 9/11—I wish that Obama had hit that even harder, along with the notion that voters need to hold the Republican party accountable for its many failings (in both the Presidency and the Congress) over the past 8 years, but there will be time to do that.

I will be voting for Obama, but had decided that months ago.

Rob Byer

After watching Obama’s speech last night, for the first time in a long time I felt inspired and hopeful… I voted for Hilary and must admit that I was bummed when she lost the Primary, but Obama’s speech last night really hit home for me. He is a breath of fresh air in a stale political atmosphere and I truly believe he can lead this country out of the dismal state George W. has left us in. I only hope that others will put their parties aside and truly listen to what this man has to say and be as inspired as I am.

I too am an Obama supporter, but I can’t help but wonder what people expect of him. Can we expect him to transform us in to a magical utopia. Sure, as a nation we will have to be in better shape than we are currently, but I think people have some huge expectations. As much as I hate to say it, we would be in better shape with a McCain/Palin administration than we are right now. I think these past eight years have been so dismal that people are expcecting all sorts of high paying jobs, $2 gas, no inflation, affordable housing, affordable healthcare, and prosperity for all. Don’t get your hopes too high, that’s all I’m saying.

He has my vote, and it was his speech last night the sealed the deal. He would have gotten it anyway…But I needed to be sold a bit.

Deal sealed…Obama08!

I am a Democrat from the dreadful T who decided to vote for Obama a long time ago. While I did not need reassurance of my choice of candidates, Obama’s inspiring and hopeful speech confirmed my decision to support Obama. Bush and his cronies did immeasurable damage to our nation. It will take an inspiring leader to pull the nation out of the mess Bush left it in.

The damage inflicted on our Nation and the terrible condition of the middle class will become so very obvious after the next President’s term is over and America sees what an honest and genuine person can do for the country he loves. All this is true unless McCain gains the office and the Rape of the Middle Class continues.