John McCain accepted the nomination of the Republican Party and delivered a solid speech though one not nearly as rousing as those given by Barack Obama and Sarah Palin. McCain’s task, as I saw it, was to show Americans that he was not out of touch and that he understood their challenges. Since his selection of Palin to be Vice President has energized the base, I saw McCain’s task as appealing to the Independent voters and those moderate Democrats who might not be committed or sold on Obama.
McCain’s speech was solid but the truth is he is not as eloquent a speaker as Palin or Obama. In fact, though I felt Palin’s speech last night worried some Democrats, the thought I had first was that I felt sorry for McCain because he had to follow her.
Surprisingly, though not as gifted a speaker, McCain hit home with issues that affect families. He discussed the struggles of paying for a home, buying groceries and filling the gas tank. This hit home and showed that despite what Barack Obama says, John McCain does get it. When McCain went into his life story he really gave a heartfelt account.
I did not want John McCain to discuss his experience in Vietnam. The Democrats have been beating on him for expressing that part of his life too much. John McCain has a much more honorable record in that war than John Kerry but I felt he risked being painted with the same brush that Kerry was by leaning too heavily on that experience, as honorable as it was. Besides, every speaker this week recounted the story for John. But McCain did discuss it and he was artful in how he presented it. He started by telling people that his experience as a POW was a blessing and then he told the story of how, prior to his capture, he was a self centered person who believed the world revolved around him. He explained how his capture transformed him into a person who places his country first and the needs of others above one’s own needs. That transformation came after others cared for him and kept him alive. It was presented very well.
Certainly John McCain’s speech was not of the caliber of Obama’s or Palin’s but he did what he had to do. He showed people that he gets it and I think he appealed to voters who are not part of the base. He reached out to Obama supporters and then he skillfully contrasted what he wants to do with what Obama wants to do. I think that many on the fence who are moderate will find John McCain’s positions more appealing and that Barack Obama cannot compete with his life experiences.
All in all, a solid speech. Not spectacular, but solid. It would have been a bit smoother if the people in the hall had not interrupted him at inappropriate times but he was able to get through that. He handled the moonbat who tried to disrupt the speech with a bit of humor and quickly refocused the attention of those listening, back to him. Notice that the only people causing trouble at both conventions were liberals.
The next 2 months will be very interesting. Sarah Palin has energized the party and we now have a real contest on our hands. Today’s poll has them dead even. it will be interesting to see what tomorrow’s brings.
I will be interviewed by Dennis Edwards on WSBA (910 am) out of York* PA tomorrow a little after 6 am Eastern about my thoughts on John McCain’s speech.
*Changed to reflect correct location of the station.
