BREAKING NEWS: McCain VP Choice

Sen. McCain has chosen Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin as his VP choice for his race to the White House

Barack's Big Night

As I sit here, the CNN camera is panning out on Invesco field and the DNC has officially come to a close. What a fascinating, thought at sometimes extremely boring, 4 days it has been. I can't say I watched the whole thing because I honestly would blow my brains out if I had to hear speech after speech from local congressmen from Nowheresville, Iowa. I did check out the "Big 4" speeches though. Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton and last but not least Barack Obama. 

Michelle Obama's speech was kind of hokey but it spoke about Barack's character. I personally do not find Michelle Obama too compelling but I think she got the job done and made a safe speech that was presented well. I was impressed as I had never seen her speak on such a large scale before and I thought she did quite well. It wasn't anything too memorable though and as I sit here 4 days later I am having trouble recalling anything major, so let's move on.

I have to confess, I am hot for Hillary. I thought she made an excellent speech throwing her support fully behind Obama while chronicling her historic campaign. Many argued that she didn't do enough to make the case for why exactly we should be voting Obama other than he is the "lesser of two evils" but I feel that really isn't her job. She worked to unite the party, pleged  her support but the only one who can truly convince voters to vote Barack Obama is Barack Obama himself. Overall I felt it was a very good speech (not to mention her orange pantsuit was quite flattering) 

Next came Bill Clinton. Bill has always been an excellent orator and this time he did not disappoint. In stark contrast to his wife he came out attacking John McCain and defending Barack Obama to the point that he drew many parallels between his own 1992 campaign and Obama's. He went on the offensive and refute claims that Obama is too young, too unexperienced etc. Bill's speech style of drawing parallels was very effective especially with his McCain attacks sprinkled in. I think it was a complete 180 degree turn from the lukewarm attitude he had towards Obama just a few weeks ago and regardless of whether Clinton's speech was genuine or not I think it was A+. He made a lot of stupid moves during Hillary's campaign but I think this was a redeemer.

The most anticipated event of this evening was Barack Obama's speech to accept the nomination. I must admit, I have been reluctant to accept Obama. While I agree with his policies I have been on the "not enough experience" bandwagon, not to mention I have yet to find anyone who can name anything notable he has ever done in the senate. I was weary of his general speeches that preached idealism and hope (which is great) but lacked a clear path to get there. Tonight I sat down expecting a trademark Obama optimist speech, but I was pleasantly surprised. Instead of hiding from McCain's criticism Obama took it head on point by point and refuted every attack used against him by the GOP and backed up his point with specifics and numbers (two things I like). It wasn't as enthralling as his previous speeches, but it did the job and I feel it cleared up any doubt for a lot of people. I still have my doubts, but I'm glad he can move past the hope and change to get to the real substance and meat of the issues. I now have much more confidence in Barack Obama and am glad to see the Democratic party united as so many had feared it would not be.  Now don't get me wrong I liked the speech tonight and I liked that he confronted each issue head on, but I think he has a long way to go and I'm really interested to see how the debates play out. 

Four days later, I can't say I have started to drink the Obama Kool-Aid but as someone who was very skeptical of Obama's plans and ability to execute those plans I do feel better about him being the nominee and I hope Barack can continue to prove himself so I can fully support him and the change we all need.  

Democratic National Convention

Programming Note:
The final episode of SmithtownRadio.com Live will air Monday night at 8 pm et from the CNN Center in Atlanta and the SmithtownRadio.com studios on Long Island. In addition to weekly programming, the show will feature coverage of the opening night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Breaking News: Obama Chooses VP

Sen Barack Obama has chosen Sen Joe Biden as his VP candidate.