not sure we were watching the same speech...you're distinctly in the minority on this point. - Jeff De Cagna
via Alert Thingy
Agree with Fred. It was a historic moment, but the speech didn't match it. The attacks on McCain reduced it to a campaign speech and it could have been more. - Sprague D
@fredwilson last night I thought it was A+, today B+. No 1 theme to recall today. I remember "enough," ready to fight, and middle ground - Jason Goldberg
It was a powerful speech but lacked a theme and will be low on specific language recall. It framed him as a different type of candidate and a fighter who also wants to find the middle, but not strong on words and message. - Jason Goldberg
It felt like a very pretty package wrapping standard dem product. The question is whether a pretty package will be enough, or do we need to produce some better ideas? - Alex Nesbitt
Here's my broader comment: Last night I thought it was an A+, today I think a B. It was a powerful speech but lacked a theme and will be low on specific language recall. It framed him as a different type of candidate with a uniquely new-American background, and a fighter who also wants to find the middle, but not strong on words and message. One week from now not many folks will recall what he said and be able to repeat any lines from the speech. My recall is more around (1) “enough,” (2) fighter, (3) unique personal story, (4) wants middle ground on social issues. Which is strange actually from the guy who gave us Yes We Can. - Jason Goldberg
I agree with Fred and Jason. It was good, but I expected more. - Clare Dibble
I don't think it was his greatest, but it was pretty darn good. My reaction at the end was "combative" and not by chance - Deepak
I felt the guy, and he knocked that "celebrity thing" out of the park. There were real promises in there, and real differences in approach. But you could say there was no "read my lips"/ "yes we can"/"I have a dream" recall aids. - PaulSweeney
via twhirl
Another highlight was the "It has never been about me, it's about You" (which by the way should have been, "It has never been about me, it's about we" -- more memorable and inclusive. - Jason Goldberg
just saw it now online.. it is fine .. his thinking is very far beyond the country, he is going to have some tough years unless he has a lot of patience .... even this thread tells me america is not ready ... judging the surface, unable to see the depth, totally resistant to actually changing anything - Gregory Lent
perhaps the "B+ rating" is in the minority, but it's correct. Only a couple highlights. his inability to connect with average america because of the depth of his vision is a fault of america, not obama. - Taylor Davidson
great discussion here. gotta love FF! i want to go back and read the speech. i particularly liked the part where he dissected the wedge issues like abortion, gay marriage, etc. when he does that kind of thing, i love the guy - Fred Wilson
I am amazed at the success this emotional campaign has had on such brilliant people. The sense of 'awakening back to hope', which the Obama Camp has so effectively instilled is not unusual throughout the years, among a wanting population. But the hyper-cognizant embracing base-building rhetoric as though a TRULY extraordinary thinker was presenting obvious, watershed blueprints, is worrying. § If I asked you Specifically, before Obama, "What would a Real, Life-Changing Candidate sound like?" - Ed Shaz/NextInstinct
What would you need to hear to say "This is it!" This is the person who makes real sense! This IS a game-changer!"?? If you remove the emotion that this is obviously your guy, and the stagecraft and brilliant, scientific speechwriters, WHY is this worthy of once in a lifetime enthusiasm and the hope for your children? Please tell me why. - Ed Shaz/NextInstinct
His objective was not to try to create the next I have a dream speech. It was to provide a view of what his adminstration would look like and respond to the foolish attacks of McCain and company. He was not runningn for best speaker of the US, he wins that easily anyday. He was running for President and he needed to remind ppl the Dems are ppl of faith too; they have led and defending this country in times of war; Iraq having billions in the bank while we spend billions in each month is unacceptable. - Ruth Ferguson
I am an average american struggling like a lot of other folk. well maybe I am not average: I do not depend on soundbytes and pretty speeches only to make critical decisions. I have spent the time looking into Obama's policies by listening to his town halls not just his speeches, visiting his website where he outlines his plans. For instance on there, as he did last night, he explains he will pay for his tax cuts for 80% of Americans by clsoing the tax loopholes for corp, particularly those that will turn around and ship jobs out of America. - Ruth Ferguson
IMHO, Obama will have plenty of chances to make great speeches once (if) he becomes the president. Last nights speech may not be as intellectually stimulating as his other speeches like the one on race, but likely it was more effective if the goal is to win the election. It was simpler, had more than usual specific proposal, and responded to several shallow criticisms directed to him at once. - berkay
I thought it was an A+ speech. He clearly communicated that he what the issues at stake are and how he would address them. He also, sent a message in no uncertain terms that he is tough, and that his lack of direct response to McCain's attacks is not to be taken for weakness. - Jawa Buddhavarapu
I agree with you Fred. It was a pedestrian speech delivered by a great orator. If Al Gore had made the same speech it would be described as boring, typical, preaching to the choir, etc. - Cathleen Rittereiser
