Why Obama's Drop-in Was A Smart Move

With President Bill Clinton a reported no-show for Barack Obama's acceptance speech tomorrow, this was the nominee's one shot to congratulate him in person on his address. Smart move. (As was his reference to the 1992 slogan "putting people first," a nice nod to the legacy Clinton is reported to be concerned about.)

The counter-argument, of course, is that Obama has been a touch too over-exposed of late, and that his surprise appearance might have upstaged Sen. Joe Biden's prime-time debut as vice presidential nominee.

The first count can be dismissed, I think, since we know Obama can be over-exposed even when he's on vacation. If we're going to have Obama-centric coverage, it's better for Democrats to have his loose, affable matter (e.g., Hillary "rocked the house") be part of that instead of leaving all the definition of Obama to the McCain campaign oppo team.

And Biden's speech, well-written though it was, contained enough verbal tics that it might have fallen just short of taking the night to a satisfying finish on its own. Obama's completion of the circuit not only allowed America to see all the constituent parts of the Democratic Party on the stage at once, but did the same for Democrats. After two days of programming at the Pepsi Center that, at times, felt oddly indifferent, Wednesday's energizing close was likely a change that more than a few delegates were waiting for.

Comments

[Star123]

What's up with Frenching the VP's wife?

[cengizfromoc]

It's good to be the king.

[liberalfaith]

He missed. He was aiming for the cheek of course...o­r maybe it was a message to Bill (anything you can do I can do better).

Just kidding of course. I love Barack and Michelle.

[lynettema]

First I want to thank the Huffington Post for offering us a place for a civilized discussion.
I think it was also brilliant to give the Clintons the honor and respect due to them as the leaders of the Democratic Party and particularly honor to Bill Clinton as our past president. It appears that Obama and Biden truly like and respect each other. I was fortunate to be able to see these people campaign in Iowa and to have a discussion with Joe and a phone conversation with Obama. They are both likable people. Both are impressive in their knowledge and desire to make this nation a better place.

[KarlaElisa]

If Obama REALLY wants to be the candidate for 'change' he better take his hind end outside the Pepsi Center and speak directly with the IRAQ VETERANS AGAINST WAR (IVAW) group that are waiting patiently and peacefully to speak with ANYBODY from their campaign, while facing threats of tear gas and rubber bullets from the Denver Police, clad in riot gear.

[maab76]

It would be a further plus to bring his uncle along. Removes the obvious slight while confirming his personal as well as professional commitment and concern to this important problem. I can speak personally to the problems: my husband is a biomedical engineer at a VAMC, and the needs are great for an unbelievably large population of veterans.

[sandpiper1]

Geez, why doesn't someone from the group contact Obama's camp. He has done more for VETS that McCain has done during his years in office. I think you are just trying to throw a wrench in this discussion or the convention. I know how much he cares for the Vets & soldiers currently serving. How are they supposed to know they are out there if they are not notified?

[edwarvir]

OH WHAT A NIGHT! I thought everyone gave a good speech. I was glad to see Senator Obama
It was a very smart move for him to show up, because it reminded everyone that
it "s about him and the Democratic party and not the C's
,

[moxieme]

I was not at all surprised by Sen. Obama's surprise appearance. While I believe it was absulutely unscripted, it was politically and personally brilliant. Sen. Obama recognizes he had to "kiss that ring" and he did so in such an eloquent manner. I predict PaPain will follow suit with Dubya and Bush 41. You give honor to whom honor is due. He did not patronize, nor did he pander. If the rift is as deep as has been reported(I doubt it), then Sen. Obama has artfully demonstrated his negotiation skills. There is hope our international reputation will be restored.

[Bronxcutie]

I was in tears. I haven't been happy like this since---well, I guess Bill Clinton! LOL I wasn't even old enough to vote then. I love how Barack gave props (he's no celebrity, but he will be a "hip" president, just like Hillary would have) to Hillary and Bill. I love how he came to show love to Joe Biden and his family, but quickly stepped aside to let Joe have his night.

[DoTheMath]

I agree, Seth. I've seen the criticisms of Clinton supporters who thought Obama's appearance was an effort to steal attention, but I thought it was a great chance for Obama to thank and honor the Clintons and to remind Democrats - Americans - that a grass-roots, bottom-up approach to governing was the reason for moving the covention to Invesco for his acceptance speech. If you really pay attention to his campaign, you know it has never been about him. He has been an effective vehicle for reminding us that WE have the power to change our government.

[BottomLine2008]

Obama looked very cool up there last night. I bet he gives a fantastic speech tonight.

[EdithF]

You know, when I watched Obama's drop-in, I couldn't help but think "Who WOULDN'T want to have a beer with this guy?" I hate that that is a factor in how people vote, but it is, and the two minutes on screen talking to his daughters and the two minutes joking with the Bidens and the crowd last night really highlighted Obama's genuine self in a way that is hard to do without it seeming forced. Whoever came up with including those four minutes in the convention is a genius.

[booksnmore4you]

Contact http://pol.moveon.org/feedback/fb/form.html?tp=suggest

Ask them to begin a new national campaign.

1. Set up tables in a public place.
2. Have laptops with wireless Net access.
3. Let people use ObamaTaxCut.com to determine their tax cut under Obama. The same site tells them how they'll fare under McCain. 95% fare better under Obama.

This combats Republican propaganda. It's brilliant! Let's do this!!

Contact http://pol.moveon.org/feedback/fb/form.html?tp=suggest

[justobserve]

Thanks for #3. Great way to compare with McCain's tax. No more smog and mirror tactics!

[Last-LiberalRepublicans]

I AGREE!! GREAT TAX TOOL!!

I SAVE IT and Will Pass It On!!

[sandpiper1]

It would be great to add their individaul legislative records too....Oba­ma is all for Vets unlike McCain who has voted against them during his senate years. Take it to the REP. Convention & let Reps. esp the youth see for themselves whose policies are better for America.

[scottman1085]

Gosh,
It will be such a fantastic era when BO gets elected. JB is a new face too, just adorable.

Lower taxes and no more right to work states ( those great economic growth number for those states; lies, all lies). No more Katrina disasters (Federal hurrican insurance!!).
Health care and housing for everyone. No more crime, wars, or strife. We will finally all be equal.

My god it will be like we died and went to heaven.

And I wll finally get that pony I wanted.

[Halsey]

Scot..I hope you DO get that pony (I want one too..but where to put it?).... OB...and JB...no..t­hey never promise heaven, nirvanna or xanadu... just CHANGE from Dubya/chen­ey/Alioto/­Renquist, Halliburton and it's KBR baby...

see..I don't get how people fall for the arrrrggghh­hh...TAXES­....fear mongering of the right...yo­u and I (the ones without ponies)...­just might see our taxes drop...whi­le..(sorry Paris)...t­he uber wealthy might have to "pony" up a bit more...but it will NOT affect their lifestyles­..not a bit...

since I'm not about to enlist (too old..too scared)...­paying taxes is THE most patriotic act I can muster...I WANT veterans to have healthcare AND access to higher education.­..I WANT poor children to eat... yup...just a silly bleeding heart...gu­ilty...as charged...­(oh..and I WANT Exxon/Mobi­le...to pay 15%..that would do a LOT to begin the long long process of paying off W's national debt.

[Egalitare]

“Taxes are what we pay for civilized society.” –Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

[Faithtoo]

DITTO!

[FirstShirt]

"...just CHANGE "

Right. Change is always good. We all know that in that happy place democrats go it will be special. Poverty will be eliminated because mommy government will make it so. More tenements, no doubt. Bad guys will see the light and leave us alone. Taxes will go down. Benefits will go up. The rich will pay [you know the rich, they are your employers]. The wealth will be shared.

[scottman1085]

So you think that your taxes aren't going up under BO? Point out one, just one thing that he has ever said that would lead you to belive government will not grow.

Are you really comfortable with bigger government?

[LABC]

I doubt that pony will produce as much sh*t as you have with these repetitive, supposedly witty, snarky posts. Really, McBore should put you on his writing team - you may be able to tweak up his big speech entitled "Scared, kids??"

[scottman1085]

I shan't characterize you, as you have me, although I am tempted.

You really like big government, OR you don't believe it will happen under BO.

Not sure which is worse.

[MaryT63]

Last night was great for Obama to visit. So far the convention has been great, but I was dismayed at the new policy of having the opposition party on such prominent display and given so much air time. I wait to how much air time the dems get next week at the repubs convention.
Any mention of McBush this week has been to show a difference in the policies of what the repubs have done and will continue to do under his leadership if elected. That was fair game. Bill clearly knocked it out of the park by highlighting what the repubs put in action in 2001 that they had been working on for over 25 yrs. This is clearly 'cause and effect'. The dems need to show 'cause and effect' at every end of the campaign, so people can clearly see the differences betw dems policies and repubs policies.
Regarding the repubs trying to paint Obama as a celebrity, the republicans have elected more hollywood celebrities than democrats - Reagan, Arnold Sch., they wanted Fred Thompson, and many others as congressmen to include Sonny Bono. They seem obsessed w celebrities. Yet, they do psycho-warfare very well painting their opposition as celebrity driven.

[NHGranite]

Don't forget the great actress, Dame Rudy Guiliani. What? That was the 911 guy in drag???

[skatscan]

Don't forget Love Boat's Gopher

[trinidadgirl]

Talking about knocking it out of the park, I was simply wowed with John Kerry. Totally unexepected and definitely 'on' .

[Faithtoo]

I'm with you on this. John Kerry gave a dynamite speech. He was actually tougher than Bill and hard hitting. I loved it. He did not have the lovefest with MCCain that Bill and Joe had.

[wildflowermaven]

I agree w you. Only wish his speech was broadcast on the networks.

[ATL78]

I know! Where was this guy in 2004?!?!?

[CitizenInformed]

I agree. John Kerry gave the best speech of the night. His points need to be amplified throughout the remainder of the campaign.

[moonrider 73]

bet you won't see none on Fox.

[oldmilitant]

Good Job, Willowy! Keep up the good work!

Obama/Biden '08

[tlgeiger62]

I would just like to add -- I watched the convention on C-SPAN last night and I truly wish I'd done that for all the nights. There was NO commentary.

And I was astounded to realize how much was being talked over with the commentary and editorializing on the major networks. There were wonderful speeches by ordinary citizens, military wives etc. These were the people the undecided voters should have been hearing (assuming they were watching).

[lizinatl]

Glad you caught up with us at cspan - their coverage for the past three days gets and A+ with Bonus Points...t­hey advertised gavel to gavel and their 'commentators' are the American people ... Thank you for C-Span!!

[rodnacious]

Thanks for the heads up... I, on several ocassions, lost the thread of the speaker because of commentary.

[trinidadgirl]

Ok, so here's the strategy for the next 2 months. Filter in the productive and reject vociferously the scum and neagativity. Spread the word. Just think, if we all make an effort to do that, what a difference it would make.

[lee4]

I love C-Span. Try it in the mornings too. I always watch Washington Journal.

[vff]

I violently agree with you. I so much appreciated C-Span allowing us to listen to the military personnel of various rank speak on C-Span about Obama as Commander in Chief. We don't get to hear from them very often. On the other channels they were covered up by of the endless silly speculation of their media stars. I never cease to be dismayed by how the MSM controls the flow of real info. The MSM is narcissistic and irrelevant.

[Gusto2]

I agree. C-SPAN showed all the military people that support OBama. The netwoks did NOT, but you be assured they will show them next week at the Reps convention. The networks are allowing the McCain camp to come in often, let us watch next week to see if they are going to do the same. I bet you will NOT see that too often. John Kerry speech was GREAT. Expect more on the campaign.

[sandpiper1]

I watched it on CSPAN then checked MSNBC after the covention ended on my computer..­.don't get it on cable. I just loved John Kerry's speech..he kicked a$$.
I loved seeing all the VETS who came out and esp. seeing Obama's uncle in the stands..th­at was so touching. I hope he makes it tonight too. I think this is the best convention I have seen since I started watching them. There were ordinary people included who were given a voice to tell their story..bea­utiful. I think Obama and his camp kicked it out of the park. Can't wait for tonight. Anyone planning on watching booooring McCain's convention?. I know I am going to fall asleep at some piont watching that.

[rageagainstmachine]

C-SPAN is the ONLY way to watch the convention. You actually get to hear content vs. pundifery (most of which is completely vapid). The Kerry speech, in my view the best speech of the night next to Bill Clinton's, I actually heard in it's entirety on C-SPAN. I've read here that many of the networks had pundits speaking instead of airing Kerry's speech. This is the man who won the nomination of the Democratic party in 2004 and you don't think that perhaps it might be newsworthy to let the American people hear what he had to say?

The best, most forceful speeches attacking the Republican party have gotten the short shrift on other networks - Dennis Kucinich's speech and Kerry's speech.

So, my viewing strategy? Watch on C-SPAN, switch occassionally to MSNBC to try to catch Maddow, and then back to C-SPAN!

[cre8ivecurt]

Amen! I finally figured out the same thing. Only, I switched over to MSNBC after one speech to hear Maddow et al and realized that they were talking over Kerry's speech...t­hen went to commercial as he spoke. What a dis! I did flip back to C-SPAN in time to hear most of what Kerry said. C-SPAN is definitely the way to go!

[KQuarksSuperKollider]

I thought it was a great move by Obama since he was appearing off site at Investco Field tonight.

It gave the delegates and the viewers a big kick to see Obama and Biden together.

[wildflowermaven]

Yeah, and I liked that Obama called it Mile-High stadium, which is what many still call the stadium and made him sound more "common man" than corporate.

[NoSillyName]

It was Mile High Stadium for a long time before corporations started naming stadiums for themselves, eliminating all sense of place and tradition. Sickening. And I'm not really a sports fan.