Obama: American Promise

[drmomentum[$]]

This is a thread for talking about Obama's "American Promise" speech, and the wake of the Democratic Convention.

Here's one dispassionate review of the speech: Analysis: New goal, new style of speech for Obama -- chicagotribune.com

Full text and video:
Barack Obama Democratic Convention Speech (VIDEO) (TEXT)

I liked the focus on individual responsibility and "the American promise" which, to me, is practically synonymous with a rising tide that raises all boats, but also that hard work brings rewards. We've lost a lot of that over the last eight years as the Republicans working together in two branches of government have grown the gap between the middle class and the very wealthy.

The country's health needs to be measured, as Obama says, by how the little guy can get by.

I liked his specifics -- stop tax breaks for companies sending job overseas. Return justice to the tax structure, investment into energy independence that is also oil independent.

As a math ed researcher, I like his focus on education as well. We can't ignore these things any longer. It's not just a matter of educating our children as an entitlement, it's a matter of the security of the future of our country.

I appreciated that he focused on spelling out what he wanted to do. No we know what he means by "change America needs" whether we agree with the specifics or not.

-JP

[mjfrombuffalo[$]]

I really liked the speech. I liked the content (most of it) and I liked his delivery (although some said it was "flat"). I remember thinking of how well he spoke (not in a "he's clean and articulate" way ), how stirring the speech was to me, and how inspiring it was to me. Stage presence is not everything and shouldn't be the basis of a vote, but having a good platform and a great ability to speak to the people is really, really good.

[theworm[$]]

He's a fabulous speaker and relates to his audience.
I like the way he talks about community. I like the way he empowers individuals. He remained positive. When criticizing, he attacked policies and principles not people.

I liked that he shared a vision, and while he may not have spelled out every detail of how we as a nation will get there, he made the "destination" clear. I think he has a good vision.