jorgelito

And thus wraps the 4 days of liberal fest. Impressions:

Wow! Just wow. I was thoroughly impressed with the speakers and enjoyed the speeches. My TV is broken so I listened all on the radio (Thank you NPR!).

Highlights:

1. Obama - He continues to impress me. I believe in him and find his message to be honest, sincere, and relevant. Whether he pulls it off is another matter entirely.

2. Hillary Clinton - I admit. I really didn't like Hillary at all prior to the Primary. I had a very negative impression of her. Even during the Primary when she went negative it lowered my impression of her. But then she turned it around. She showed poise, class, and dignity when she "made up" with Obama. I liked her speech and thought it was very gracious and unifying. I also like how she canceled the roll call; I thought it was a classy move.

3. Bill Clinton - Funny thing, I voted for this guy twice (yes even though I am a conservative, I was once a loony liberal when I was young ). Initially I really liked the guy but as time wore on he was just too slimy for me. Then his shenanigans during the Primary race were just low. However, his speech was fantastic (assuming he meant it of course) and redeemed him in my view. Let's see how he does during the run. Will he campaign for Adama or will he slink away into the shadows?

4. Joe Biden - I wasn't really expecting him to be the VP nominee but then again, I kind of drifted in and out. I didn't/don't know too much about him but I like his fiery character. I feel he is a nice complement to Obama and they make a good team (as far as I know and what I can tell).

5. Al Gore!! - I don't know why, but I actually like him. Maybe he's too easy to pick on but he's not a bad person. This guy's speech was hysterical. I love his incorporation of humor (and inside jokes) into his speech. It was refreshing and nice to see him comfortable with poking fun at himself a bit. It shows ability to change a bit. He needs to work on his delivery a bit though. Ah, Al...

6. Showing respect and class to John McCain - I was pleasantly surprised when these speakers talked about McCain they spoke with reverence and respect while still able to criticize. I very much admire and respect that they did not pander and stoop but rather, acknowledged John McCain's accomplishments and status as a veteran but criticized his positions. In other words, they attacked and criticized his policies NOT his character. Very classy move. Good for democracy and civil debate.

Some concerns of mine that were addressed:

1. Taxes - one of the main issues I had with Obama and with the Democrats
in general is the issue of raising taxes. Obama reiterated his promise to:
a. Lower taxes for 95% of Americans
b. Clean up loopholes and review corporate exemptions deemed "not
beneficial to the American public"

2. Military - renewed commitment to our military
a. Commitment to veterans and extending benefits
b. Commitment to War on Terror but smartly EX: focus on Afghanistan
instead of Iraq
c. Commitment to military readiness but not compromising diplomacy

3. Energy & Environment
a. Commitment to alternative energy and reduction in dependency on
foreign sources (oil especially). Albeit a bit ambitious - 10 year plan?
b. Commitment to the environment

Lowlights:

1. Bill Richardson - I really disliked his Spanish speaking during his speech. I felt it was pandering and divisive. Good thing he wasn't the VP pick otherwise I would for sure not be voting for Obama.

2. Too many references to MLK and his "I have a Dream" speech. While I appreciate the significance, I do feel it was overboard. They almost "Michael Phelped" it to death. However, the commentators on NPR interviewed some random people and they explained a bit of the significance of MLK and why it was so important to them. Some even were in tears and many were at the actual march some 40 odd years ago. In that context, I could understand and empathize a bit. My only complaint was that I felt it took away from the more important issues.

Conclusion:

Well, as an independent, conservative and all important swing voter, I must say, I was 65-35 in favor of Obama but now, as we go further along and as McCain continues to disappoint me, I am almost entrenched in the Adama camp. I would put it at 90%. But I do want to give McCain one last chance to woo me as it were but it's not looking good. He has failed me and made me sad. So much lost opportunity. Obama on the other hand has wined and dined me and I appreciate that. I look forward to the Republican Convention next week and am curious to see what they will come up with. Last chance fellas. Obama and friends, keep up the good work and don't get cocky and lose me.

I am also excited at the prospect of Obama becoming America's 2nd black president and 1st Asian-American president.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-t...ronounces.html

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...07/30/apop.DTL

Did you watch/listen to the DNC? What did you guys think?

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