Hillary Clinton Speech: No Way McCain or Obama?

While the take away phrase from the Sen. Hillary Clinton speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention is No Way. No How. No McCain,divided passions remain strong as ever. Yet, few can legitimately fault the Hillary Clinton speech in delivering a convincing unity message for the Democratic Party. Yet, Clinton did not use the speech to speak on Sen Barack Obama's qualifications or readiness. In not doing so, she was both true to herself (i.e. former comments) as well as her presumed political ambitions.

Hillary Clinton Dedication

From the impeccable delivery, her laser focus, assured manner, and astute message of unity, the Hillary Clinton speech received several standing ovations. Her presence and words evoking visible tears, pride, nostalgia, and sadness from both her supporters and admirers, if not critics.

Kicked off with an energetic, sometimes lighthearted, and accomplished dedication of Clinton's dedication to civil rights, beautifully narrated by Chelsea Clinton, it is likely some foes became respecters of this "American Girl" -- the Tom Petty song and theme of the presentation.

Hillary Clinton speech highlights, besides her orange jumpsuit

Hillary Clinton introduced herself as a proud mother, proud Democrat, proud senator from NY, proud American and "proud supporter of Barack Obama".

Support for Team Clinton was unwavering as she told them, "You taught me so much." She collectively thanked all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. territories along with the "sisterhood of the traveling pant suits," which earned a healthy chuckle. Specific people she met in her campaign were highlighted, including a woman with cancer, two adopted autistic kids and no health insurance. The Clinton supporter had painted her chemotherapy-induced bald head with Hillary Clinton's name.

Minutes into the DNC Clinton speech, she gave a heartfelt recognition of the loss of two "great Democratic champions": Arkansas Democratic Party Chairman, Bill Gwatney and U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Family members of the recently deceased flanked former President Bill Clinton in the audience seats.

Soon the Hillary Clinton speech turned into an A-to-Z Democratic agenda, covering every topic from Iraq to offshore drilling to health care to China, with the tenor of unshakable passion and loyalty to the Party and her beliefs. Then she told the audience to, "Ask yourself, were you in the campaign just for me or for...all the people who feel invisible." [paraphrased]

Amid acknowledgment of past women's rights heroes, and their relevance, the most profound part of the DNC Hillary Clinton speech was her reference to Harriet Tubman, leader of the Underground Railroad, whom she quotes:

"And on that path to freedom, Harriett Tubman had one piece of advice.
If you hear the dogs, keep going.
If you see the torches in the woods, keep going.
If they're shouting after you, keep going.
Don't ever stop. Keep going.
If you want a taste of freedom, keep going."

'Even in the darkest of moments, ordinary Americans have found the faith to keep going," Clinton followed.

Barack Obama effect and the Hillary Clinton speech

While the Hillary Clinton speech gave praise to Michelle Obama and Sen. Joseph Biden on a personal level --regarding their fitness for their hopeful roles -- Barack Obama was not included among the confidence-building statements, other than indirectly.

To her credit, Hillary Clinton convincingly mentioned Barack Obama about 10 times in the speech, unlike any campaign loser has done in recent history, some not at all. However, Clinton's speech was a directive to vote for Obama as president, if you believe in principals she and/or the Democratic party espouses.

Clinton made a few specific attacks on Sen. John McCain, which were somewhat unexpected during this speech --at least by the talking heads, figuring Biden would be left to the task. Among the attacks:

"I haven't spent the past 35 years in the trenches advocating for children, campaigning for universal health care, helping parents balance work and family, and fighting for women's rights at home and around the world . . . (edit) And you haven't worked so hard over the last 18 months, or endured the last eight years, to suffer through more failed leadership. No way. No how. No McCain."

Reactions to the Hilary Clinton speech:

A misty eyed Former President Bill Clinton never looked so proud and adoring; Sen. Joe Biden, often one of the first to stand in ovation, was convincingly respectful and sentimental of his friend and colleague.-- another likable moment for Biden.

Michelle Obama is not an easy person to read at times, though it seems best to leave out the world of blogger speculations. She did express clearly positive emotions at times during the Hillary Clinton speech, at other times less so.

No Way, No McCain or No Obama?

Following Hillary Clinton's speech, reality soon returned. The "No Obama!" sentiments became evident, including via an interview of a Clinton Delegate by CNN. The devout Democrat, black and 40ish, repeatedly stated, "experience means something." She was crying and torn deeply -- stating that she may not vote in November. She stated that Obama has two months to convince her.

Fox News Greta Van Susteren, along with other reporters, claimed to receive a glut of e-mails from Clinton supporters who said they would not vote for Obama and/or would vote for Johh McCain.

Yet, there is one takeaway from the Hillary Clinton DNC speech for the undecided. "That change will not be easy, but it will be impossible if John McCain is elected." Now it is up to Obama, aided by Bill Clinton and Joe Biden perhaps, to show that he can make change happen and is qualified to be Commander-in-Chief ... notwithstanding that the presidential debates will be the real test.

A sentiment increasingly vocalized today is that, if Obama had waited a few years to run for office confidence levels would be much higher among some Democrats.

Fox News
CNN News
MarketWatch, Clinton Speech Full Text
http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/text-hillary-clintons-speech/story.aspx?guid=%7B401E9449%2DFBDF%2D455C%2D85E6%2DDC52A59BCBE0%7D
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080826/NEWS15/808260312