So I finally caught up with the Biden and Obama speeches.
Biden's was really good. I liked the "I see it up close and holy shit do I trust this guy" motif. He also did really well weaving his classing GM/bin Laden line into his attacks on Romney, given 2008 Romney's attitudes towards those things. Great set up.
Obama I guess I mostly agree with what I had seen before watching it - started as a more workman like speech with a slow build. Still compelling, but a very clear contrast with his 2008 style speeches. Once he pivoted to the topic of "citizenship" as the contrast between the parties, the slow build paid off and it was basically vintage Obama. The "you made that happen" was basically exactly what I was hoping he would say and a much needed reminder the all of the work in 2008 did in fact result in real change. It seemed like he managed to speak at once to both undecideds and the disaffected base, which is fairly impressive.
Coming after pure awesome incarnate delivered by Michelle and Clinton, I can see how people were disappointed I guess, but I think that's a silly way to look at things. The DNC had at a minimum 5 speeches which were better than anything delivered at the RNC. Warren is the only headliner to not impress in a really big way. Not only that, but every headliner built on one another and managed to not only reinforce the earlier ideas but create a overall narrative of the Obama presidency from 2008 to 2016.
Basically, I think that was the best overall convention in my lifetime. It's a great contrast to see Democrats who are just so damned happy and proud to be Democrats, compared to the rambling mess in Tampa.
Or to put is another way, it's too bad Obama can't run on his record.
