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Wednesday, August 27, 2008
It was politics, but of the polite variety
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It was a very good day for the Democrats.
It started with a classy act by Hillary Clinton, who moved to nominate Barack Obama by acclamation, preventing a potentially divisive rollcall vote. Her husband then delivered a ringing endorsement of Obama, reminding the nation why he is considered the best politician of his generation.
Bill Clinton’s speech was followed by a passionate and biting critique of the Bush administration by, of all people, John Kerry, who is hardly known for his passion. And rounding out the day was Joe Biden, who delivered what the delegates and other Democratic partisans had been hoping for — an insightful and incisive attack on John McCain’s politics.
The Democrats, to a person, proved that they could harshly attack policies and politics, judgments and beliefs, without attacking the person. Good for them. Bill Clinton and each member of the Senate — Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, John Kerry — was careful to mention his friendship with or respect for John McCain and his service to the nation.
Then they proceeded to say why they disagreed with his policies, why his policies are bad for the country. It should not be necessary to dehumanize your opponent, to suggest he is somehow worthy of contempt.
If that idea of respecting your rival’s humanity is what Barack Obama has brought to American politics, it marks a huge improvement.
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Restoring the Clinton dynasty?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bill Clinton could be a very effective surrogate for Barack Obama on the campaign trail, going to small-town America, carving up John McCain, persuading lunch-pail Democrats to stay with the Obama-Biden ticket. But it’s unlikely that he will.
Even after her effective speech last night (perhaps because of it) Hillary aides are making clear that she still intends to run in 2012. That’s only possible if Obama loses. So the Clintons would rather see a Republican in the White House next year than give up their dream of restoring the Clinton dynasty.
On top of that, there are ugly rumors going around that Hillary aides put out the word that Obama had better not pick a woman VP unless it was Hillary. Can they really be that selfish?
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Will Bill deliver?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There is no doubt the last two-term Democratic president deserves a prime-time speech at the convention. But after Hillary’s big night, complete with autobiographical video, it’s beginning to feel like a Clinton convention.
It will be worthwhile, though, if Bill delivers a rousing speech endorsing Obama and slamming McCain. But will he?
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