Conventional Wisdom: DNC Edition
It's really no surprise that the political conversations have been really bubbling this election year, with so many iVillagers passionate about their candidates, the issues and the process. The Democrats have had an intense week in Denver and the Republicans will convene in Minneapolis-Saint Paul starting on Monday. Meanwhile, many are looking to the candidates, their families and the party elite to sharpen the campaign message during the conventions. And, ok, maybe some are also watching for any blunders or missteps. Former candidate Hillary Clinton spoke on Tuesday night at the convention and the Politics Today community has been reviewing the impact of her speech:
"Yes, she was at her best... I supported her throughout but I wish she, her husband and those who ran her campaign had handled things differently when they realized they had underestimated Obama and his campaign." -- calebsammaw
"It ticked all the boxes in trying to rally support for Obama and unify the Democratic Party... and more important than anything else (at least as far as Hillary would be concerned) it was good for HER... solidifying the fact that she still has quite a future in the higher echelons of power." -- suemox
"Hillary did wonderfully! How many follow is probably a function of McCain's selection." -- llhaesa
Others were more intrigued by the shots of Michelle Obama during the speech:
"Every time the camera panned to Michelle Obama you could see the dislike for Hillary in her face. She did a good job trying to mask it, but it was very obvious to me." -- snoopyme
"I totally agree with you that Michelle Obama did not look too pleased. At one point I thought that her expression read 'I'm gonna get you!'" -- carey239
Those on the Moms & Politics message board were impressed with both Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton:
"I loved Michelle Obama's speech. It was nice to get to know more about her, and I'm even MORE admiring now. I like her husband, but I'd vote for HER if she was running!" -- mommeebear
"I was so, so proud of Hillary... Her speech was amazing and I have a lot more respect for her now than I did before." -- miyaka2007
On our Liberal Parenting board, some Hillary supporters are still coming to terms with her being out of the race:
"I did not watch it yet. I am still not ready. I was (am) a total Hillary supporter. My head can vote Obama - but then he says something to piss me off and I am writing in Hillary's name again." -- roanmom
"As I was watching I was totally thinking why couldn't she be the one! But I do encourage you to watch it when you are ready. It may help a little with being able to vote for Obama -- not much in still wishing that she was the one though." -- cl-michmity
Meanwhile on the In the News message board, some are trying to decipher the campaign strategy as it relates to involving Bill Clinton:
"When Gore, Kerry and now Obama should have been reaching out to Clinton and using his popularity to their advantage, they didn't. Is it insecurity? Is it jealousy? Are they afraid he would take the 'limelight' away from them?" -- sweetpea1946
"[Bill Clinton] appears to hold a grudge towards Obama because Hillary didn't win. I think he has taken her loss personally... To be honest, I think Bill hurt Hillary's candidacy." -- libraone
I'm not sure if she'll have a front row seat, but it's worth noting that iVillager carolbc2003 (from our February 2004 playgroup) will be attending the festivities when Barack Obama is slated to accept the Democratic nomination. Anyone else attending? We'd love to hear your report!
Let me know what you think of the conventions, if you're watching and if it's making an impact on you and your vote. Do you feel the conventions are relevant to you or are they just a well-produced show? How did you rate the speeches of Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama? Were there other speakers that made an impact on you? Sound off here and share your thoughts!
(Also, before anyone thinks I'm being partisan here, never fear -- I'll be back next week with a round-up of comments and reaction to the Republican National Convention!)
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I am one of those voters who would have voted for Hillary without any doubt in my mimd that she would do what is best for families and fix the economy back to what it was when her husband was president. I felt she did an excellent job trying to Sell Obama as a good choice over McCain. But After her speech I stilled wanted to run out and vote for her, because she gets it...I have reservations now regarding both candidates. She can't fix Obama's inexperience.
Michelle Obama seems like a very cold individual, she couldn't even show any respect for Hillary during Hillary's speech to look interested or appreciative for the support Hillary was showing her and her husband.
I don't think it is fair for Hilary to be going the extra mile for Obama and company. She did well in the nominations and everyone should let Obama work for his own Presidency.
All Hilary needs to do is wish him well and it should be enough.
I think both speeches were amazing. I would like everyone to stop talking about inexperience. Both candidates have inexperience in being a president because neither one has been one. All I know is Barack makes a more convincing arguement in my mind. And as far as the comment on Michelle not being interested in Hilary. I think she was taking in every word. She's a serious woman. She means business. Anyone that knows black women know that look. Its not a disinterested look. As a woman I would have loved to see Hilary president but thats not an option at this point so we have to move on. And I move towards Barack. He gives me hope. McCain just doesn't give me that when I here him speak.
I am not politically inclined, but with all that is happening this campaign year I couldn't help but take notice. I've always liked the Clintons, but was disappointed by their behavior during the campaign.
I could have voted for Hilary or Obama. I feel each have the capacity to initiate much needed change. I felt their passion and desire to do more.
The speeches given during the DNC were excellent. Bill, Hilary, Michelle and Obama did a wonderful job of pulling my views back into focus.
For those out there who are still "hatin", get over it!
I have several thoughts. 1st, for the past year, Hillary has been running Obama's name through the mud, and Obama has been running Hillary's name through the mud. Why then are we shocked or being critical of Michelle or Bill faces or reactions? Michelle, an obviously protective wife is supposed to suddenly wanna go out shopping with Hillary or Bill should wake up the next morning asking Barack to golf. Come one people, it was a stressful, hurtful campaign, feelings are still sore. Lets stop asking for unrealistic expressions on Michelle's face, put yourself in her position. 2nd, I don't think Hillary will do much more to help his campaign, and I believe that the only reason she spoke up during the DNC is because so many of her supporters are still holding grudges. Barack's uphill battle with her supporters does not neccessarily speak to his ability to reach out. I have always been a Barack supporter and I voted for him in the primaries, and I promise you, had Hillary won, Obama would have had to get up there and say the same to me because I swore up and down I'd never vote for her if she won the nomination, and I'm not the only one, but in reality, I would have grit my teeth, squeezed my eyes shut, and pressed her name come November. In the end, we are all democrats and this is too scary a time, and too important to use our 11-04-08 votes to make statements about our disapproval with the nominee. It is important for the Democrats to win to ensure that more young men and woman don't come home in body bags and that more people don't lose their homes and jobs. However, if come November he loses because her supporters wouldn't back him, i will definately return the favor in 2012 if she runs and vote for whoever the other democrat is because thats disgusting for a human being to be so selfish in a time when it's not just about you, but about millions and hurt and distraught people across our nation. We need you (Clinton supporters), and you need us (Obama supporters), not a threat, just simply reality.
I don't understand how anyone could really have an issue voting for Obama. If Hillary had won the nomination, I would've been disappointed for a day or so but I would definately have voted for her. Not since I voted for Clinton back in college have I felt so strongly that we need a change. Not since I can remember have we actually had a choice between two excellent candidates (Obama and Hillary). As a country I hope people really ask themselves why not change the status-quo? What's so great about it?
I will vote Obama! And also my sister. We are all support him not only for his speech, but also his behavior. To most of our teenagers, i think we need a leader as him.Buuuuuut i don't want to see him as those idoes!
Obama is not only a captivating, insightful, and riveting candidate, he has proved to have sound judgement in his decisions with regards to Georgia-Russia, Biden, and pulling out from Iraq. Everyone keeps talking about "inexperience"--- what inexperience??? For someone who has been in the senate the shortest time, he certainly has proved to be able to "hang" with the biggest sharks of all. Last time I checked, G.W.Bush had TONS of experience- what did that do for us? Oh yea, bring us more in debt at home and weaken our leadership abroad. What can McCain bring to the table other than more Bush tactics? He also condems "talking" to our enemies..what negative could possibly come from talking to Iran? I mean we learned this in Kindergarten-- when you have a problem with someone, talk it out, don't quickly punch the other person (which, in my opinion is where the repiblicans want to be all time, at war). I just can't believe all the Hilary supporters who would rather vote for McCain...just to spight Obama????? I think the American people need to stop being childish and look towards the future- if not for ourselves, then for our children. We cannot afford 4 more years of an old school thinking republican in office.
As a black woman, I can affirm that often times the look on our faces camouflages what's in our hearts and on our minds. I don't know why that is and please don't make this a negative commentary. I can't tell you the number of times that someone has asked me "what's wrong" based on my expression when oddly on the inside, I am happy or simply reflecting. Please judge us by our actions and words and not just our facial expressions. There is more to us.
Obama is full of crap and needs to stop kissing ass!
Obama~ socialism with a smile ;)
I watched the Acceptance speech on Thursday. The highlight for me was the woman from North Carolina who was a republican that "voted for Nixon, Reagan, Bush and Bush" but that she would now be voting for Obama becuase she felt like her party had neglected the middle class, real family values like health care and job security in the interst of the already secure and wealthy. I have seen fbk pages for republicans in support of Obama, but to hear and see this Woman speak was quite touching.
Barak Obama's acceptance speech, that I had the fortune to watch with my 87 year old grandfather, brought tears to my eyes. Not only was he speaking to a crowd ot 80,000 people (largest in history) but he said that this election has never really been about him, but about us. What we as Americans have always stood for is bravery and courage and its time to get our reputation back. I hope he is the man for job, and i will be voting for the team that i feel will restore the American spirit to the whole country and not just a few.
PEACE.