youth,
I think taking exception to elements of Biden's assertions is fair, but only if one is capable of admitting that the opposition's candidate provides a daily barrage of outright lies. On purpose., not close, not hyperbole, not arguable, just outright, flat-out lies.
When you do that consistently, then the critique of specifics in Biden's speech have some credibility.
But you don't.
My take?
Biden showed to me again why I voted for him in 2020 and would have voted for him again in 2024 but also why I'm relieved that Harris is the candidate instead.
While I believe his good intentions and heartfelt aspects of sincere patriotism and empathy, I simply don't think he brings the kind of energetic and joyful call to a better future that the Harris campaign has so well captured in so many ways right out of the gate.
And I think our country needs to turn the page on the incredible divisiveness that Trump so exploited, and indeed led and exacerbated, that has plagued the nation. Biden signals that angry fight rather than a brighter future, much as he clearly wants to claim legit credit for moving the country forward at a terrible time in our history. To me, he tries too hard to claim credit and overreaches.
I don't think we need to blame only one 'side' for this, but there's nevertheless no question in my mind that Obama's call for unity, not red and blue, was the right path (though I voted for McCain and Romney) and there's no question in my mind that his being elected along with the adoption of gay marriage blew the minds of a large segment of our population in ways that continue to reverberate. And Trump exploited the heck out of it.
I see the Harris campaign as a huge flip of the script, adopting a pro-America, openly patriotic, dramatically optimistic and positive vision for the future whereas Trump doubles and triples down, repeatedly, on calling America "a nation in decline, a failed nation"...he calls that "a beautiful phrase".
Stark contrast.
Harris is offering a combination of Reagan and Obama belief in America, whereas Trump's proffer, once novel and entertaining to those in shock at a black man in the WH and gay marriage, a nation changing in demography, has become whiny and shrill, small and close minded, sexist, misogynistic and bigoted, a mash-up of Buchanan's resentments, John Birchers, the America First fascists of the '30's and the Know Nothings of the 1850's.
Trump's schtick has grown old and tired and ever angrier as he and they increasingly realize how at each turn and policy they represent minority views of America's future. It's freaking them out, having assumed they were running against another representative of the past in Biden and could win against an incumbent with an electorate unsettled by the traumas and after shocks of a worldwide pandemic.
So, last night offered up some really interesting moments in this changing narrative. The tributes to Biden were heartfelt, but the excitement about turning the page was very clear.
The unexpected walkout and short words from Harris were the biggest moment of the night by far. Exceptionally well done.
One of the most interesting speeches, to me, was Steve Kerr's very early in the night. If you haven't seen it, worth a watch, short:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KbnSsLabzY
His ending was off the charts.
AOC showed why she is such a star in the Dem firmament, continuing to grow in her own credibility despite her youth. Super well done. Warnock was another rousing presentation of moral clarity and optimism that is characterizing this effort. His closing was exceptional.
The speakers re reproductive healthcare were very moving and the framing of this issue consistently as 'freedom' is brilliant.
Hillary gave IMO the best speech of her career. I'm not a fan, but she framed her efforts as part of many women, including specific women, through history going forward with women's rights and it felt gracious and correct. She seemed genuinely pleased and excited for Harris and she successfully transferred her considerable political capital to her.
I didn't get a kick out of the union speeches including UAW President, but understand their role. Clyburn is very old and while he made some points, good to get the old done in night one. I was looking forward to James Taylor, who got cut due to length but another old guy...
So, a successful night, albeit too long and late for an east coast audience. Not so bad for midwest and west though.