Tim Kaine came out and introduced himself, and then proceeded to attack Trump fairly effectively, although I must admit he seems to be just a bit of a doofus. This is not a bad thing, it’s just an apparent characteristic which is probably misleading.
Now, after a lovely introduction by a “gold star mother” (lost a son in Afghanistan) and a video aimed to give viewers an insight / reminder of how many crises Obama has faced, the President emerges and shows why he may be the leading orator of the age. After humor designed to connect to the audience, he affirms his faith in the Nation, covers his successes – which his opponents may deny, but are often confirmable with a bit of research – and is now connecting Hillary to his history.
His sense of pacing and the audience, his clear voice and control of his tone, and the content (does he write his own?), allows listeners to connect to him and his policies. As he argues for Hillary, as he bears witness to Hillary’s achievements and experience, he makes her believable, because he’s been there.
Now a shout-out to Kaine, affirming Hillary’s choice.
As Obama beats on Trump, for which there is so much evidence, his calm confidence at the microphone is as amazing as it is with Bill. He reminds us that since the election of 2000, the Republicans have been made up of third-raters – and the Democrats have managed to rise above them in terms of competence. Not necessarily in guerilla marketing, it’s true – but in bringing an understanding of American laws and traditions to the serious task of governance.
This is a speech to rally the Democrats, to remind them that they have to vote to win – a problem for Democrats, for reasons I don’t really fathom. Independents should find it reassuring, especially as facts are cited, connected to the narrative of the President – but this is connecting Democrat’s principles to positive results. He reminds the crowd that democracy is not a one day thing, but an everyday thing – he defines democracy, how hard it is, and how everyone must work at it in order for it work for us – rather than for just a few.
So, I wonder … what will Obama do next January? In a few years will he be looking at returning to the Senate? He’d be joining a very small club (Johnson and JQ Adams). But he can contribute without occupying an elective office.
And what, in 50 years, will historians say about him? I can’t wait to find out.
Later: and out pops Hillary for a thank you hug. Nice touch. Trump dead-enders must be furious – Trump is so outclassed as to look like a fumbler.
