I stand corrected: Kerry gave a decent speech this morning

[dolstein]

I must admit I was skeptical. After all, while I found his convention acceptance speech somewhat tolerable, I haven't actually LIKED any of the speeches I've heard him give during the course of the campaign. Today's speech was much more focused and pointed and employed language far better than most of his speeches. It was still a bit flabby in places, and I cringe every time Kerry utters "my fellow Americans". But it's an improvement. Whether it comes too late is an open question. I imagine that some people are thinking that Kerry would have been better off if he had included much of this in his acceptance speech. Clearly Kerry has allowed Bush's claims of waging a successful war on terrorism to go unanwered far too long. But at least it's a start.

[Kimber Scott]

1. Well, I'm glad you approve.

nt

[hlthe2b]

2. sort of grudging praise, Dolstein...... I'm just now hearing clips, but

I thought his discussion of the IWR vote was excellent. I look forward to seeing a full replay on CSpan later this evening.

[Kahuna]

3. His speech at the National Guard Conv. last week was also very good...

Better late than never. Huh? :hi:

Kerry's biggest mistake thus far was in responding to bush's challenge. And stating at the Grand Canyon that he would still give bush the authority if he knew then what he knows now. That statement was on the same level as Wes Clark's blunder at the beginning of his campaign... One that he never recovered from. So I understand you wondering if he will be able to recover.

[robbedvoter]

4. Not as brilliant as your first love, Joementum, maybe....

but we'll take it.

[dolstein]

7. At least people know where Joe stands

You may not agree with Joe Lieberman on Iraq, but at least you know where he stands, and you know that he believes in what he's saying. And if Bush's standing in the polls tells us anything, it's that conviction, right or wrong, still counts for something. That's been Kerry's biggest problem all along -- a mind-boggling inability to speak with conviction, not only on Iraq, but on a wide range of topics. I have tended to blame Kerry's screenwriters for this problem, but that excuse only works for so long.

[A_Possum]

5. Kerry's timing is excellent

He's hitting Iraq EXACTLY when even Republicans are admitting it's a horror show. So it doesn't come across as just political malice, he comes across as giving a real damn about what happens to our troops, and showing that Bush doesn't.

[21winner]

6. Catch the replay on Cspan @ 8pm Edt.

Its worth it.

[baltodemvet]

8. Decent? Kicked butt, I'd say