JSojourner
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Posts: 11,514
Political Matrix
E: -8.65, S: -6.94
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« on: January 04, 2008, 12:36:43 AM » |
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...the ones I heard, at least.
Obama: A+ My only criticism is that he didn't thank his opponents or congratulate them on a good campaign. He might also have done well to congratulate Mike Huckabee. I know that's tough, though. Because sometimes partisan crowds get unruly and then the candidate has to get them to play nice. Not quite on a par with Dr. King. But left me very mindful of Robert F. Kennedy or Barbara Jordan.
Clinton: B+ An excellent speech. Very smart to name her opponents, including the also-rans, by name. Touched her major themes but didn't seem out of touch with the reality that she had lost. I did feel, watching Bill behind her, that I was seeing the end of something. And while I have never been a fan of the Clintons -- it made me a little sad.
Edwards: A- You guys aren't gonna agree with me on this, I know. But Edwards hit on every single thing I have been thinking or feeling. He doesn't make me mad. He reminds me why I am already mad...and have been for eight damn years. I thought it was a brilliant speech. As I have said before, I agree with everything the guy says. So why can't I bring myself to support him? I can't fully quantify it. The only negative note I have (hence, the minus) was that I don't think he congratulated Barack -- which was tacky. And he could even have thanked Hillary for a race well run.
Huckabee: A Oh it pains me to admit it because I just deplore almost everything the man stands for. But he gave a tremendous speech. He is a much smarter political cookie than a lot of people give him credit for. His line, heading into the caucus, (that he reminds you of your coworkers, not of the boss who laid you off) was sheer genius in light of Romney's constant harping. And his mention of the "L" word several times -- love -- was something that I have always believed a candidate or office holder needs to articulate. "Love one another" knows no political, racial or religious boudaries and Huckabee hit it out of the park with that. Of course, I know his actual policies are anything but loving. But he certainly succeeded in portraying himself exactly as he must to win the general -- the compassionate "loving" conservative.
McCain: A Very short, as befitting a guy who scarcely campaigned in Iowa and didn't show well. Smart comment about going negative and spending mega bucks. Tipped his hand that he and Huck will triangulate in New Hampshire to derail Romney. (Then fight each other in South Carolina again.) But really, he reminded me why I like him. He's prudent, not given to much hyperbole and calm.
I didn't hear anyone else. Did you all? How did the rest do?
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