The Phoenix

Hillary hits a home run

Hillaryinside

I've heard Hillary Clinton speak in person three times, including during an appearance in Rhode Island earlier this year, and none of those occasions prepared me for the impassioned address she delivered last night at the DNC. Dan Kennedy sums it up well:

Well, that was quite a performance by Hillary Clinton, was it not? Unlike the Mark Warners of the world, she managed to talk about herself and use that in a compelling way to transfer her personal message to Barack Obama. Also, for the first time this week the Democrats were drinking the blood of their enemies. And loving it.

I never would have imagined when Clinton first ran for the Senate eight years ago that the stilted public speaker of that campaign could grow into the accomplished, and even moving, figure that she is today.

Not to get carried away. She was not this good while she was running for president. Not even close. Like Ted Kennedy and Al Gore, to name two other examples, defeat seems to have brought out the best in her.

Published Aug 27 2008, 12:23 PM by Ian Donnis

Joe Ouellette said:

"defeat seems to have brought out the best in her."

Good observation. I think this race may make her a more effective leader in the future. It always seemed like she was trying too hard during the primary. And when you have nothing to lose, you can just speak the truth.

August 27, 2008 3:21 PM
Will said:

I agree. Hillary hit a home run ... for Hillary's next presidential run. There's no "I" in team, and there were plenty of I's in that speech.

I thought her delivery was very good, though the contrast between her orange pantsuit and the blue background was kind of painful to watch.

I can't wait for Bill to "help" Obama later tonight, just like he "helped" out his wife. Biden who? Ha, ha, ha.

August 27, 2008 5:31 PM
Joe Ouellette said:

Will:

(Speaking of Hillary)

What are your thoughts on her declining to attend the RI Fundraiser if Cicilline appeared?

In 2004, John Edwards also declined to come here for the same reason.

And did you know the Local 799 is in Denver picketing as I write?

This is a pretty strong blemish on his record don't you think?

A good leader doesn't sit on his hands for 7 years. A good leader gets the job done

August 28, 2008 10:14 AM