Oh geez I loved the reference to Roosevelt. There couldn't be a more fitting comparison. Clinton introduced this theme last night; I think there's gold in it. Rebuilding from the pit of the Great Depression was no unified picnic, as many Americans seem to otherwise misremember it, but a certain romance has emerged around it which happens to be politically priceless.
These reminders of accomplishments are essential: corrections of the missed "hope and change" mantra from the Romney-Ryan-Palinites. And the corrections start with a refresher course on the horrors of neoconservatism--and a wonderful line: Romney is "new" to foreign policy.
My first criticsm. Obama said no party has a monopoly on wisdom. But when there are only two parties, and one of them is the modern Republican Party, that statement is just patently untrue.
When a president of the United States must remind the electorate of a thing called "citizenship," well, see above. It's simply downright bizarre that though many contemporary American historians frame their analyses around the founding concept of "republicanism," the eponymous political party hasn't a clue as to its meaning or importance.
Obama's call to reject "cynicism" is both Rooseveltian and "republican"--a brilliant maneuver that necessarily calls for participation in the process. This is a theme as old as the ancient Greeks, yet it never seems to entirely sink in.
I miss the balloons. Don't you? My understanding is that there wasn't time to arrange the whole balloon thing after the decision to move from the open stadium was made. Damn, I love the balloons.
Chris Matthews is hitting the notion of citing Romney's tremendous weaknesses as Obama's "home run." I'd differ on that. I'd emphasize the "cynicism" argument that Obama made. I think most voters "get it" already--they get that Mitt Romney is unsuited, to gently understate matters, for this highest office. The only real dangers for President Obama, then, are uncivic apathy and cynicism; voters deciding that this is just another political bloodfest to be blithely ignored. Which is Romney's only hope.
***
Biden's up to bat, and that was one helluva video tee-up (I like mixed metaphors; sue me).
A "Ready for Joe" sign in the delegate seats. The Year of Our Lord two thousand sixteen is upon us.
(Just received an email from a reader in the auditorium, listening to Joe, as I write from 1,500 miles away. Modern technology is truly amazing.)
Obama's independent courage stemming from values (Hi Mitt!) appears to be Biden's evening theme. "I don't think [Mitt's] a bad guy," said Joe, although he is money-grubbingly insensitive. This is beautiful. Oh, and he tossed a bit of sinister class warfare into the spiel. Even better.
He stays with Obama's courage and independence on the bin Laden decision, looping back to the "compassion in his heart."
Charles Krauthammer is likely twitching from apoplexy right now, seeing how he recently predicted that "Paul Ryan in debate will demolish [Biden's] case [on Medicare] in five minutes." Charles, Mr. Biden doesn't seem nervous.
Bam! The accusation. Romney-Ryan are betting against America, muttering as they do about "decline." This has been so incredibly un-Republican of them, really; indeed it's an unprecedented political ploy. Most American voters don't much prefer to buy into gloom, doom, and what amounts, essentially, to a bad-mouthing of the sacred homeland. Yet that's precisely what Romney-Ryan have been doing. It suits their neurotic, pessimistic, self-hating base, of course--but they're far from a majority.
Tomight was Biden's umpteenth audition for the Oval Office. I, at least, haven't a doubt that he's going for it, notwithstanding his age and the "backoff" whispers emanating from the pre-campaign Hillary camp.
Man o man is that coming contest ever going to be a thriller.
This one is over. Romney is toast.
***
John Kerry delivered a rousing and surprisingly funny overview of Mitt Romney's foreign-policy cluelessness which culminated, in so many words, in a chilling spectre: another abominable four years of clueless neoconservativism, which is, I guess, the mommy of national arrogance to whom all Republican hopefuls must run these days. Romney's lack of interest in international affairs is transparently evident--and that's why God created ideologies. They provide easy, accessible answers for all who lack curiosity.
Kerry had some great lines, none of which I can remember because I'm middle-aged. They'll come to next week sometime.
Posted by: You Don't Say | September 06, 2012 at 08:48 PM
Krauthammer has been developing an interesting array of facial tics lately. It goes nicely with his wishful thinking Tourettes.
Posted by: Peter G | September 06, 2012 at 09:03 PM
Man,I keep forgetting you're blogging over here during these events.
Posted by: Alli | September 06, 2012 at 09:12 PM
This just in: Mitt Romney demands the right to debate only an empty chair.
Posted by: NickT | September 06, 2012 at 10:29 PM
Nick T: The empty chair will wipe the floor with that empty suit.
I hope the predictions are correct and Romney really is toast. Couldn't happen to a more deserving elitist asshole.
Posted by: AnneJ | September 07, 2012 at 12:28 AM