Yesterday, God-o-Meter reported that the primary way the Democratic convention would showcase its new faith and values friendly message was through primetime speeches that emphasize what animates Democrats rather than their policy positions.
The press release about Michelle Obama's speech tonight is a good example of that strategy in action. A few excerpts:
Denver, CO - In her prime-time speech before the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama will talk about her husband, Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama, the values that have driven him as a father, husband and public servant and why she believe he will be an extraordinary president...In her speech, Michelle will give the country a personal view of Barack Obama - her husband, and Sasha and Malia's Dad. She will talk about their life together, and building a family grounded in faith and values. The more America learns about this family, the more they're going to want to send them to the White House....
Excerpts from Michelle Obama's speech are below:
"But each of us also comes here tonight by way of our own improbable journey. I come here tonight as a sister, blessed with a brother who is my mentor, my protector and my lifelong friend. I come here as a wife who loves my husband and believes he will be an extraordinary president. I come here as a Mom whose girls are the heart of my heart and the center of my world - they're the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning, and the last thing I think about when I go to bed at night. Their future - and all our children's future - is my stake in this election.
And Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you're going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don't know them, and even if you don't agree with them.
And Barack and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and pass them on to the next generation...
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"All of us driven by a simple belief the the world as it is just wont do - that we have an obligation to fight for the world as it should be."
That is what it is all about. That is not what McCain is offering. That is why I want to believe in Obama and myself.
Wonderful speech which focused on what America really is? The land of the FREE and the home of the Brave.
This is what I saw in Americans when I was a little girl of 8 years old with JFK.
He inspired people around the world and Americans were seen as kind, loving and decent people - all over the world.
Michelle's speech brought back that AMERICA to me.
Hi Dan,
Heard you on Fresh Air this morning and I wanted to correct an item you got wrong: Bob Casey Sr. was not denied a chance to speak at the 1992 DNC because of his views on abortion.
Media Matters has been tracking this notion, which is often repeated but provably false:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200808250006
It rests on two main points:
1) MM can find 8 speakers at the 1992 DNC who were anti-abortion. Why weren't they denied speaking slots over their views if Casey was?
2) He was actually denied a spot because he had not endorsed Bill Clinton for President. As the DNC's press secretary said in 1992:
"anyone who is speaking at the convention will have endorsed Governor Clinton by the time of the convention and Governor Casey has not."
This myth is an important one to counter because it creates the impression of a rigid and intolerant Democratic party of the 90s that was so hostile to the pro-life and religious viewpoint as to willfully exclude them. This was never the case. Abortion is obviously a very important issue among Democrats, and will affect who they support, but it is not the absolute deal killer in all cases that it has become in the Republican party, as evidenced by John McCain's progression from supporting Roe v. Wade in 1999 to wanting it "overturned" in 2007/8.
No matter what side of the fence you are politically-- this speech by Michelle was a heartfelt inspiration.
Daniel De Groot, we have had enough of the hate and lies of the Republican Party. You can't open your evil mouths without trying to tear down other for no cause! Your 'demonic' attacks on the wife and children of Obama tells us who is in controls of the Republican Party. One thing for sure, my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ is not the One in control!! Obama, Michelle and their two little girls have shared their LOVE with the people across America, something NEVER seen in the Republican Party. God warned you, Be very careful what you say about a child! (Luke-17-1) He said unto His disciples, it is impossible but that offences will come: but WOE unto him, through whom they come. (2) It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of this little ones.
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