MMM

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Yes. A brilliant speech. Probably the smartest, most honest speech I've heard a politician make in my lifetime.

Three thoughts:

1. I'm not saying that Obama doesn't take politics and spin into account, but the fact that he would not disown Rev. Wright is a shockingly brave position to take. He rightly denounced his comments but wouldn't toss the press the fresh meat they wanted.

I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother - a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.

These people are a part of me. And they are a part of America, this country that I love.

Hillary wouldn't have hesitated to sell out anyone who threatened her campaign. The same goes for McCain, and pretty much any other politican I can think of. Obama is tactful as well as moral though. He knows that transparent disowning of a close friend would only poke holes in his image as an honest, moral politician.

2. I've come to realize that the main thing that appeals to me about Obama is his intellect and eloquence. This is hardly surprising after enduring over 7 goddamn years of Bush. I want a president I look up to, a president I respect. I think this is his broad appeal. America wants to have a president they can be proud of again. His "lack of experience" doesn't really bother me. Not to ya know, tow the line, but experience in Washington isn't exactly something I look up to...

3. A criticism: Obama needs to ignore the conservative pundits. He mentioned them a couple times in the speech with a degree of bitterness. He cannot allow their insanity to affect him in the slightest. Responding to them and reacting to them will only encourage them. Everyone knows: do not feed the trolls.