Senator Kerry just finished an address to his supporters. Importantly, he seemed to take into consideration the import of the speech for the immediate audience, his supporters around the country and the untold millions of people around the world to whom American-style politics is a mystery.
My quick take on what was said:
The John Edwards Warm Up: a) What the heck was he doing in front of a microphone? The day belongs to Kerry and to Bush. If he pushed to go onstage first, it was a mistake and shows poor judgement. He misread the meaning of a concession speech. Good ones always focus on unity, the future and gratitude. The focus on what only a candidate can give: meaning to the experience. Edwards should stay in a supporting role. b) Edwards says “The battle rages on…” which is not exactly the right metaphor for a democratic election. Too much Shrum circa 1980. c) At least he dumped the two Americas and said “Our America” which implies that he/his party has a vision for the nation.
Senator Kerry: a)He pushed the time limit by speaking for 15 minutes. Even at such a momentous occasion, a ten minute speech would have been better. But any man can be forgiven for having strong emotions and many supporters to thank. For goodness sake, he just ran for president. No small task. Nonetheless, the second half of the speech was much stronger. Once he got past the material on his family, campaign staff, and what he learned on the campaign he obviously spoke from his heart.
b) The closing was the most clear, concise and spot on thing I’ve heard the man say in more than a year. Who can doubt that he sincerely is devoted his country? He may be wrong, he may pander, he may not have the right ideas or the skills to lead, but he speaks truth when he says [May] “God Bless America.”
c) Most inappropriate comment was when he referred to his wife as a woman of grace. She may have many positive qualities — candor, beauty, wit, charm, or whatever — but it is a stretch to say that grace and tact are her strong suits.
d) Second best line (after the closing): “…the next morning we all wake up as Americans.” Reminiscent of VP Gore imploring Americans in December 2000 to see the bonds that tie us together as we look for ways to bridge the differences between us.
e) Most telling line to show a difference between conservatives/classical liberals and modern Massachusetts liberals: “We’re America, and America always moves forward.” A bit too deterministic for my tastes. Progress is not a guarantee. America is not promised a special safe harbor where sunlight always shines. No, bad things happen and sometimes in big ways and sometimes in small ways, we move away from the path that would realize America’s promise.
