Now that's a speech
My first reaction to Obama's acceptance speech is of wonder, and of envy. As a speechwriter, I wish I could write a speech with that mix of passion, directness and poetry. David Gergen, on CNN, just now called it less of a speech than a symphony, and I would agree.
This may turn out to be a transforming moment for this nation's political culture -- even if Obama does not win the election in this particular year. He showed a form of leadership that reminds me of an old comment by political commentator Jonathan Alter: Any one can take people where they already want to go; but true leaders can take people where only their better selves are willing to tread.
McCain will promise money and security to Americans next week. Obama said that America's true promise requires a commitment to sacrifice -- a shared commitment. And he said it beautifully.
Leave a comment