The Ugly
McCain was pathetic, reading stiltingly from one teleprompter screen to the other, standing before a green wall and to a listless, all-white audience. He repeated parts of it, obviously getting lost despite the teleprompter. He thought he had a clever idea with his "that's not change we can believe in" catchphrase, but his forced uncomfortable smile after he recites it is just creepy. I may begin to feel sorry for him early -- if it weren't for the dark and dangerous forces playing tug-of-war with his candidacy.
The Bad
Clinton's speech would have been a good one were not for the circumstances. Being introduced as the next President of the United States, while commonplace in a contested race, is quite awkward moments after one's opponent has clinched the nomination. Clinton focused on herself and her accomplishments, not in celebration or congratulations to her supporters, but as justification for continuing the fight.
The Good
The energy from the crowd fueled it, and the candidate showed he understood the historical context of the moment. But Obama did not focus on that; instead he spoke graciously and effusively of his competitors, praising Mrs. Clinton extensively and jabbing a little at his fall opponent. Most importantly he offered a rallying cry, not just to his supporters but to America as a whole.
On to the nominating conventions and the fall campaign. At last.
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