Denver 2008: Obama’s Political Perfection

Politics is an equation. Twenty-five percent is personality. Twenty-five percent is retaliation. Twenty-five percent is rhetoric. Twenty-five percent is specifics. Personality and rhetoric win praise and supporters. Retaliation and specifics win elections.

On Thursday, Senator Barack Obama addressed the Democratic National Convention. Obama’s speech was spectacular. His performance was sincere. His words were superb. Internally, Obama’s address was altered. The oratory did not explode. Externally, the appearance was identical. The tenor was exemplary.

Since July 27, 2004, Obama’s rhetoric has sparkled. This evening, his intent was separate. His pitch was unique. Obama was not grand or idealistic. Instead, he answered attacks. He countered criticism. Celebrity, elitism, patriotism… the indictment was irrelevant. Obama responded. For political observers, the exhibition was exquisite.

On August 28, 1963, a thirty-four year old African-American eyed thousands. He could not offer resolutions. He could orate hope. Tonight, a forty-seven year old African-American eyed mirror masses. He promised America’s restoration. He proposed extensive solutions. Sans Martin Luther King, Obama is implausible. However, King merely possessed purpose. Obama may possess power.

Barack Obama Complete Text