The American Spectator

Reader Mail

Post-Conventional Wisdom

9.8.08 @ 12:01AM

BUNGLED
Re: John Tabin's A Conventional Flop:

Goodness! What a surprisingly negative column! Did someone pour sour milk on your cereal this morning?

I didn't care for the speakers on Thursday night prior to Cindy McCain either; however, it was apparently structured to be the McCain's night. Cindy got her baptism of fire at delivering a speech. No outstanding grade, but she did introduce herself to the nation.

Senator McCain will never get any major points for being a public speaker. However, he did manage to emphasize the contrast between himself and his opponent. The next few weeks will tell the story. Debates, campaign appearances, etc. Ninety percent of the time devoted to conventions are largely a waste, being a big deal only for the delegates.
-- R. Goodson
Vero Beach, Florida

The flop here is your dismal assessment.

John McCain was John McCain -- and he did exactly what he needed to do: He said what he believes. He did it straightforwardly and honestly. He mentioned issues that concern us all, even detractors and opponents. His characterization of education as a civil rights issue was inspired.

When he said "change," you knew he meant it. When he talked about service and sacrifice, you knew he hadn't fished those words or concepts from some text. When he said "I won't let you down," it was believable. And you believed him, in saying, "We face many threats in this dangerous world, but I'm not afraid of them. I'm prepared for them."

But when he invited us to join him and fight for what is right â€" "Fight for our children's future. Fight for justice and opportunity for all. Stand up to defend our country from its enemies. Stand up for each other, for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America" â€" he clearly and unmistakably differentiated himself and his running mate and the Republican-conservative coalition from those who staged that empty spectacle the previous week in Denver.

He showed he is for America and called for something the Demockacrats, liberals and leftists cannot imagine, much less say: Stand up and fight for America -- and each other.
-- C. Kenna Amos
Princeton, West Virginia

After Sarah Palin's speech on Wednesday night, I was energized! She absolutely stole the show, and the Obama campaign's headlines. I praised McCain for the brilliant choice of Alaska's Governor as his running mate, and looked forward to November.

My euphoria didn't last long.

After Thursday night's speeches, I'm once again back in the doldrums.

Cindy McCain's speech was dreadful. She looked uncomfortable, to say the least. Worst of all, rather than talk to the American people, she talked at them in a fashion reminiscent of Miss Sally from Romper Room. In short, she annoyed me, and I stuck with the speech purely out of Party loyalty.

And then "The Maverick" took the stage. This was his moment to shine. This was his best chance to strut his stuff, and reach out to the base as well as the vast numbers of undecided voters, and persuade them as to why he is the best choice for this country's future. Sarah Palin had set the stage for him beautifully; all he had to do was maintain the excitement she created.

I fell asleep.

Letter to the Editor

topics:
Taxes, Foreign Policy, Education, Trade, John McCain, Barack Obama, Sarah Palin, Bill Clinton, Television, Business, Religion, Abortion, Environment, Global Warming, Books, Law, Military, Iraq, NATO, Energy, Alaska, Oil