The American Spectator

—Obama enters to a standing ovation, but it doesn’t take long for his first flub, a reference to the three Israeli soldiers being held by Hezbollah, but he neglects to mention that one was being held by his endorser, Hamas.

—He refers to emails being circulated, telling “”tall tales and dire warning…” He says, “Let me know if you’ve seen this guy named Barack Obama, because he sounds like a scary guy.”

—“As President, I will never compromise when it comes to Israel’s security.” The crowd seems to be buying it.

—He brings his change message to a discussion of Israel, arguing that Israel is less safe under Iran, and opposes those who want to “continue and intensify this flawed status quo.”

—He says a “secure and lasting peace” is in the interests of America, Israel, Palestinians and the Arab world, and calls for a two-state solution. Wow, what an original idea. Now try explaining that to the Palestinians.

— “There is no room at the negotiating table for terrorist organizations,” he thunders. But only nations that are financing and providing weapons to those organizations.

—On Iran, Obama tries to reframe the issue as an attack on the Iraq War and the administration’s policies, which he says strengthens the Iranians. No bold talk of meeting face-to-face with Ahmadinejad, but instead talk of “strong diplomacy” with appropriate leadership in Iran at time and place of his choosing. He’s against “self-defeating preconditions,” but promises “careful preparations.”

—Obama calls for strong bonds between Jews and African Americans.

—He exits to a rousing, sustained, standing ovation far more enthusiastic than the one received by John McCain on Monday — a testament to the power of strong oratorical skills, and to the stubborn political stupidity of my co-religionists.