Comments on: Friday Talking Points [45] -- Lessons Democrats Should Learn From Obama's Speech

By: benskull

benskull — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:39:47 +0000

Oh boy! It was a good week. I admit, I missed both Michelle and Hillary, but was thoroughly impressed by Bill Clinton, Joe Biden and of course Obama. These speeches were great. Clinton really laid it down as far as, where he left the country, and how Bush thrashed it. His line on giving them another chance based on the last 8 years was great. And 3rd times a charm... Biden was awesome too. In a discussion with my father we both marveled at what great family stories the running mates have, and how this really contradicts the stale position of Republicans and family values, especially looking at McCain and his family history. Any way, I think it was a great week, and Chris, great recap on the speech. I'd like to add, I'm pretty pleased with the vp pick. While I know nothing about Sara Palin except what has come out in the news lately, I know that this pick does one thing, it concedes that Obama is right, and that the country needs a new untainted leader. Not only that, but it shows McCain was wrong in bashing Obamas youth and inexperience. America doesn't care what McCain has been saying, so for the repubs, if you can't beat them, join them. Fortunately its a pretty see through move. And as far as trying to grab a few ticked off Hillary supporters, well, I doubt it will do much good, women aren't stupid, they can see right through it too. And if a few do head that way, I can't imagine it would be anything significant. Two months till election day and four months till GWB is out!

By: BLaws

BLaws — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:01:19 +0000

@Elizabeth But I am starting to get concerned about the closeness of this race - at least, according to the polls. The polls are flawed. They use a weighting formula to come up with their results. Taking 1000ish people they may get more of one demographic than another, like more woman than men, at a rate higher than the normal rate for what shows up in the polls. Like if voting is 55% woman 45% men, and they end up getting calls to 65% woman and 35% men they weight it back to the 55/45 distribution. But that completely assumes that you are using a model for voter turn out that is the same as what actually shows up. And that is why its so close. But none of the polls I've seen even comes close to the turn out on 18-29 year olds. Now, I know the youth generally doesn't show up between primary day and voting day. But here in Ohio we had 350% greater turn out among the youth this primary over last, while the upper age groups only increase by 120% or so. I doubt any of the pollsters are going to be accurate on their prediction of turn out on the 18-29 range. Even a few % difference in that group can make a difference in the polls. And honestly, I'm glad the polls are close. It makes people show up for Obama. If he was 10% ahead some would think "oh it doesn't matter he'll win anyway" and then not vote.

By: Elizabeth Miller

Elizabeth Miller — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 02:41:32 +0000

Yes, that was a great speech and a fascinating convention...on any number of levels.

But I am starting to get concerned about the closeness of this race - at least, according to the polls.

While Obama/Biden are saying all the right things and in pretty much the right way, they are saying it to the wrong crowds. Preaching to the converted will get them nowhere, fast...despite McCain's veep selection! Over the course of the next 60 days, they both need to venture out deep into Republican and Independent territory, debate these voters, make the case for a radical change in course and ask for the votes of life-long Republicans and newly registered Independents.

By: fstanley

fstanley — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 01:01:09 +0000

Sen. Obama gave a great speach last night. I am hoping that we will hear many of the points he made again and again on the campaign trail. Especially when he visits the "battle ground" states. He needs to get the message out that he will be both good for the country and good for the people.

...Stan