DLC Officials: Obama's Acceptance Speech is a Big Opportunity
The centrist Democrats say Obama's speech is a step toward victory in November
DENVER—Barack Obama has a great opportunity to frame the fall campaign and take a big step toward victory in November if this week's Democratic National Convention goes well, according to two centrist Democrats who advised Bill Clinton.
"Obama has to make the sale," especially to white working class voters without college degrees, says Al From, founder and chief executive officer of the Democratic Leadership Council. Those voters have been skeptical that Obama truly understands their lives and would represent their interests but "they are open to being sold," From added.
Many Americans also aren't sure Obama has the "strength and toughness" to be commander in chief, and he needs to demonstrate those traits when he gives his speech accepting the presidential nomination Thursday night, From says.
Bruce Reed, the DLC president, argued that Obama is actually a "pragmatist" who will "do what works," not the left-wing ideologue that some Republicans say he is. "That's the central tenet of Clintonism," and in that sense Obama is heir to the former president's approach to governing, which was popular with the public. But Obama still must find a way to convey that impression of pragmatism to voters who have their doubts about him.
From agreed, saying that both Obama and Clinton share a commitment to opportunity, hope, and responsibility. "What Obama needs to do is to give that definition" to America Thursday in his acceptance speech.
Reed says the country's problems today are worse than the ones that Bill Clinton faced when he took office in January 1993 so the challenges are greater. The economy had been in a trough during the 1992 campaign, Reed says, but "the financial crisis this time is a lot scarier and more profound" and the threats to national security are worse.
From and Reed made their comments in a joint interview with U.S. News Monday. They are attending the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Asked about the mood among Democrats at the convention, Reed says: "We're the way we always are—optimistic, hopeful, nervous, concerned. We ought to win, [but we're] worried that the country might not agree on the day that matters."
Reader Comments
CHARACTER COMPARISON ...
CHARACTER COMPARISONS ...
Lofty speeches are great ... but actons
speak louder than words !!!
In addition to 20+ more years of service and
experience in the U.S. senate than the other
candidate ...
One candidate, John McCain watched his fellow
prisoner's backs, at great cost to himself. After
3 years as a tortured P.O.W. in Vietnam, he was
offered early release by the enemy. But, since it
would have been dishonorable to get released
before his fellow prisoners, he refused, which
resulted in 2 1/2 additional years of torture and
captivity.
The other candidate, Barack Obama threw his
self proclaimed friend, spiritual advisor, and mentor
of 20 years, under the bus for political expediency and gain.
To vote for Obama, after learning these differences ...
will say as much about your character, as it does about
the character of the two candidates.
Election of 2008
Obama you will become America next President McCain is another George Bush who doesn't care about his country. When do we get a breath from taxes,wars,and why is the economy basic on money, oil,and wars. what about eigthteen through twentyfour that are suffering?How come the America is so focus on drug when drug are ship and handling from all overseas.McCain you haver never once stated in your speech that America will over come the ostacles that we face for centries.Obama I applaud you for becoming the president that America needs and not just what the economy wants.
ThankYou, President Obama
Obama on fiscal and foreign policy
Barack Obama will not win in November unless he explains where the money will come from to fund the big increases in federal spending and tax credits for "worthy" groups that he has proposed. Taxing "big corporations" and "the rich" won't raise enough money to fund all of his campaign promises. To keep his promises, he will have to increase the federal deficit and taxes on the middle class. Obama also has to acknowledge that we live in a dangerous world with the KGB back in power in Moscow, Iran close to getting nuclear weapons and Islamic radicals still seeking another 9/11. Offering to sit down and have tea with our enemies is not good enough. Unless he can come up with good answers to these questions, I am a centrist Democrat who will vote for McCain.
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