Obama's Speech—Where's Truman?
DENVER—One thing occurs to me on the pre-released Obama remarks we've seen: Where's Harry Truman?
Here's what Obama is slated to say:
We are the party of Roosevelt. We are the party of Kennedy. So don't tell me that Democrats won't defend this country. Don't tell me that Democrats won't keep us safe.
FDR? Led the country through World War Two—got it. JFK? His calm led us through the most dangerous moment in human history—the Cuban Missile Crisis—another good choice.
I can see where you leave out Bill Clinton (he dusted a few tents in Afghanistan?), and certainly Lyndon Johnson (Vietnam).
But what about Truman? Granted he got us into an unpopular war and left office with (until now—thanks, W.) record-low approval ratings. But he's been redeemed in the eyes of history and the public, and set the United States on a foreign policy course that ultimately led to victory in the Cold War. (Sorry Reaganites, your boy gets the save at best.)
One other unrelated note: The view from the press box is great, but I feel a bit sealed off up here. The audio from outside is piped in, but I feel a bit disconnected, especially when the crowd gets whipped up and (I assume) start banging their feet. It feels like a mild earthquake is rolling up the tiers towards us.
Tags: Democrats | presidential election 2008 | speeches | Barack Obama | Harry S Truman | Democratic National Convention
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Reader Comments
Truman and Civil Rights...
Mind you that Truman began the integration of the Armed Forces via executive order in 1948. This is relevant especially in light of all that is being made about Martin Luther King's "I have a Dream" speech anniversary (1968).
But clearly anyone who has dared to comment here has little or no knowledge of history aside from the major topics. So omitting Harry Truman was probably a smart move.
Obama's Speech
Excellent speech by Obama and cogent remarks from Bob Schlesinger who should know. His book "Ghost Writers of the White House," presidential speech writers," chronicles the history of that craft since FDR's days.
Hopefully this great closing effort by Obama should give him the added bounce that he needs. Hopefully the public will understand the six words about McCain; Too old, too sick, and too dumb!
Patriotism aside, McCain was 5th from the bottom of his Class of 900 or so at the Naval Academy, was a dangerous flier who crashed 5 planes, and was an affirmative action selection who got in because of the fact that his father and grandfather were Admirals. He ditched his first wife, who was injured in a car crash for a beer baroness, and is now standing for issues as a presidential candidate that he opposed as a Senator.
RJ Garfunkel
New York
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