Friday, August 29, 2008

Observing Obama's Speech

Last night I watched Obama's speech while in a bar. There were four of us, all political junkies, watching a corner TV while most of the crowd watched College Football.
I'm pretty cynical about political speeches. Rhetoric is what I expect to hear, and Obama has proven a master at it.
But something happened as the speech progressed. More and more people began joining us to watch, leaving behind the football game. By the halfway point, there were about 25 people in the corner of the bar watching and listening. Not the political junkie people, but the average folk. And then, they began applauding. By the end, they were cheering.
I've stated before that I don't hold great expectations of an Obama presidency, only that it would be much less bad than a McCain presidency. But maybe, just maybe, Obama's ability to inspire people could lead to something greater. Maybe the rhetoric can change the reality.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

And now the McCain campaign has taken the wind out of the sales of change with that cynical and dopey Veep pick. Once again the media - and a whole bunch of bloggers - fell for the distraction.

nunya said...

"But maybe, just maybe, Obama's ability to inspire people could lead to something greater."

Perfect. :)

Fran said...

When I have felt lukewarm about Obama, I have also wondered... moreso lately, that he will grow into what is expected and needed of him.

Lead to something greater- yes!

Demeur said...

I am sure hopeful. Because this country can't get much worse. Glad to hear average folks are starting to listen.

Distributorcap said...

you said it pal...

if anything we need, we need inspiration and hope - something the bush administration stole and tossed in the trash at the expense of greed and corporations

if he can inspire - that is more than anyone can ask

Mauigirl said...

The American people need that kind of inspiration. They need to be reminded that there are more important things than themselves, causes that are worth fighting for. They need to be distracted from American Idol and made to think about some real issues. And yes, hope.