Barack Obama comes out firing

DENVER -- Barack Obama took his gloves off tonight.

Just minutes after formally accepting the historical presidential nomination the Democratic Party bestowed on him, offering bouquets to Hillary and Bill Clinton, to his vice presidential pick, Joe Biden, and to the "love of his life," wife Michelle, a mostly stern and earnest Obama took off after the Republicans.

First, he briefly dismissed President Bush, summing up with a brusque "eight is enough."

Then, at length, he went after John McCain.

First came what for Democrats has become the obligatory homage toward McCain's military service. Obama said his general election opponent "has worn the uniform of our country with bravery and distinction, and for that we owe him our gratitude."

But then he shifted into negative gear, and for much of the speech stayed there. He provided the type of harsh critique of McCain that many Democrats have been urging Obama -- his call for a "post-partisan" brand of politics notwithstanding -- to deliver.

He took note of McCain's record of supporting Bush initiatives "90% of the time" and then offered this payoff: "I don't know about you, but I'm not ready to take a 10% chance on change."

He questioned McCain's record as an independent, asserting that "on issue after issue that would make a difference in your lives ... Sen. McCain has been anything but independent."

He spotlighted the ill-advised statement by McCain's friend and economic advisor Phil Gramm that Americans, in expressing anxiety about the economy, had became "a nation of whiners."

The bottom line Obama sought to drive home: McCain is hopelessly out of touch (a none-too-subtle effort to highlight the vast age difference between them?).

Obama's key lines: "I don't believe that Sen. McCain doesn't care what's going on in the lives of Americans. I just think he doesn't know." And, seconds later, "It's not because John McCain doesn't care. It's because John McCain doesn't get it."

And then there was this, later in the speech, when he took on McCain on the question of who is best suited to serve as commander in chief: John McCain likes to say that he’ll follow (Osama) bin Laden to the Gates of Hell –- but he won’t even go to the cave where he lives."

No, this speech bore little resemblance to the soaring, feel-good address that he delivered at the Democratic convention four years ago, a speech that offered him as an example of an America that could go beyond its history of racial strife and turmoil.

Not surprisingly -- and perhaps because of the large venue in which he delivered this speech -- the response was not as electric.

But back then, Obama was introducing himself to America. In this speech, he clearly wanted to show he has the fire in the belly required to compete at the highest level of U.S. politics.

(UPDATE: Late Thursday evening the John McCain campaign issued the following statement:

("Tonight, Americans witnessed a misleading speech that was so fundamentally at odds with the meager record of Barack Obama. When the temple comes down, the fireworks end, and the words are over, the facts remain: Senator Obama still has no record of bipartisanship, still opposes offshore drilling, still voted to raise taxes on those making just $42,000 per year, and still voted against funds for American troops in harm's way.

(The fact remains: Barack Obama is still not ready to be President.")

-- Don Frederick

Democratic U.S. Presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama reacts (top) and speaks (lower) to the crowd on day four of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at Invesco Field at Mile High August 28, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. Top photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images, lower photo by Jack Dempsey / AP Photo

Comments

[R]

Since when did the LA Times become a bastion of Republican conservatism? The mood was electric, and Obama was eloquent in his oratory. I was on the fence until this speech, when he explained his policies. I am rich, but as a physician, serve in a middle class to low income area, and I see first hand what is happening to the US. If a low income person without insurance and cannot afford it suddenly has health insurance through a tax break, it benefits me. He can pay me, and he gets better healthcare. It benefits us all. Also, If my taxes go up by 1000.00 a year to pay for better schools (CA ranks one of the lowest in education), and less crime, I can afford it and it goes to a good cause. What I find amazing about my republican colleques and friends is that they want McCain so they can save a few dollars for themselves. Who cares about society?

[Andrew Eppink]

Roosevelt said that capitalism is unequally divided wealth while socialism is equally divided poverty. People are sure going to find out the hard truth of his obsevation if they elect The Obamessiah. He'll never be able to stand up to the crazed far left (e.g. the ACLU and their 'judge' allies, MoveOn.org and their ilk etc.) in their ardent ultimate desire for Godless communism/socialism, as he's shown in so many ways thusfar. The only way to attain social morality and stability and to generate wealth is by holding to the right, holding to those those social values and capitalism, all informed by an adherence to Christianity. Were the whacked out far left 0% and the far right 100% I think society would run best at about 70%.

[mgultch]

Illinois is still a tough issue for him! I think he is great but illinoisis bloated. But a few potatoes may help. http://www.bop-o-rama.com/blog/2008/08/28/obamabiden-hit-back-with-new-potato-ad-of-their-own/

[frieda]

Obama's speeches used to be about "Hope and Change", tonight it was about gloom and doom ??!!

What happened..the speech was had angry tone? why?

[Tim McGarry]

I liked the steeliness. I particularly liked his rebuke of Republicans for assailing the patriotism of those of us who are critical of the unilateralist approach to foreign policy.

I'm glad Obama is ready to rumble. I think that's what it's going to take to win.

Excellent speech.

[Christopher Cokinos]

I pity John McCain's speech writers and speech coaches. Not only is he drab and dull--he's wrong on many, many issues. I too respect his service. But he's wrong. And Barack Obama can be both hopeful and tough. McCain's going to be the new Bob Dole.

[Hussein 26596]

Hello, President Obama!

[Chuck]

I am inspired. I have been writing weekly responses to the LA Times and the misguided, argumentative Jonah Goldberg for way too long. I must say, it is easy to get into an argument with a "right" winger these days. It has always been that way, but now I realize that now I don't have to. The argument is over! There is no debate! Barak Obama is going to be a great President of the United States. It becomes unnecessary to listen to "their" side of the "story". It's game over, rightie. May your stranglehold on the American dream and the nightmare of these last 8 years come to an end. My dream for my kid's future isn't a new cold war, war with Iran and $6 gas. Thanks for the "entertaining" arguments, but Chuck has left the building. You can all huddle together in a massive pool of right wing blather and "edgy" commentary and put it where the sun doesn't shine. I'm voting for Barak Obama. Let's hope it's by so much that it can't be stolen. The will of the people must prevail in this election.

[Karen]

I guess you were watching a different speech. Obama showed the qualities of intelligent leadership we have been so sorely lacking for the last eight years, setting forth his vision of the future while answering McCain's childish criticism of him. He defined himself as a future President, and set a course for this important election that puts McCain's antics in their rightful place. Obama inspired, ignited, informed, and introduced himself all over again to a country that is ready for the change it so needs. Get the story right (as in correct) next time!

[maria]

I don't know what speech you were watching, because I felt the electricity come through my television as I witnessed history in the making. Ladies and gentlemen our next President of the United States of America!

[Diana in California]

EMPTY WORDS FROM AN EMPTY SUIT.

[Sean K]

The update from McCain's camp was a rather strange thing to append to the end of this article. Couldn't it have had its own link? It almost seems to give the McCain camp the last word in an article that's supposed to be about Obama's speech. I will be paying attention when you cover the republican convention. If Obama's campaign releases a response to McCain's acceptance speech, I would also hope. in the interest of fair and impartial journalism, to find that appended at the end of the relevant article.

[El Mugroso]

"The fact remains: Barack Obama is still not ready to be President."
-- Don Frederick-
----------------------------------------------------------
This guy Don Frederick would be insulting his own intelligence if that were possible, by trying to make people believe in a fact that can not be proven.

Dohn Frederick: A fool trying to find fools to lead.

[Jen Thalmann]

If the circumstances weren't so chilling, this speech would almost be laughable.

The stage for Mr. Obama's prematurely labeled "historic speech" looked like a Leni Reifenstahl set. What better place for a bunch of politicians to beat their chests and rattle sabers?

Ironically, the candidate who ran on a platform of getting us out of war looks like the most likely candidate to get into more war. Afghanistan and Pakistan, and Cold War against Russia. No wonder Obama keeps talking about free national service from young people -- he knows he going to need the draft!

-- Jen

[Lawrence]

Barack made a huge mistake last night. This was a Democratic Presidential Nominee Acceptance Speech. He should focused strictly on how he plans to improve our nation and our citizens with his "Change" theme. Instead, he spent too much time focusing on attacking John McCain. He turned the most sacred Presidential Nominee occasion into a "Personal Attack Speech". I have no problem with him making attacks and accusations on John McCain, but he picked the wrong time and place to do this. Barack has all the opportunities to attack McCain in future debates and public speeches. To abuse the Democratic Presidential Nominee Acceptance Speech by focusing on the degrading the rival candidate is simply stupid and low class. It clearly exposed Barack Obama's vulnerabilities, personal insecurities, and how much he is scared of John McCain. By his speech last night showed that Barack Obama is still living in the country of Kenya. This is the United States of America, where the US citizens grant him the biggest stage presenting a historical moment in our nation; he needs to show his positive characteristics of being a Commander In Chief. I was hoping to embrace his charisma and leadership ability during this speech, instead most of what I heard is John McCain this, John McCain that. Has the Democratic Party been that out of touch with mainstream America, that all their Presidential Nominee talked about was a Repulican rival at their Presidential Acceptance Speech. I am totally disappointed with Barack Obama. The man just has no clue when is the right time to say the right things. Imagine him being the President of the United States. Instead of spending his time resolving national issues, Barack Obama would rather take all his time blamiing the Republicans. Nice to see him showing his true colors so soon.

[David Molinero]

I'm not looking forward to the Election this November.

It's a race between a guy that I do not like vs a guy I don't trust.

Neither Candidate understands Middle America, and both sees Government as the answer to the problems that we face as a country.

Here are the issues that I worry about.

1) What will happen once the REAL PROBLEMS of the Budget can no longer be kicked down the road? Around ten years from now. Right now, the Government is borrowing money from people that don't like us, so we can pay people who hate us. (The stimulus money came from China, and largely went to foriegn oil.)

2) How long will Congress sit on its hands and do nothing to secure our Energy Independece.

Wind Turbines are now said to kill birds and bats.

Solar farms will impact the enviroment by all the space needed.

Tide would kill fish.

And They would all require new transmission lines that would cut down trees to bring the energy to our homes.

(I do find it odd that those who scream the loudest about using alternative sources of energy, are also blocking the the means of making use of said energy.)

3) How do we face the threats of the world, if we are debt ridden, and dependent on foriegn countries that would like to see us fall?

[David Molinero]

The Jacobins offered CHANGE to the French, The Communist offered CHANGE to the Russians. And the Nazis offered CHANGE to the Germans.

I'm Not saying that Obama is like any of those people, but I would like to understand, in detail, just what kind of CHANGE he is offering.

Because he doesn't offer much insights, I'm left reminded of the Jacobins, the Communists, and the Nazis.

[D.Woodward]

Hoorway! I think that the speech wasgreat.The country needs a man like Obama to lead us.Mc cain is so out of touch with the average joe.Just like Bush,who only see's that the need's of the rich and wealthy come first,at the expense of the commoon man.

[Chris Winfrey]

Lawrence, you have it all wrong. It was extremely necessary for Mr. Obama to focus his energies on Mr. McCain and the reasons we cannot afford four more years of the same.

Americans need to know that their president can withstand the fiery darts of wherever they may come from. It is a shame that Republicans, as usual, have to revert to attack tactics during presidential campaigns, but unfortunately that is the case.

It is clear that we, as Americans, cannot afford four more years of the road Republicans have led us down but; it is just as clear the Mr. Obama present the strength and the courage to defend himself against such tactics.

The time for specifics on how one might change the direction we are headed are meant for the days leading up to Nov 4th. But is it clear to me and most concerned Americans, I would hope; that this country needs a change. Emphasis needs to be placed on the internal issues of this great nation. And I believe Mr. Obama has proven that he is in tune with what America needs and is well prepared to give the American people the leadership necessary to provide it.

[rob]

I've already made up my mind, so I didn't watch the speech, but its good to see that Bam can shift gears. When you're running against the entrenched party, you have to go negative a some time. The McCain response was canned - undoubtedly written before Bam even spoke. McCain seems resigned to energizing his base, but you can only skin a mule for so long.

[John Roman]

I think if I hear McCain use the "I'm a victim, oh..sorry..veteran" line once more I'm gonna puke. I mean really, his response to having 7 homes on Leno was...omg!...well, when I was a POW I didnt even have a table or chair! That was the most pathetic moment I think I've ever heard from a politician.
Listen to Obama, feel the passion, see the sincerity. This guy is the real deal - cool, calm and collected and anyone who truly cares about America being what the founding fathers hoped it could be will vote for him regardless of party - and not the tired whiney little old war guy.

[Psyche]

I don't think Don Frederick even bothered to listen to Obama's speech. He stated clearly that he would support off-shore drilling, but that it is a stop-gap solution, not a long-term solution. That's true! I'm an addictions therapist and you don't solve an addiction with more of the same substance -- just use it enough to help someone through the withdrawals. Anyone who thinks that off-shore drilling will help drive gas prices down is a fool. If I was an oil company and thought like an oil company, this is exactly what I would want. I would convince everyone that drilling off-shore was a good idea, then lower gas prices for a little while, then when the dust clears jack them right up again because I could.

[Carrie]

The tone of Obama's speech was perfect - tough but inspiring. Not the least bit of whininess that plagued previous candidates. In fact, the tone of all the major speakers was spot-on. Hillary deserves a huge amount of credit for sucking it up and creating a positive experience at this convention.
I agree with the doctor - I am willing to pay a reasonable price for a better society, because I think we all benefit if we support each other.

[Gail]

Truly the spectacle of this speech was one for the books. And once again I am moved by the sight of the Obama and Biden families gathering on the stage afterward. As for the speech itself, it was nothing out of the ordinary, and did nothing -- in my opinion -- to separate Obama from a long line of liberal politicians. He offered a laundry list of what he intends to do, and, most disapointing for someone who might cross the aisle to vote for him, offered the standard partisan shots at the opposing party.

Tell me, where is the man who is supposed to unite the country? I don't see him.

[Mark Tobey]

McCain once made the ridiculous statement that Obama would rather lose a war than lose an election.

The reality is that McCain would rather lose his morals than lose an election.

Obama has shown integrity throughout. He is the man of the hour to lead this nation. The world knows it. Now if only the American people wake up and realize it.

[shaun]

Jen Thalmann -

He didn't look scared to me. He came out like the leader of the free world should with eloquence and conviction.

[Question]

At times during Barack Obama's speech he sounded and looked very angry. I saw some of that hidden militant that's just under his surface. I don't think he can deliver on any of his promised plans. He's scary and there are too many scary people close to him and too many scary people supporting him.

[carolyne]

Do you think they could have made the screen any bigger or the stage? What does that remind you of, grandiose pictures of Hitler looking larger than life. Real Devilish! Real narcissist! Obama is treading on dangerous ground and isn't for REAL! Obama wants to be idol worshiped. After all he's 'THE ONE.'