Bill Clinton at the podium: Barack Obama could benefit from watching

DENVER -- Those Democrats growing increasingly concerned that Barack Obama is letting slip away a golden opportunity to win the White House may well have thought they glimpsed a possible solution tonight to the nominee's recent struggles.

Not only should the Obama team make up with Bill Clinton -- as quickly as possible -- it should sign him up as a speech writer and (dare we say it) speech coach.

As he almost always did in delivering a major speech as a presidential candidate and while in office, Clinton hit all the right notes in his high-profile appearance before the Democratic National Convention.

He effortlessly mixed effective rhetoric with specific examples of the ills he believes the nation has suffered under eight years of Republican rule. His coversational cadence and wry humor make the details he imparts easy to digest. It's a style Obama could benefit from studying (especially the humor part).

And Clinton -- effortlessly, it seemed -- encapsulated the two themes that most experts think should make it a Democratic year, but that Obama has had trouble communicating.

"Clearly," Clinton said, "the job of the next president is to rebuild the American dream and restore America's standing in the world."

After being welcomed by boisterous, sustained applause, the most successful Democratic politician since John Kennedy wasted no time on building up to the line his party's rank-and-file was eager to hear. "I am honored to be here tonight to support Barack Obama," he said right out of the gate.

Of course, he then veered quickly to praising Obama's vice presidential pick, Joe Biden. "I love Joe Biden and America will too," he said.

There were no such effusive words for Obama, but that was just as well -- they would have rung false, after the bruises the Obama and Clinton camps inflicted upon one another in the party's primary battle.

He returned to the endorsement part of his message soon enough, referencing the latest strong words of support that had been provided Obama Tuesday night by Hillary Clinton,

"Hillary told us in no uncertain terms that she is going to do everything she can to elect Barack Obama. [Pause]. That makes two of us." [Huge, huge burst of applause.]

Later, he tackled directly the "not ready to lead" tag the John McCain camp is trying, seemingly with some success, to make stick to Obama.

"Barack Obama is ready to lead American and restore American leadership in the world," the ex-president said. "Barack Obama is ready to honor the oath to oreserve, protect, defend the Constitution of the United States. Barack Obama is ready to be president of the United States."

Now, the big question for Democrats: Will this be a one-shot deal or the start of several such appearances?

-- Don Frederick

Join those receiving every Ticket item -- plus special offline tweets from The Ticket's writers -- sent directly to your cellphone. To register for free instant Twitter updates from The Ticket, go here to "follow" us.

Comments

[Tulane Democrat]

Right, because Obama isn't known for his oratory...

Get real LA Times. If you need a lesson in Journalism I'm sure The NY Times is willing to help out. Maybe The Onion is a better place to start.

[COL JOE Bento US Army Ret]

OBAMA BIDEN in 2008! Bill and Hillary Clinton were both excellent and now firmly onthe team. Can Obama learn anything from Bill? Yes is the short answer but let us not forget that Barack Obama and his phenomenal team was able to beat the Clinton machine so maybe they could both lear from each other. Never mind the Clinton Obama story the news now is that the Republicans are going to get trounced come Novemeber. YES WE CAN! YES WE MUST! NO WAY! NO HOW! NO MC CAIN! LETS GO TAKE BACK AMERICA AND CHANGE IT FOR THE BETTER..

[RLamb]

Thank you, thank you, Don Frederick!! I have always found both Clintons to be excellent and convincing public speakers. We've heard so much about Obama's oratory and public speaking, but, frankly, he's just never spoken to me--I remain unmoved and unconvinced. Hillary trounced him in every debate because she truly communicates (besides being absolutely on top of every issue). Every time she spoke to any gathering she was compelling and impressive. I can't say the same for Obama. Even John McCain bested him in Rick Warren's forum.

You're absolutely correct: Mr. Obama could use some public speaking lessons and the Clintons could certainly serve as examples and mentors. For someone whose fame and reputation rest on his ability with language, he needs to start living up to expectations.

[Jill Again]

It's about time someone came out and mentioned restoring America's reputation and place in the world. That reputation, bought at a very dear price since the founding of the country, has suffered over the past 8 years. In my travels abroad, I have found the citizens of many nations have a great respect for Americans, and a profound dislike of some of our more recent leaders. And their arguments can be very persuasive depending on the circumstances. Thank you Bill Clinton for stating it like it is, in the real world.

[Luddite]

I feel it is very unlikely that we will see many (or any) Obama-Bill Clinton joint appearences, and for the same reason that Obama failed to make the intelligent choice of picking Hillary for VP. In a word, insecurity. Obama knows that in the world of bare knuckles politics he comes off as a rank amateur compared to either Clinton.

[Dr. Dave]

Bill will do anything to get a Democrat back in the White House. Problem for these guys is that this election belongs to the Independents not the knee-jerk Democrat voters. And independents resent allegiance to party and will see right through the machine politics.

[Gail]

A masterful speech by Clinton, and just what this convention -- and Obama - really needed.

[NJ from LA]

I love me some Bill Clinton. I love me some Hillary Clinton. I felt tepid going into the convention, and their moving speeches helped me to get back on the road of rightness and the Democratic Party. They also reminded me to ignore the naysayers who love to diss the Clintons and Obama. Now it's time for to love me to vote for Barack Obama. He's got the brains to turn our current awful situation around. I like Joe Biden too. Now, it's time for Sen Obama to do what he needs to do to win over the hearts and minds of doubters. Only he can do that. Having, Biden, the Clintons, and the Kennedys on board and out there on the road can only help, but come on Barack, let these people know why we need you. Tomorrow can be the start of many speeches where Sen Obama can talk about the meat and potatoes of what he's going to do to turn this country around. Not talking points, but real issues and policies.

[Pan Selva]

Well said. Bill Clinton hit all the right themes eloquently and effortlessly. Democratic candidates should learn from him.
http://vp2008.com

[Richard P. McDonough]

Everybody did well. Very well. Arousingly well.

The Clinton thing was what one hoped for but doubted one would get. Good grace ad wise politics for a man whose perceived value to dems was declining. And since Hillary will want something, even if 8 years from now, important to be a builder ad not a reluctant subcontractor on the job.

This may turn into America's celebration as the Ancient Mariner and whatever hapless cat he drags on board for the quadrennial sinking, try to excite Americans too sophisticated for that no new taxes and 100 years war message of the weepublican party.

[George in Cincy]

LA Times: Sounds like you are getting your rocks off on Bill. Usually it is the other way around.

No bias from you all is there?

Did your staff register as Independents so as not to be accused of harboring a 90% Democrat registration rate?

[Tim McGarry]

From your lips to Obama's ears...

[Joe]

Bill was great. Biden was great. Obama, in his brief apperance at the end, was great as well. I don't really care whether the Clintons and Obama become fast friends, though it would probably be preferable. I care that Obama wins. A good step towards that tonight, with everyone putting their egos aside. Warmed my heart.

[fred]

Bill & Hillary = garbage

BUT - it was actually exhilarating to hear Bill speak tonight, because ALL of the rest are absolutely AWFUL!!!
That means Obama, Michelle O, Hillary, Biden, McCain --

AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL

TOTALLY UNINSPIRING and a bunch of amateurs.

REAGAN #1
Clinton #2

[Heidi Golz]

Bill (and Hillary's) speeches were excellent! Bill's especially was a masterful reminder of why many of us miss Bill (unlike his whiny, continually aggrieved posturing during the primary season). Obama's rather tepid response to their contributions reminded me of his "you're likable enough" comment" of the debate season. He is an excellent orator, but his aloofness with real people and his tendency to distance himself from conflict has caused some of my very liberal friends to view him with suspicion. In one case, his failure to connect with or reach out to those he perceives as non-supporters has caused at least one Hillary supporter to plan to stay home rather than vote for a man she perceives to be insincere and a phony. We need her vote, because four more years of the rich and powerful running things will complete the decimation of the middle class. Here's to our future!

[bill honer]

In 1992, Bill Clinton was singing and holding hands on the stage with Maya Angelou and others, offering a promise of a better life in America. Three years later, he was signing a welfare reform bill that threatened millions of children with poverty. Moreover, the gap between rich and poor increased during the Clinton administration. The current convention is adhering to the usual script-the offering of dreams of a better future for Americans. Is there a Swedish dream or a Danish dream? There are Swedish and Danish realities that do not include millions of people without health care, thousands subjected to the death penalty, one million persons in prison, thousands of homeless persons, and squalor in its cities. Not only are these conditions found in the United States, but most were part of American life at the time of the 1992 Democratic convention.

According to the 2007/2008 United Nations development report the United States was not ranked among the top 10 nations in overall human development. Our nation needs positive social advancement that can be discussed proudly at the next convention. Will a Democratic victory in November and a subsequent presidency create a socially advanced nation, or will aspirations for a more civilized society remain merely a dream to be evoked at the next convention? Bill Honer, Costa Rica

[shir]

Obama is the right leader for the 21st century for our beloved country. A senior citizen, I have watched with horror as the Bushies and now the McBushies have driven the US further and further into calamity. We have squandered our wealth and worse our honor and reputation; we have mortgaged our grandchildren's future; and our men and women are maimed and killed for a war we should not have entered. Please, dear fellow citizens, work with our better angels and turn the stained page over to a different politics and a better world. Stop already with the McSlime demonization of a good man and of good Americans and throw the scoundrals out.

[raoul]

Bill and Hillary did great and are great. It is up to Obama to deliver the beef. Sad but true the man's an empty suit and will fail so many who have tried so hard.

Hillary in 2012!!!

[pedestrian]

Ridiculous!

First, John Kerry gave a much better speech than Bill Clinton last night. Talk about "hitting all the right notes"!

Second, Barack Obama (Tulane: who "isn't known for his oratory" lol) will blow them both out of the water tonight!

Third, I know you've got that Northwestern v. University of Chicago thing going on with Barack, Frederick, but try to be a bit less biased in the future, 'kay?

[fred]

Posted by: shir | August 27, 2008 at 11:48 PM:

"Obama is the right leader for the 21st century for our beloved country. A senior citizen, I have watched with horror as the Bushies and now the McBushies have driven the US further and further into calamity. We have squandered our wealth and worse our honor and reputation; we have mortgaged our grandchildren's future; and our men and women are maimed and killed for a war we should not have entered. Please, dear fellow citizens, work with our better angels and turn the stained page over to a different politics and a better world. Stop already with the McSlime demonization of a good man and of good Americans and throw the scoundrals out."

50% correct. Now, apply the same exact verbiage to Hussein Obama and the Dems, and you'll be 100%
correct.

For example - you wanna find out just how big a budget surplus Bill Clinton left us, get the actual facts at the US Treasury website. You're gonna be surprised.