Blood and Tears
January 14, 2011 - by
President Obama soared. Sarah Palin bombed. And, of course, John Boehner almost broke down.
Let’s examine all three performances – and the implications.
When even Fox News and Glenn Beck praise him, you know Obama hit a home run. But the most remarkable thing about a remarkable speech was that he had to adjust on the spot to a setting that was dramatically different from what he expected.
Obama wrote, it seemed, a 20-minute speech that was pitch-perfect for a solemn, silent memorial. Instead, as Pundit World agreed, the event turned into a pep rally.
At first, Obama seemed off-balance. But then he decided to ride the waves of emotion – from grief to relief to even joy.
In the process, Mr. Cool showed that he can show emotion.
Giving a great set speech is one thing. Giving a great speech on your feet is another. Obama reminded us why he got elected President – and may again.
Palin reminded us why John McCain didn’t get elected and why she won’t even get nominated, unless the Republicans have a death wish.
Her talk was taped at her compound in Alaska
Her biggest mistake was making the whole thing about her, not about the victims and the country.
And “blood libel”? Where did that come from? Did she use the phrase in a deliberate effort to compare herself to Jewish victims of the medieval “blood libel?” Or was she just clueless about the history?
Whichever, it doesn’t matter. She’s a fool and an egomaniac.
Then there’s Boehner’s address on the floor of the House. He lived up to his SNL-skit image as Weeper Speaker.
But don’t laugh: Boehner struck me in that moment as a very different character from arrogant, full-of-himself Newt Gingrich, who became such a valuable foil to Bill Clinton. Maybe Boehner won’t help Obama by making the same mistakes Gingrich did.
Blood and Tears
January 14, 2011/
President Obama soared. Sarah Palin bombed. And, of course, John Boehner almost broke down.
Let’s examine all three performances – and the implications.
When even Fox News and Glenn Beck praise him, you know Obama hit a home run. But the most remarkable thing about a remarkable speech was that he had to adjust on the spot to a setting that was dramatically different from what he expected.
Obama wrote, it seemed, a 20-minute speech that was pitch-perfect for a solemn, silent memorial. Instead, as Pundit World agreed, the event turned into a pep rally.
At first, Obama seemed off-balance. But then he decided to ride the waves of emotion – from grief to relief to even joy.
In the process, Mr. Cool showed that he can show emotion.
Giving a great set speech is one thing. Giving a great speech on your feet is another. Obama reminded us why he got elected President – and may again.
Palin reminded us why John McCain didn’t get elected and why she won’t even get nominated, unless the Republicans have a death wish.
Her talk was taped at her compound in Alaska
Her biggest mistake was making the whole thing about her, not about the victims and the country.
And “blood libel”? Where did that come from? Did she use the phrase in a deliberate effort to compare herself to Jewish victims of the medieval “blood libel?” Or was she just clueless about the history?
Whichever, it doesn’t matter. She’s a fool and an egomaniac.
Then there’s Boehner’s address on the floor of the House. He lived up to his SNL-skit image as Weeper Speaker.
But don’t laugh: Boehner struck me in that moment as a very different character from arrogant, full-of-himself Newt Gingrich, who became such a valuable foil to Bill Clinton. Maybe Boehner won’t help Obama by making the same mistakes Gingrich did.