[Torie]

I watched Edwards' speech very closely. It of course was well delivered, and the guy exudes energy. But the problem is that this is the speech that sold in the 50's (class warfare lite), and does not sell very well in the new century. The middle class swing voters are skeptical that all gain, no pain, financed by soaking the rich, either pencils or is realistic. Edwards had a chance to modulate himself a bit, and seem more reflective, more seasoned by wisdom, about what he has learned, and note that while there are hard choices, he knows what choices are right because ... , and be a bit more specific about a couple of key issues. The unremitting all gain, no pain, message, is a symphony without modulation. It in the end is like a food that pleases, but never fills.

Edwards blew his chance. No gravitas, no verisimilitude of the believable, in an nation that has nationalized Missouri, and become the "show me" nation. Advantage Bush. So far, only Clinton has drawn blood. Can Kerry do it, the only Dracula in the play that in the end really counts? Stay tuned.

And stay tuned to whether the talking heads think it sheer unadulterated poetry. I typed this out before they had a chance to chime in.

[Palladin]

As far as presenting a speech is concerned, Edwards can't hold a candle to Clinton.

The down home charm in Edwards turns to saccharin promises.

Where's the beef?

[woodyinscc]

He was so over hyped, he never reached expectations. It is interesting how they are trying to turn into hawks, using David Copperfield smoke and mirrors.

[Common Tator]

Edwards blew his chance

I could not agree more.

Two things struck me a bad for Edwards from a technical (ratings)standpoint. First Edwards has a nervous eye blink. His eyes blink 2 times a second. That is very off putting.

They have the cameras set up so speakers are not playing to the camera. If you want to be effective on TV you have to look the camera in the lense.

Edwards was playing to the delegates.

You can't sell a used car while looking at the mechanics in the garage. You gotta look the potential buyer in the eye. That buyer is behind the camera lens. And Edwards was paying no attention to him.

[Sam Spade]

Excellent post and a number of good points.

[deport]

Thanks for your assessment. I didn't see it and in fact have seen almost none of the convention action.

However I tend to think that it really comes down to Kerry and his ability to sell the voting public on his ability to be CinC. He has to convince them of his leadership, understanding of the situation, policies and how he'll continue to keep America safe and fight the WOT. To date he falls short in that area according to polling data.

I heard some pundit talking about this but can't remember who it was.... Kerry knows this and thus you see heavy emphasis on his ability to be the CinC. The military feature will be up front and center.... jmo.