[gswilder]

It was more of a presidential speech to all Americans, vs a rallying speech to the republicans.

While watching it, I thought it started slow. Great middle portion, where McCain gave substance on the differences between his plans and Obama’s. And such a strong, touching, ending. Powerful ending.

At times, if you closed your eyes, it almost sounded like Reagan speaking. Don’t misunderstand, I am not claiming McCain is Reagan.

However, after re-reading much of the text of the speech, I must say it was better than I first thought. There is a lot of powerful stuff in McCains speech. A lot of depth and complexity, that I did not hear or understand fully the first time.

[Chet 99]

This struck me as a PRESIDENT giving a State of the Union address. Not a rock star before an adoring crowd. What a contrast.

[Antoninus]

However, after re-reading much of the text of the speech, I must say it was better than I first thought. There is a lot of powerful stuff in McCains speech. A lot of depth and complexity, that I did not hear or understand fully the first time.

I heard a bit of the speech on the radio--it sounded especially good there. On TV, it's easy to get distracted by McCain's mannerisms.