by Deb Cupples | Having helped local candidates get elected, I have some idea of what goes into political speeches -- which is why I haven't been moved by one in the last seven years.
Watching a video of Hillary Clinton's speech in Washington yesterday, I found myself moved. It started with the audience. I don't know how many thousands of people were present, but their feelings for Hillary were overwhelmingly clear.
After the sound of a warm welcome filled the room, Hillary made it to the podium and tried to begin her speech. The audience wouldn't have it.
The people simply would not stop applauding and cheering. Hillary said "Thank you" at least 10 times, trying to settle the audience so she could speak. Instead, those thousands of people were determined to ensure that their admiration for Hillary dominated the room.
If you think I exaggerate, check out the first few minutes of the YouTube clip embedded at the end of this post.
Even the commentator, whose voice was over the video, commented on the overwhelming reception Hillary was receiving.
"Let's listen to this roar," he said. At one point, when Hillary stood at the podium ready to speak, the commentator said "She almost got started, but the crowd had other thoughts." He wasn't kidding.
A full minute later, which is a long time when one is giving a political speech, the people finally allowed Hillary to commence. No doubt, thousands of people will wake up today with sore hands and hoarse voices.
Hillary was gracious, and she firmly voiced her support for Barack Obama -- about 10 times during her speech. She also covered issues such as the economy, the war, foreign policy, education, health care, veterans, women's rights, civil rights, gay rights....
The crowd repeatedly interrupted her with swells of enthusiastic applause -- which is partly why the speech took about 30 minutes to be delivered.
I won't give you a blow-by-blow, because you can read her speech here, see the four-part YouTube clips here, or read the New York Times coverage here.
Below is Part I of the YouTube clips, which I embedded so that you can see for yourself just how much admiration and love the people feel for Hillary Clinton.
Memeorandum has commentary.
Obama really gave her her props and she had a real smile on her face yesterday, not the i want your vote smile
Posted by: rawdawgbuffalo | June 08, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Raw Dawg,
What are "props"?
One of the toughest issues for me to overcome was Barack's fighting to count only 1/2 of Florida's vote.
I've read rule 21-c-7, and I'm a Floridian voter who is familiar with the overwhelming Republican control in Florida. Karen Thurman was not making it up.
My question: how would you feel if the candidate who lost your state publicly argued that your vote should count half?
Posted by: Deb | June 08, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Hillary and her supporters are a force that will be reckoned with.
Obama is not going to walk into the Presidency without us! He may think he has new math on his side and the media may continue to massage themselves with his brilliant campaign in the caucus states - the caucus system most Democrats hate and avoid that actually give us Republicans over and over again.
Idiots - everyone of them (media). I'm turning it off this week for the summer.
Posted by: Danny | June 08, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Danny,
I don't blame you for wanting a big break. I want one too.
Posted by: Deb | June 08, 2008 at 06:18 PM
THANK YOU for this truly INSPIRATIONAL video...What a painful loss. Obama limped along to the 'finish line' as he was pushed there by the media's extreme Hillary-bashing misogyny that allowed him to get ahead while she was being diminished and degraded--with his complicit approval. Not a word of protest from Barack!...Shame on this prince of Change we cannot believe in and Hope that we fear is hopeless...
Watching this juvenile go on state and perform like JayZ rapper giving Hillary "the finger" (see this ignominious show on Youtube/l.a.times) and 'dusting her off his shoulders and shoes like mud'....Is this the way this socially-retarded candidate shows civility and respect for his fellow (female) Senator?!!!
But, come November, this most disabling affliction, OBAMYOPIA, will be cured for 4 years while the voters deliver the bitter poison of redemption.
RISE, HILLARY! and Maya Angelou's poem just for you, and Shirley Chisholm's spirit will guide you throughout!
Posted by: mary | June 08, 2008 at 07:30 PM