Unedited · 18 March 2008

 

Also, Jonathan Raban in the LRB. 

Posted by (0v0)        
Categories: markets-networks-society , morality , social theory

Comment

1. ...yes: wasn’t that a bang-up speech? The thing is, you can say “just words”, cleverly, all you want, but being well spoken is a sign of clear thought. And in this speech he gave up the speechwriters and rally-cry hoo-hah and brought back the voice that knew how to matter and speak to what matters in a way that seems true.

   Maybe I’d like to see more of that voice again, and if he remembered to use it Hilary’s jabs about [empty] words will seem empty (as if campaigns are ever composed of anything but words—should we use tear gas or swords?)

   Posted by: M. · Mar 18, 05:41 PM · #

2. Um, that CNN banner is distracting my monkey mind…what did you say Barack?
   That we’re in a recession to form a more perfect union?

   Posted by: Susan · Mar 18, 05:43 PM · #

3. That might do it, though!

   This did something.

   Little kids will read that bit about him not disowning his racist grandmother because she is a part of him.

   Posted by: (0v0) · Mar 18, 08:41 PM · #

4. He’s going to do it. He’s going to win. He’s going to be the next President of the United States of America.

   Posted by: RE · Mar 19, 12:17 AM · #

5. Gosh, I was happy when I heard his speech. Really, race can be complicated? You can love people who hold different ideas from your own? We all have things to work through? Individuals aren’t perfect or right all the time? Wow. Who’d a thought?

   Posted by: karen · Mar 19, 04:15 AM · #

6. He said the Reagan Revolution was built on white fear and resentment! He actually said that!

   Also the political economy of black people’s marginalization, the concrete history of not being able to get jobs. That will hit some people. And yeah, the need to “work through” some things. And the fact that he barely ever paused for applause—it was the best speech of the campaign if not the decade, and maybe the least grandiloquent “talk” he’s given.

   I could go on…

   Posted by: (0v0) · Mar 19, 04:32 AM · #

7. A risk-taking politician? Who would’ve thought? It was a great speech.

   At this juncture (in the general) I think I’d rather see Obama lose than Clinton win. I’m disgusted by her Republican-style campaign based on fear, racism, and divisiveness.

   Posted by: cody · Mar 19, 06:15 AM · #

8. I love this man for being the only politician, ever, who actually answers questions when asked.

   Posted by: Katie · Mar 19, 01:22 PM · #

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