To me, it was well worth the expense and the time to do so for one very important reason - I was still undecided about whom to support - Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama - in tomorrow's Virginia Democratic presidential primary. What a dilemma!
Originally, my first choices for Democratic candidates for President in order of preference were Wes Clark, then Al Gore, and then John Edwards, so when Edwards dropped out of the race, I had to more closely scrutinize our two remaining front runners.
At the JJ Dinner, excellent speeches were delivered by Doug Wilder, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine as well as several others. There was a tremendous sense of a bright and positive future and Virginia's increasingly important poliltical role on the national scene.
When Hillary Clinton spoke - and gave the best speech I can ever remember having heard her deliver - I was most impressed, and she received much applause and recognition from the audience. Hillary was in top form and she exhibited much style and grace and a very strong intellect.
However, about an hour later, Barack Obama spoke, and the reception he received from the audience was probably two to three times greater in enthusiasm than that which Hillary Clinton had received from the same audience.
In both cases, I made it a point to stay toward the rear of the auditorium and to monitor the audience's response to both candidates from that vantage point, and the difference was palpable and undeniable.
Barack Obama is a truly gifted and inspirational speaker and, based upon their unbridled enthusiasm and obvious support for him, you would have thought that the younger people in the audience were being treated to a free concert by a rock or country music super star.
If we are truly seeking change and new leadership from a leader who can inspire and motivate the electorate, then Barack Obama is that leader, and I will be voting for him tomorrow.
We absolutely can not afford to lose another presidential election, and I believe that Barack Obama can beat any Republican presidential candidate in November, and that his presence on the national ticket will also help our statewide and local candidates.
Please join with me in voting tomorrow - Tuesday, February 12 - for Barack Obama to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.
It's time for a true change of direction in America.
Please stay tuned...
Thanks!
Steve
but when Kaine came out I came up to the top because I wanted to see how it played to the people up high.
I did not think as highly of Clinton's speech as did you, but I also acknowledge that she knew she was getting beaten around the country and that the audience would be more oriented towards Obama. It was a decent speech, but I don't think it connected with the audience. Just my $.02
Peace
Yes, we can!
NOT READY** NOT NOW