July 29, 2004
Initial Reactions to Kerry's Speech
I just finished watching Kerry's acceptance speech and have a few initial reactions. First off, the stylistic aspect. Kerry's not an excellent orator, so sometimes even great lines fall a little flat due to his delivery. Even so, it's really not worth discussing unless you're just looking for things to criticize, so I'll move on to the content. Overall, it was a good, solid speech. He covered all the big policy areas well and in enough detail to give a decent idea of where he stands. His discussion of foreign policy—increase troop size, double the Special Forces—seemed nearly perfect. Obviously he dealt with a number of other issues, but I don't really feel like discussing all of them in detail, just to give my general, overall impression in the hope that the rest of you will chime in as well. If I had to give the speech a grade, I'd say B+.
I'm inclined to agree with your grade. I thought content was solid, but it had a distinct lack of useable soundbites. "reporting for duty" may be the only one. Usually the cantidate comes out with a quote that carries through to the election. "read my lips"..Etc. Not to say that makes a speech. It just makes it quickly digestible for the people who don't like speeches. My favorite after-part was the balloon guy screaming "drop the F**king balloons now!!" after the speech. From what I can tell that was onlly broadcast on CNN.
Update, I just found the F-bomb incident on Drudge.
Hahah.. I didn't hear that. I was watching it on C-SPAN, so I guess I missed out. Man, these last few years have become a curse-word coming out party for politicians.
As for no useable soundbites, he obviously wants "help is on the way" to be one of their slogans along with the phrase "a stronger America", but the former is pretty lame while the latter isn't strong enough to be a catchphrase.