Initial impression following Hillary Clinton’s speech tonight: The most important part was when she addressed her supporters directly, asking them why they became involved in the spring primary in the first place. Was it because 47 million people are without health care? Was it because somehow the Iraq war has to end? Was it because energy independence can’t be achieved unless alternative, renewable sources are harnessed? Or was it because of Hillary? And in an inspired humbleness all too lacking during the primary, Hillary, who enthusiastically embraced and created the image of a hero to women and the more qualified contender down but never out, threw off those crowns for the larger purpose - to end Republican domination of the executive branch.
As I wrote in the previous post, she has to get behind Obama if a.) she wants to see universal health care become a reality and b.) for her legacy and potential presidential chances in 2012 to remain alive. The manner in which she did it, by asking her supporters why they loved her in the first place, was to remove herself from the equation. Those Hillary supporters must live in this country, and the goals they want to achieve will not be easier with a John McCain administration. With a Democrat in the White House, Hillary Clinton will become a more relevant senator, and the issues she and her supporters care so deeply about will more likely be heard by Obama, whose views remember did not vary much from Clintons. The Democratic primary race came down to whether Democrats trusted Obama’s judgment and vision despite a thin resume, not because they diverged on a lot of the critical issues.
All in all, the best speech of the convention so far. Trying desperately not to read too much into the “Keep Going” portion by looking for a subliminal message (Hillary in 2012!). The next goal for Obama will be to get Clinton out on the campaign trail.
