tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post4502421514053718805..comments2024-03-04T17:54:32.559+00:00Comments on Iain Dale's Diary: Obama Passes One Test But Fails AnotherIain Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270146219458384372noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-45749093636564134752008-09-02T04:19:00.000+01:002008-09-02T04:19:00.000+01:00they are called "framing speeches". You know this ...they are called "framing speeches". You know this Iain so dont pretend to be naive. For better or worse they are the only ones that get reported in the UK. The policy speeches in the primaries are done in "town hall" talks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-21166641723059327002008-08-31T17:47:00.000+01:002008-08-31T17:47:00.000+01:00'I scratched my head in bemusement. Was I alone in...'I scratched my head in bemusement. Was I alone in not having a clue what he meant by that?'<BR/><BR/>He meant that McCain was too eager to divert resources from the search for Bin Laden in Afghanistan and the borders of Pakistan and instead go on a wild goose chase for WMDs in the quagmire of Iraq, which has resulted in the loss of so many lives and served to bring Al Qaeda to fight on a new front - as Obama has explained, more eloquently than I, before.<BR/><BR/>If you're looking for detail on what Obama will do in office a quick google search will throw up links to his policies on 20+ different areas - here's the economy:<BR/><BR/>http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/<BR/><BR/>And if your looking for something to be ashamed of look no further than McCain's dog whistle ads purportedly attacking Obama's experience but conveniently using imagery similar to unscrupulous PAC ads and email rumours that try and tie Obama to terrorists and suggest that he's secretly a muslim.Lettermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09572427955948494269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-57128293550891633372008-08-31T12:53:00.000+01:002008-08-31T12:53:00.000+01:00Do you mean to say Reagan's flip race card and che...Do you mean to say Reagan's flip race card and cheesy inexperience? <BR/><BR/>Obviously Obama was suggesting that unlike Rambo McCain he would treat OBL as a criminal fugitive and not an excuse to twat Iraq and anyone else one's inner redneck would like to see twatted flat.<BR/><BR/>You know that McCain met Sarah Palin only once before putting her on his undercard? Sad old mumbling goat gets a cold she'd be in charge - OMG.Chris Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15679067503215414300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-44994261112265977502008-08-30T09:18:00.000+01:002008-08-30T09:18:00.000+01:00"I love his optimism. I love his speaking style. B..."I love his optimism. I love his speaking style. But I have yet to fall in love with his policies. Largely because I still don't have a clue what they are. And he's only got 69 days to tell me." Mr Dale, you are being seduced. And seduction is just rape with salesmanship. The man is a presentationalist par excellence. He is Clinton. He is Blair. He is out of the Big Brother generation. He is celebrity. He is all that is bad about modern political leadership. And he has no 'vision'.Lolahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04586735342675041312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-7582007218369957022008-08-30T06:36:00.000+01:002008-08-30T06:36:00.000+01:00Obama is almost physically incapable of giving a b...<I>Obama is almost physically incapable of giving a bad speech.</I><BR/><BR/>That's only true if it's written out for him on the teleprompt. Catch him at a press conferance and he's a stumbling buffoon. <BR/><BR/>Abd while I'm here, Sarah Palin...... brilliant choice. This woman will play very well. I think it's going to be a McCain landslide.Rush-is-Righthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12860467341217977185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-37805904297719904542008-08-29T19:28:00.000+01:002008-08-29T19:28:00.000+01:00He won't win. Despite what noone is prepared to sa...He won't win. Despite what noone is prepared to say, he is not black enough for the average black voter, and definitely not white enough for the mainstream.And his rhetoric? Yeah great. But does nothing to help anyone - and they really really want that in the heartlands....kinglearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10252474133821652670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-52010009950811198492008-08-29T19:19:00.000+01:002008-08-29T19:19:00.000+01:00Well, here's me chance to have a good old predict....Well, here's me chance to have a good old predict. <BR/><BR/>McCain will take it. He has chosen the Governor of Alaska to be his running mate and she is a woman. That will swing it for a lot of the infuriated Hillary supporters. Yes, many Americans will vote on principle, the vast majority. But it's the swing voters that you need.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-57345904487886910672008-08-29T17:29:00.000+01:002008-08-29T17:29:00.000+01:00i waited up all night, and thought it was ana amzi...i waited up all night, and thought it was ana amzing oratory that dealt with every criticism he's had.<BR/><BR/>there were 29 policy pledges, he discussed how judgement was more important than experience, he highlighted the McSame nonsense that his rival is putting forward and how McCain simply doesn't get the problems America faces. All in detail.<BR/><BR/>I must say you're the only pundit I've read or seen who has come away feeling "bemused". Perhaps watch it again?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-75298335750015574512008-08-29T17:12:00.000+01:002008-08-29T17:12:00.000+01:00I've voted Tory since my first election in '87, bu...I've voted Tory since my first election in '87, but if the modern Conservatives are about fawning over a man who dropped bombs on Vietnamese women and children, and sucking up to the mass murdering cretin Saakashvili, I need a new party pronto.<BR/><BR/>Mrs Thatcher wouldn't have gone to cry over a Georgian madman, but the little boy Cameron does, safe in the knowledge no-one he cares about would be required to defend Georgia or Ukraine if they were part of NATO.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-48484988275954852812008-08-29T16:14:00.000+01:002008-08-29T16:14:00.000+01:00Don't get what you didn't get about that line. Oth...Don't get what you didn't get about that line. Others above have noted its implication which, to me, seemed as plain as the nose on my face as soon as he'd said it - the only thing that caught my particular attention was its clunky, syntactic peculiarity, but I think he was just skirting round mentioning either Afghanistan or Pakistan with a negative name-check.<BR/>The other thing to remember is that last night's speech stands in isolation only until McCain makes <BR/><I>his</I> speech next week & from what I've seen of McCain in front of the cameras in either an 'off-the-cuff' moment or in a big set piece it is going to be well worth waiting up for..;)@molesworth_1https://www.blogger.com/profile/12278870362360637173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-78283469250366557922008-08-29T16:11:00.000+01:002008-08-29T16:11:00.000+01:00Biden vs Palin! Obama is toast.Biden vs Palin! Obama is toast.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-47538107865192203112008-08-29T15:58:00.000+01:002008-08-29T15:58:00.000+01:00Anon @ 11.47- Iain Dale, a political moderate?!!!Anon @ 11.47- Iain Dale, a political moderate?!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-65357155966559514602008-08-29T15:57:00.000+01:002008-08-29T15:57:00.000+01:00Canny move by Chipper getting Palin - the game Wat...Canny move by Chipper getting Palin - the game Watson, is a foot.<BR/><BR/>John Kirriemuir - you Sir, are living in the land that God reserved for himself.Dick the Prickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02683095612320513712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-43149347266362644542008-08-29T15:47:00.000+01:002008-08-29T15:47:00.000+01:00Breaking news:Sarah Palin to be Republican VP cand...Breaking news:<BR/><BR/>Sarah Palin to be Republican VP candidate. http://www.foxnews.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-85439695032089544522008-08-29T15:43:00.001+01:002008-08-29T15:43:00.001+01:00I'm afraid I've wondered if you're "thick" on Labo...I'm afraid I've wondered if you're "thick" on Labourhome<BR/><BR/>http://www.labourhome.org/story/2008/8/29/104012/686Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-60708161972891641002008-08-29T15:43:00.000+01:002008-08-29T15:43:00.000+01:00Iain - can I ask what policies of McCain's you fin...Iain - can I ask what policies of McCain's you find particularly appealing?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05649491689196103228noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-28214208015587417542008-08-29T15:24:00.000+01:002008-08-29T15:24:00.000+01:00I'm no expert here and can't recall the detail but...I'm no expert here and can't recall the detail but isn't the 'Bin Laden' line a reference to different opinions on Pakistan?<BR/><BR/>I know Obama was critical of US support for Musharaff and McCain has been very quiet on Pakistan - since some observers believe Bin Laden might be there that's a possible explanation for the line...<BR/><BR/>But I guess if it needs that obscure a explanation....Liam Murrayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16493956117016119698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-69367439558277468722008-08-29T15:16:00.000+01:002008-08-29T15:16:00.000+01:00Is Obama an African American? Or is he half Africa...Is Obama an African American? Or is he half African, half American, which is different in loads of ways?<BR/><BR/>Not that I care. All I want to know is what he'd do as leader of the free world.<BR/><BR/>And after the speech, I'm no further on.idlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09938525768274527540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-78492835934162109962008-08-29T15:15:00.000+01:002008-08-29T15:15:00.000+01:00This speech wasn't really for detailed policy. It ...This speech wasn't really for detailed policy. It was meant to be a set piece to showcase Obama to the world. But even for me it was a tad vague. <BR/>Anyway, we'll know for sure later today what Obama's chances are. If Palin or Meg Whitman (ebay lady) are chosen today, then it's over. <BR/>African Americans shouldn't despair though - Deval Patrick 2012! He's actually run something, is thoroughly part of the African American history and suffering and can't be portrayed as a divisive figure.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-56027652879024501462008-08-29T14:52:00.000+01:002008-08-29T14:52:00.000+01:00Barack Obama: ..."If John McCain wants to have a d...<I>Barack Obama: ..."If John McCain wants to have a debate about who has the temperament, and judgement, to serve as the next Commander-in-Chief, that's a debate I'm ready to have.<BR/></I><BR/><BR/>Then why won't Obama debate McCain in an unscripted to-and-fro "townhall" ? He has consistently made excuse after excuse not to do it. Why ? I suspect it's because that without a teleprompter he's almost inarticulate as we've seen. Anyone can read off a screen and speechify, it's not hard. The test is how they think on their feet, handle themselves one on one. Obama has shown he's very thin skinned indeed when it comes to criticism.<BR/><BR/>As for Obama the military strategist, give me a break, he's clueless on both the people and the concepts.Yak40https://www.blogger.com/profile/10391635243252561168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-4138866951854450522008-08-29T14:29:00.000+01:002008-08-29T14:29:00.000+01:00I have to say your view of Obama's attacks on McCa...I have to say your view of Obama's attacks on McCain weren't shared by commentators on CNN or MSNBC after the speech. Possibly this was a liberal conspiracy.<BR/><BR/>Okay, Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews are in the tank for Obama. But their point on MSNBC was that, by questioning whether McCain had the 'temperament' to be POTUS, the dem nominee was finally taking the fight to the republicans in a professional way.<BR/><BR/>After ineptly handling incoming attacks since he came back from his Hawaii vacation, it's about time he moved his tanks on to McCain's lawn, surely?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-64880759364360113192008-08-29T14:17:00.000+01:002008-08-29T14:17:00.000+01:00"John McCain may want to follow Osama Bin Laden to..."John McCain may want to follow Osama Bin Laden to the gates of hell, but he won't even follow him to the cave in which he lives..."<BR/><BR/>How can you be bemused- he was referring to McCain's stump speech where he tries to bulk himself up on national security by saying he will 'follow Bin Laden to the gates of hell', versus his continued support for the Iraq war which has been a major distraction to the US's supposed priority after 9/11 (and the reason they went into Afghanistan)- i.e. to capture Bin Laden.<BR/><BR/>As for him being negative- the entire convention was criticised for not hitting hard enough at McCain- something you will certainly not see next week at the RNC convention.<BR/><BR/>Of the last 6 McCain adds 5 have been direct, personal attacks on Obama. Of the last 6 Obama adds 2 have been negative towards McCain- and this is not to mention the constant non-tv criticism McCain (and the 527 groups who support him) have made against Obama.<BR/><BR/>Finally- in terms of policy, firstly its important to remember that the president doesn’t get to make the law- as Obama has said before the role of the president it to set the tone and direction of the country and it is for congress to choose the specific wording of the laws it seeks to enact. Therefore what Obama said (about tax cuts for 95%, about foreign oil, about college education) was incredibly substantive. Furthermore, if he had gone into minute detail of his, for instance, healthcare plan, it would have made for a very dull speech- which the media, yourself included I suspect, would criticise as him not living up to his usual standards or 'chocking'.<BR/><BR/>Point is- if you want to criticise negative/no policy/ incoherent and illogical speeches calm down- they will all come next week. :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-4119203669918896862008-08-29T14:14:00.000+01:002008-08-29T14:14:00.000+01:00The following is BBC Have You Say's most recommend...The following is BBC Have You Say's most recommended posting on Obama's speech. It ecoes the comments of scores of Americans among the most recommended posts:<BR/><BR/><BR/>"I am a 63 year old Republican. I have voted Republican since Goldwater. I voted twice for Bush, and I apologize to the entire world for that.<BR/><BR/>Obama's speech was the most incredible I have heard in my lifetime. I will proudly cast my vote for him, and I pray that my country will follow my example.<BR/><BR/>God bless the World.<BR/><BR/>Jim, Oregon, United StatesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-85741951639647056372008-08-29T14:07:00.000+01:002008-08-29T14:07:00.000+01:00Iain says: "I was hoping to emerge from Obama's sp...Iain says: "I was hoping to emerge from Obama's speech with a better idea of what he would actually do as President,"<BR/><BR/>Iain, did Obama forget something in particular last night?<BR/><BR/>Were the following points not enough for you?<BR/><BR/>* John McCain<BR/>* foreign policy<BR/>* the economy<BR/>* taxes<BR/>* fuel<BR/>* education<BR/>* pensions<BR/>* abortion<BR/>* gun control<BR/>* same sex marriages<BR/>* immigration<BR/>* individual responsibility<BR/>* equal pay<BR/>* patriotism<BR/>* his background<BR/>* change<BR/>* the American spirit<BR/><BR/>Aren't these the issues on voters minds? Couldn't you have written a more fair minded and thoughtful analysis?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-36715477927168957242008-08-29T13:58:00.000+01:002008-08-29T13:58:00.000+01:00This will become a much much dirtier and tougher e...This will become a much much dirtier and tougher election before it is finished, and Obama will suffer for it. For months he has been able to set out a vision for a different America without the need to avoid the mud-slinging of policy debate. After all, a clean suit, cure kids and a winsome smile does win over voters. <BR/><BR/>Now, though, things are about to get much rougher. If I were McCain, I'd try to turn the tables on Obama. Were I McCain I'd talk vision and have my attack dogs (and here the key is having a high profile and gnarly VP candidate) go for the Obama policy programme - such as it is - in excruciating detail, forcing Obama away from the rhetoric and onto the best ground for me, the detail.<BR/><BR/>The problem in all of this for Mr McCain is that his real enemy is the media. Obama is a story, McCain old news. The media want Obama to win to make a great story. Mr McCain must find a way to make them positively saliate at the prospect of a different story - that the prophet has feet of clay, and just wrong.<BR/><BR/>There is still time to for anything else to unsettle the election. I am still backing a revelation about Obama's past to come back and damage him - then again, how many stories about virulently anti-American pastors does it take to kill of his chances?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com