“Hope is on the Way” is on the Way. - Alterman

[dArKeR]

John Edwards’ speech last night was a bit of a paradox.  It was, by popular acclaim upstairs in the periodical press section, the worst speech we’d ever seen Edwards give.  On the other hand, I think that was intentional.  Edwards’ soaring speechgiving talents do not translate that well on television.  And even if they did, there would be the risk of overshadowing Kerry who is a plodding speaker on a good day.  I think Edwards gave the right speech for the moment.  The barnburner would not have sold those six swing-voters in Ohio, Florida, Michigan and Wisconsin upon whom this election appears to depend.  Edwards at 80 percent is a low B or a C+ for Edwards in person but it gets communicated through the cathode rays as an A- or better.  (And again, you don’t want to get too much better.) 

Meanwhile, I just love this metaphor, and the way it connects all of the Democratic themes simultaneously in the form of storytelling, which is, face it, what works in this crazy nation of ours.  Take a look for the textbooks: it’s a minor masterpiece.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3449870/

[papau]

1. I agree - the tube requires a different approach - and Edwards was great!

:-)

[Cha]

2. Thanks, that was a revelation. At least through Alterman's

eyes ..it was the worst speech they had ever seen Edwards give..since I've never heard him speak before ..I thought it was outstanding! Looking forward to more.