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EDITOR OF REDSTATE

Substance Over Style

He did what he had to do.

By: Erick Erickson (Diary)  |  September 5th, 2008 at 01:32 AM  | 

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McCainwordcloud

Image descriptionThis past evening, Senator McCain walked down the stage and accepted the Republican nomination for President.

Then he spoke.

It was not a great speech. John McCain is no Sarah Palin. He is, however, a hard worker. The speech was the speech of a worker — of a fighter. Having watched it in the arena and just now on television, I must say it played better on television.

The end was much better than the middle. The beginning was interrupted by Democratic activists who could not return to the GOP the courtesy the GOP gave the Democrats of an uninterrupted speech in Denver.

John McCain confessed the sins of the party. He asked for forgiveness. He repented the sins of the party and pledged to return to basics. I was personally disappointed that bit did not get the hearty applause it deserved, but the crowd seemed to save its ultimate energy for those occasions on which the words Sarah and Palin were uttered.

John McCain’s speech had substance. For all the pablum of Senator Obama’s angry rhetoric in Denver, John McCain went for nuts and bolts. He had to.

The McCain campaign knows it could not compete with Obama for the media’s affection in delivering flowery prose and poetry. But, because of the vapid shallowness of Obama’s speeches, McCain could compete on substance.

He did. And he delivered.

It was not a speech to the party. It was a speech to undecideds. Judging by my emails, they loved it.

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COMMENTS

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  • MrMosis

    and nice word cloud. It was clearly aimed at the middle. And so I am dying to know how the middle received it.

    I can’t understand a moderate. I can’t even pretend to think like them, so I can’t even begin to take a guess at how they will respond. Looking forward to data.

    You spoke of emails- can you share more?

  • MiddleMan

    I was looking for the specific ideas that set him apart from Obama. What are the major policy ideas he will bring to the job.

    Tax cuts? Little too general, although for the first time i did hear him say double the child tax credit. So I will give him that 1 item.

    So what is the bulk of the substance you refer to?

    I really could care less about social issues and just would like the candidates to focus on real issues.

  • simpson316

    They paint the big picture for the majority of the electorate that is just now starting to pay attention.

    Over the next few weeks more detail will be fleshed out.

  • MrMosis

    How specific do you need to be in order to demonstrate differences with Obama? (answer: not very)

    He laid out key differences as clearly as can be.

    I will keep taxes low and cut them where I can. My opponent will raise them. I will open new markets to our goods and services. My opponent will close them. I will cut government spending. He will increase it.

    My tax cuts will create jobs. His tax increases will eliminate them. My health care plan will make it easier for more Americans to find and keep good health care insurance. His plan will force small businesses to cut jobs, reduce wages, and force families into a government run health care system where a bureaucrat stands between you and your doctor.

    I was just commenting about you moderates. These are opposing philosophies. There is no middle ground. One is north, one is south. Facing east or west will never get you to the poles.

  • NightTwister

  • Chief_Runamok

    I missed a certain large amount of the speech, but “dry” for lack of better word is not the way I would call it. As it might have been for some who comment, I would grade it much better than a “C.”

    John speech left me with an impression of a likeable a guy that is trustable, and that would be good to sit and talk with, and who has much wisdom to share of his knowlege and experiences.

    For someone to talk about being crashed, injured, fished out of a Lake, and talk with such matter-of-fact “dry” delivery, and a sort of sense of humour about the people being angry is indicative of someone who has the even keel and experience, and common sense that may be best for our country at this point in history.

    Let’s hope for his to be the winning ticket, without dealing with the ill will of attacks from or towards either side, or prejudice that ignores valid concerns of our State of the Nation from both camps.

  • Oz

    I’m a conservative, but I would have liked more details on the economy and I know a lot of others would have liked them on health care.

    I guess this will come out in the debates.

  • redtrash

    There once was a man named McCain
    Who had an unusual brain
    He talked for an hour
    In a voice stiff and dour
    Primarily about his own pain.

  • Martin_A_Knight

    What are you doing here?

  • redtrash

    John Sidney McCain
    Speaking, haltingly, slowly
    In front of some weird building with a green lawn that nobody can identify

  • Rod_Patrick

    Even Obambi rocks! Rock Obambi, Rock!

    http://www.blackfive.net/photos/uncategorized/2008/01/27/obamadance.gif

  • TexasTom

    The kid that is scared and covers it by sneering “I’m shaking in my boots!”

    Now they think they have grown up and are courageous. Fact: They are still scared children.

    (his assertions are proof that the lower 48 commies don’t have many “original” lies to offer.)

  • TexasTom

    Wa you talkin’ abow Willis?

  • TexasTom

    Wa you talkin’ about, Willis?

  • Jack_Savage

    Panicking.

  • Jack_Savage

    Panicking.

  • streetwise

    the Greek god beckons
    Oh! temple of gullible
    Yahweh no likey

  • streetwise

    the Greek god beckons
    Oh! temple of gullible
    Yahweh no likey

  • streetwise

    the Greek god beckons
    Oh! temple of gullible
    Yahweh no likey

  • streetwise

    the Greek god beckons
    Oh! temple of gullible
    Yahweh no likey

  • redtrash

    No, I’m panicking.

    No, I’m panicking.

  • streetwise

    Pragmatically reassuring on policy, passionate on reform and a most moving finish.

  • redtrash

    Now post the same comment seven times. Then five more times.

  • blooch

    while he’s sleeping. He’s no kid, just trys to dress like one. He looks like a sadly wattling forty-something who still tries to hang around twenty-somethings.

  • Rod_Patrick

    I think he hates what you’re doing here. Trolling. It costs him many votes already. People are turning to McCain.

    He’s now in trouble. Please, have mercy to BO.

    Worried Obama

    See, how BHO is worried.

    Look at him during the times when you didn’t start trolling yet.. Those were days when your BHO was so happy with his friends.

    BHO with friends

  • Ranger

    The Reagan conservative of the primaries is gone and the maverick of eight years ago is back.

    It was surreal. Like he was talking past the people in the convention hall who nominated him. No mention of family values, only a passing reference to the abortion debate, no specifics about national security (why no discussion about border security?)

    On issues:

    He seemed to reinforce the party line that an energy policy built around “Drill Baby Drill” is the answer. This seems to be the dominant policy issue of the covention, and he may need to dial it back a bit.

    How about some forward-looking straight-talk on Iraq? Following the success of the surge, do you now have a sense of when victory will be achieved? How about some clarity around whether or not it still too early to discuss a timetable for withdrawl?

    As the parent of a child with autism, my ears always perk up when this is mentioned as an issue. Unfortunately McCain has not committed to additional necessary funding of the Combating Autism Act as Obama has. Maybe his running mate will encourage him to take a stand on this issue.

    The key message I took from the speech is that change trumps experience. He’s just got to sell it now.

  • Rod_Patrick

    I hope all republican leaders and voters understand that McCain is speaking that “reform must start within our hearts“, by recognizing our past mistakes of not adhering to our true conservative principles, and by getting them right this time.

    He was not “preaching” in an Obama’s style (i.e., beat with a stick). He’s making a dialogue: a straight, heart-to-heart talk to his own party and to the rest of the Americans.

    And I accept his challenge.

  • TexasTom

    uh, I will, uh, you know, uh, um, post nine, no, uh, seven times the, uh, you have not been paying attention, uh, as I’ve always said, just now, um, I am, uh…….

    THE POST TURTLE!
    Koo Koo Ca-choo…..

  • Rod_Patrick

    This troll is subtle. It’s her “perky” term for Gov.Palin that blew me away.

  • bs

  • blooch

    What was that building??

    Concoct a conspiracy

    if it frightens you

  • blooch

    Barack Obama

    dwarfed by massive white pillars.

    Speak up, Bob Herbert.

  • The_Rebel

    I’m trying to understand how they got in there. According to the media, even they had problems with their credentials. I’m concerned that there are moles in the security staff and this needs to be investigated by McCain’s campaign officials. How well have these people been vetted? If these people are entrenched in the campaign staff, then there will be further problems down the road with leaks and consequently large demonstrations at McCain’s and Palin’s campaign stops. These distractions we absolutely don’t need.

  • BlowFish

    The speech seemed largely devoted to an already existing base – I didn’t hear much that would appeal to moderates.

    I think he should have given us a bit more detail on how his administration would be different from Bush’s, something I think he could have done without consuming too much time.
    Perhaps that is yet to come.

    I also think it is going to be a huge mistake for McCain to insulate Palin from any interviews – letting the rumors swell as to some of this issues surrounding her past, unanswered, is not going to sit well in the minds of undecided voters.

  • MrMosis

    but he said, “I was looking for the specific ideas that set him apart from Obama”

    I don’t think he was saying he wished McCain provided more “details to set him apart from Obama for the average American’s sake.” (especially considering his name and posting history)

  • MikeO

    The Washington Post took-down Senator Allen by hammering the “macaca” story, and they thereby validated heckling as a political tactic. The vicious attacks on Governor Palin are nothing more than heckling seeking to provoke a response.

    I cannot name a single leader of the left who is willing or able to curb this descent into thuggery. Unless some such leader emerges, we are flirting with a replay of the violent culture wars of the 60s and 70s.

  • twylla

    There once was a man named obama
    Whos name ryhmes with Osama
    Some say he inspires
    I just see him perspire
    As he watches his campaign slip away!

  • seazen

    I think that the speech fit right in with what seems to be a great strategy. His team has clearly decided that they can effectively “invent” a pair of candidates that both match the aspirations of their base and play into the weak-kneed, celebrity-obsessed media. They put Palin out there as a “folksy”, tough mom unafraid of the big boys and since she really has no meaningful record to tear at they can claim any attempt to vet her is an “attack” on this nice lady. McCain then is the “war hero” who will protect her and keep taxes low. They can also resurrect the “maverick” theme to tie this all together and walk into the election with no concerns about substance or about how tight he has really been with Bush and the Administration and their lobbyists.

  • twylla

    is the lawn of a school in California. I think you might need to get some help, you are an extremely angry human…a real job might help to give your brain a rest …it seems to be choking on Obamas lies you once believed. I bet you are on of those belligerent protesters who could not get anything accomplished. In the spirit of fairness I completely understand how betrayed you must feel by your own party, not wanting to have to deal with you, while Obama is trying to turn over a new leaf at being nice and not being negative. Thank you sooo much for the words you put in Obamas mouth “BO doesnt like you redtrash,” afterall he has based his campaign on twisting the words of the Republicans…well his own members for that matter…Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton and Geraldine Ferrera to list only a few. About time someone gave him his own medicine and from his own party! But taking my precious time is being wasted trying to explain anything to a person so full of hate!

  • Oz

    more trolls.

  • angels16

    First, Democrats complain about everything. First they complain that the Republicans are attacking them after they attacked the Republicans. NOW, Obamas camp is complaining that McCain did not attack Obama last night at his acceptance speech. Democrats are running scared, they don’t know how to respond..it’s like a chicken with it’s head cut off. They are in grave trouble, and they game plan is in ruins. Their inexperience is showing, their bad judgement is showing, and all they can do is stumble around in the dark. This shows what might happen at 3 a.m. in the morning if they got that call…SCARY. John did a great job, and he did it without attacking Obama. I can feel the country shifting over to McCain..it’s awesome. It’s about time the country see’s McCain as the REAL agent of CHANGE. I still see the Liberal Media as complicit with Obama, and I feel that NBC has lost all journalistic integrity. All the other liberal media outlets are put on notice. The more they attack, the more that helps McCain. People are sick of the Media’s lies and improper reporting. This is unpreciented in the History of the United States. There should be laws to not allow the media to do this…only on Cable or opionion pieces should that be allowed, and limited opinion pieces should be allowed. McCain is for change, Palin is for change, Obama is for more of the same with the candidate that he picked…a Washington insider who is the longest serving senator ever, who is part of the broken machine of big government. Congress has failed the American People, and they need to be replaced. People should not be afraid of their Government, their Government should be afraid of the people. Everyone, let’s get this right. Let’s go out to the Nursing homes and make sure the people there can vote for John, let’s reach those who are Republican who cannot get out, let’s help them to absentee vote, or help them get out on election day. We can win this, and we will if everyone gets involved.

  • RoseLady

    Maybe a visual tie-in to education? Visuals are important in getting across a message, as in: a picture is worth a thousand words.

  • RoseLady

    Maybe a visual tie-in to education? Visuals are important in getting across a message, as in: a picture is worth a thousand words.

  • RoseLady

    Maybe a visual tie-in to education? Visuals are important in getting across a message, as in: a picture is worth a thousand words.

  • CSUFBomb

    …and one of McCain’s better deliveries – not great, but parts were quite good. I thought McCain did a solid job of explaining that, unlike Obama & Biden, he has an actual record of working with both R’s & D’s and against both R’s & D’s.

    There was a nearly total absence of rancor toward Obama, especially compared to Obama’s “angry man” speech in Denver where he repeatedly tore the bark off McCain.

    I have to thank the protesting ninnies and pinkies for helping to further draw the clear distinction between civility and childish tantrums. Do you undecided indies want to fight alongside John McCain or alongside a bunch of bitter Bea Arthurs in pink tiaras?

  • nicfit

    at the end, really believing that we can tackled the tough challenges ahead.

    McCain is change that makes sense.

  • tcgeol

    I was not expecting much from McCain’s speech and really wasn’t planning to watch it. Boy, am I glad that I did! Dan McLaughlin mentioned that it was a traditional, pre-1960s speech and I agree, but that was just what we needed. His style was just fine.

    No, it wasn’t the height of oratory, but it was a solid speech given by one who actually meant what he said, and definitely played to his strengths. I believe it was probably the best political speech that I have heard (I missed the Palin speech and was too young during the Reagan years). He said enough to appeal both to us and to the independents if they have any sense of American pride at all.

  • angels16

    I totally agree. McCain and Palin have the change that America needs, and it shows in their record. Obama does not even have a record..he has empty words. NO works. McCain has always been a Maverik, and has gone against his party , and is a reformer. Obama is not. Palin is a reformer, a go getter, and has a budget of 11 billion for the state of Alaska, and has 15,000 employees. What, obama has a budget of maybe 50 million and 60 employees. Palin blows him away when it comes to experience. Obamas campaign is starting to evaporate, and he knows it. Obama is grasping at straws, and the only thing he can do is get Celebrities to play at his rallies, and get behind him. Oprah is blind, and Obama has his hand in the cookie jar. McCain is the real agent of change, Obama is full of hot air. Obama hires the longest serving senator of all time, is that change? That is more of the same partisan Washington bull crap. McCain, like a Quarter back, will not show his playbook to the defense. McCain will not say what he is going to do because Obama has shown that whatever McCain does, Obama follows. Obama is a follower, and he follows McCains movements because Obama knows that McCain has the experience, knows what to do, So Obama follows what McCain does to give himself some credibility. IT’s disgusting. Obama has no experience, and is lost as to what to do next. We can expect this type of behavior if he gets into office…sorry, can’t allow that to happen.

  • Rod_Patrick

    I agree with you, especially on the following lines:

    Obama hires the longest serving senator of all time, is that change? That is more of the same partisan Washington bull crap.

    Obama is a follower, and he follows McCains movements because Obama knows that McCain has the experience, knows what to do, So Obama follows what McCain does to give himself some credibility.

    I like your last 3 comments so far. But they are very long. I suggest you separate your long comment into several paragraphs next time for better readability. (Hope it’s not an imposition). Thanks.

  • Darin_H

    (Insert comment that was eaten by a 500 error)

    Obama’s choice of venue really limited it’s appeal on TV, he talked to the crowd there. McCain, thankfully, talked with the viewer at home. Fred, Rudy and Palin spoke to the convention. Palin and McCain spoke to the people at home.

  • Dannah

    After watching nearly every minute of the two conventions, I have decided to go with the McCain-Palin ticket. I am a woman and a registered democrat but I like the Republican ticket for the following reasons…
    The War is nearly won and it is important as a nation to win and not retreat.
    The experience on the Republican ticket gives me a greater level of confidence.
    I cannot afford higher taxes and I do not believe our economy can withstand a National Health Care Plan.
    I believe McCain’s love of country is what really won me over. The Obama family has lukewarm affection at best for the nation and its people and that has really turned me off!

  • streetwise

    I was in one of those fascinating RS 3.0 time warps, on the very cusp of the alternative universe, where strange vibrations disrupt the enter key.

    In the words of John Edwards, I apologize.

    OTOH, your guys have been spouting the same bilgewater for years.

    To each his own.