Here's some differing perspectives on Senator Clinton's speech last night to the Democratic convention.
On the whole, it certainly seemed to rouse the Democratic Party faithful; her endorsement of Obama was straightforward and unequivocal, and so the Obama camp has to be satisfied with that, at least. It should help bring Clinton backers back to Obama, at least in the short term.
On the other hand, I'd have to agree with Michael Gerson--the speech was short on testimonials for Barack Obama the person, wasn't it? For example, I don't recall Clinton ever saying that she trusted Obama to be her commander-in-chief (a testimonial he'll need, going up against John McCain). And why is it that Hillary Clinton, with all her experience giving speeches, still talks rather woodenly? Do you ever notice that? For example, when she uses the word "a", it's a long "a"..."I have talked A long time about health care!" It's as if Senator Clinton can never get past the impression, to her audience, that she's reading a speech; not giving it to you in a conversational tone. She's reading something to you; she's not having a conversation with you. I wonder if that, too, hurt her in her quest to be president (one of the many things that did, no doubt).
