Sunday Reflection - Dignity

"See, the choice you make November 8th could determine whether we have a President who treats people with respect -- or not.  A President who will fight for kids, for good schools, for good jobs for our families -- or not.  A President who thinks that women deserve the right to make our own choices about our bodies and our health -- or not.  (Applause.)  That’s just a little bit of what’s at stake.

"So we cannot afford to be tired or turned off.  And we cannot afford to stay home on Election Day.  Because on November the 8th, we have the power to show our children that America’s greatness comes from recognizing the innate dignity and worth of all our people.  On November the 8th, we can show our children that this country is big enough to have a place for us all -- men and women, folks of every background and walk of life -- and that each of us is a precious part of this great American story, and we are always stronger together."  -- First Lady Michelle Obama in Manchester, NH, on October 13.  It was hard to pick just one part of her speech to reflect on.  It was heartfelt, real, and emotionally gripping. (The video is embedded here, and if you haven't had a chance to see it, it'll be worth your time.)

ELECTRIFYING

Yesterday's opening day of the Democratic convention was the most memorable in a generation. The convention was perfectly managed and organized, the staging was smart and effective, and the speeches were nothing short of stellar. Three speeches especially stood out.

First, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick delivered a passionate case for the President's reelection, and reasons why a Willard "Mendacious Mitt" Romney administration would be a disaster for the middle class. As the person who followed Mendacious Mitt as Governor of Massachusetts, Patrick was able to describe his predecessor's poor record on job creation, taxation and social policy, while telling Democrats to grow "a backbone" and be proud of saying what the President has accomplished (note to Newark mayor Cory "Snooker" Booker: maybe that's the reason you didn't get a prime speaking slot).

Later, the charismatic San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro lit up the hall with a stirring and articulate speech (highlights) that showcased his humble roots while explaining how the President's policies will create more of the opportunities he was able to take advantage of. He had a witty swipe at plutocrat Willard's clueless suggestion that students borrow money from their parents to start a business: "Gee, why didn't I think of that?" The contrast of Mayor Castro with Rethug Sen. Marco "Polo" Rubio was stark: Rubio's a fairly dour, buttoned up knock off of every ultra-conservative Cuban-American that's come out of Florida; Mayor Castro's grin could light the convention hall, and his ease in talking about positive policies that reflect American values was remarkable. A future Governor of Texas? A future President? It would not surprise us in the least after last night.

The real star of yesterday's convention was First Lady Michelle Obama. We can't remember a better speech, except perhaps the one given by her husband at the 2004 Democratic convention that introduced him to the public. The punditocracy was virtually unanimous in their praise. She effectively wove the story of her and her husband's lives into how his policies were having a positive impact on middle class Americans. Summarizing her amazing speech can't do it justice, but here are the highlights. She set a very high bar for the remaining speakers, including the President. But she more than accomplished what she set out to do in reminding voters why they voted for her husband four years ago, and why he deserves another four years.