Do you remember when Bill Clinton spoke...

[skids]

Do you remember the first time you saw a major speech by Bill Clinton, after suffering for so many years watching our national disgrace babble incoherently on CNN? Do you remember how you felt "That's what a real president sounds like?" Do you remember that feeling?

Here in my state we have a race for Governor that most DUers probably aren't paying all that much attention to -- and we feel very good about winning the governorship, so you are probably right to look elsewhere for ways to make an impact in the 2006 elections. But you should read or watch Deval Patrick's speaches anyway. Because they give you that feeling -- not necessarily "what a president should sound like" (Note to nation: You can't have him yet -- we get him for Gov for a term or two first) but "what a good Democratic candidate should say."

Is Deval a great orator? Well time will decide. But oration isn't the point here. It's rather the way he has his finger right on the pulse of the people, and lets us hear right where he is coming from, and realize that it is right where we are coming from too. It's what he says, not so much how he says it. We all can learn to better convey ourselves by appreciating these speeches.

http://www.devalpatrick.com/speeches.cfm

(Hopefuly they will post his victory speech from last night soon.)

[madokie]

1. You could be so lucky

Us here in Oklahoma have ourselves a mighty fine Governor in Brad Henry and I must say it is refreshing. We came off 8 years of re:puke:lican frank keating who tried his best to drag us back to the dark ages and damn near did. Brad's not necessarily a great orator he is just a good man doing a damn good job at being our Governor.

[BlacknBlue in Red NC]

2. Congrats to Deval Patrick

From MSNBC:
"Patrick accused the current (Mitt Romney) administration of starving public schools, standing idly by while violence soared on city streets and of ignoring problems with the Big Dig highway project until a tunnel ceiling collapsed, killing a Boston woman this summer.

“Make no mistake: This election is about whether we want more of all that, or lasting and meaningful change instead, about spinning our wheels or aiming high, about government by sound bites and slogans or leadership that strives to serve our long-term interests in stronger, safer and more prosperous communities,” Patrick said."

Sounds good to me. I wish I was still in my old home state, so I could vote for him.

Go here for the victory speech: http://www1.whdh.com/

[sallyseven]

3. I have worked for Deval Patrick's campaign

for 18 months now. I have made calls, stuffed envelops, contributed money, Stood out on street corners with signs and I am thrilled that he won. He will lift Massachusetts out of the muck that mittens left. I hope someday he becomes the President of the United States so that you can all know what a really good person he is.

[karynnj]

4. As an out-of -stater, I was amazed at Deval Patrick

My husband and I went to a Patrick rally at Faneuil Hall earlier this year. We were in Boston to meet our MA college attending daughter. We had nothing really planned when I saw a post on the John Kerry board and we decided this would be a cool way to see the historic building. It was probably the best political rally I have ever seen.

As to great orator, given his life story, he's starts from a position of being almost bigger than life. His story beats that of Obama or Clinton by a mile. I found his speech full of hope and common sense. I would not be surprised if he became a huge political star.

I have a different opinion than you of Clinton. I remember sitting transfixed through speeches that lasted more than an hour, unable to look away. He was charismatic and brilliant and he did draw people in. Unfortunately, once drawn in there was no broader purpose that would inspire anyone. He seemed to lack core principles and beliefs and ultimately I had to question why I ignored failings of his that I would quickly condemn in Republicans.

On both oration and as a real leader, I am far more inspired (at least from the small amount seen) by Patrick or by either of your senators than by Bill Clinton.

[skids]

5. I only brought up the Big Dawg...

...as a hook. I agree he speaches were better orated than they were materially.

[karynnj]

6. That makes sense

I came away thinking I really show someone with the potential to be a future President. This is not something I would say lightly. He was an exciting speaker and the energy of the community there was amazing. What I know is mainly from articles posted in the Kerry group.

I grew up in NW Indiana in the Chicago suburbs. The train to Chicago went through what I think was the South side of Chicago - that he could navigate the cultural, geographic, and economic culture shock going from there to Milton is awesome.