Photo: Damon Winter/The New York TimesWhat do you know? No derogatory remarks about Hillary Clinton this evening from the CNN crew before or after her speech at the Pepsi Center in Denver. The best political analysis team on television was unanimous in praising Clinton. She kept the crowd on its feet throughout most of her remarks as she stood up for women’s rights, supported both Barack and Michelle Obama, paid tribute to the Bill Clinton’s administration, made the requisite pleas for party unity, and thanked her supporters.
Personally, I was most moved when Hillary quoted Harriet Tubman’s words: “On that path to freedom, if you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there's shouting after you, keep going. Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going."
That’s what Hillary did in the Democratic primary when her own party leaders and their media allies were piling on and trying to force her out of the race, she held her head up high and kept going. And on this night, I’ve no doubt the senator from New York made history.
For a transcript of Hillary’s speech, go here.
The Huffington Post reported reactions from pundits and TV anchors:
Tom Brokaw: Hillary Clinton Did Tonight What She Needed To Do
Chris Cillizza:
She made clear her unequivocal support for Obama but also thanked her own supporters for their efforts and lit into Republican Sen. John McCain.
CNN's John King: She passionately supported Barack obama... She's a big game player, that was a big-game speech... she did what Obama wanted.
Keith Olbermann: A grand slam.
MSNBC's Rachel Maddow: Anybody who could be persuaded would be persuaded by that speech. She nailed it.
Wolf Blitzer: Exactly what Barack and Michelle Obama wanted to hear.
Anderson Cooper: This speech has electrified everyone in this crowd.
Kate Seelye live blogged at the Caucus, NY Times, reporting:
“Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton took center stage at the Democratic National Convention tonight in one of the most anticipated moments of the week.
“11:11 p.m. Ain’t No Ceiling High Enough: Senator Clinton spoke for 23 minutes. It was a speech that seemed to change the feel of the convention.
‘“Mrs. Clinton concluded: ‘That is our duty, to build that bright future, to teach our children that in America there is no chasm too deep, no barrier too great, no ceiling too high, for all who work hard, who keep going, have faith in God, in our country, and in each other. That’s our mission, Democrats. Let’s elect Barack Obama.’
“That theme — that there is no ceiling too high — is also, of course, the theme that emerged as her trademark from her candidacy.”
Read More.
Sen. Clinton is one of the best speakers ever. And this speech rocked. It almost brought me to tears at the end. As a Hillary supporter, who supported her because of what she stands for, I'd already come over to support Obama. But she really got the message across that this is life and death and "we don't have any votes to spare". She does what women have always done; worked hard and do what ever is necessary to advance the cause of WOMEN, not just her own cause. And because of that she should have a prominent place in history. She has the shoulders that a generation of Obama supporters are standing on. I hope they appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Virginia