DNC Day 2: Hillary and Kucinich

Hillary does the right thing

All eyes were on Hillary Clinton last night. She was set to deliver the prime time speech. The media punditry was doing its level best to keep alive the notion that she had the ability to deliver or deny votes to Barack Obama based on the tone of her address.

Well, that's a load of crap. The 18 million voters who checked the box for Hillary in the primaries are, of course, going to make up their own minds about who will receive their support in November. The truth of the matter is (or was) that the speech last night had more to do with Hillary's own political future. If her speech seemed anything less than full-throated in its endorsement of Barack Obama, she would be perceived as petulant and negative. Not a wise move, in a party that is desperate to win in November. Such a speech would doom her future prospects within the Democratic party.

I've always felt that GOP characterizations of Hillary as "shrewish," "hostile," or"scheming" were more projection than observation. While it is true that Hillary is a politician, and therefore has a calculating mind that is constantly assessing how each situation or opportunity that presents itself can be used to her advantage, she is no more guilty of cynical manipulation than any other politician.

And so, Hillary came through for her party. She graciously and enthusiastically expressed support for the Obama-Biden ticket, acknowledged Michelle Obama, and threw some punches at Junior and Mad Johnny.

Well, like my friend, PapaK, I've got to hand it to Hillary. Her speech was inspiring, especially toward the end, when she cited Harriett Tubman, the heroine of the Underground Railroad.

If you hear the dogs, keep going.
If you see the torches in the woods, keep going.
If they're shouting after you, keep going.
Don't ever stop. Keep going.
If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.

But, for my money, the real fireworks yesterday were delivered by Representative Dennis Kucinich. You want the truth? Check this speech, which was largely ignored by the pathetic cable and network media outlets.