I never expected Hillary's speech to be perfect but it was.

It was genius.

And she was stunning in delivering it.

I'm in awe of her.

You know this post won't make the Rec List, right Chris?

One of my favorite parts was this:

I've been involved in politics and public life in one way or another for four decades. During those 40 years, our country has voted 10 times for president. Democrats won only three of those times, and the man who won two of those elections is with us today.

We made tremendous progress during the '90s under a Democratic president, with a flourishing economy and our leadership for peace and security respected around the world.

Just think how much more progress we could have made over the past 40 years if we'd had a Democratic president. Think about the lost opportunities of these past seven years on the environment and the economy, on health care and civil rights, on education, foreign policy and the Supreme Court.

Imagine how far ... we could have come, how much we could have achieved if we had just had a Democrat in the White House.

We cannot let this moment slip away. We have come too far and accomplished too much.

One thing Democrats never admit is just how often they've failed this country. Among other things, Hillary elevated her husband within a historical context that far too many Democrats seem blind to.

As an Obama supporter, I must say that not only was I pleased with the depth of support she gave to Obama today but overall; she did an excellent job in a very difficult speech and my hat is off to her tonight. You might not make the Rec List; but I've added at least one more for you.

Thanks for the post.

Lady was a class act. Forty years of service. 10% of her income to charity. Kept her dignity in the face of her husband's mess. Not a quitter.
She's an American for both Women and men, all races and religions, to be proud of.

From an Obama supporter: this was one of the most magnificent, moving speeches I have ever heard. Hillary urged her supporters (and herself) to look on her campaign, not as a failure, but as a success: the next time a woman runs, it will be unremarkable, etc. The whole repeated "UNremarkable" formulation was just brilliant, absolutely inspired speech making. The "18 million cracks in the glass ceiling" was a beautiful way to make those who voted for her feel that their vote had not been wasted.

Her plea (several times) not to dwell on what might have been could be seen as directed to herself, her spouse, and her child, as well as her supporters - a very touching statement from a politician trying to cope with a deeply painful loss.

Above all, this speech was an incredibly powerful plea to all Democrats to start looking at the issues, to come together against a party, the Republicans, that do not share our fundamental values.

She was absolutely gracious, her delivery was warm, sincere and forceful. I was actually a little disappointed with the immediate response from the Obama campaign, which seemed to judge the speech on the basis of how strongly she endorsed Obama. This speech was much more than a concession and endorsement. I think it will be remembered for decades as one of the great American political speeches.

I'm surprised, this was a beautiful and historic speech. The speech of her life, and one that she will be remembered by.

Why is it that candidates so often wait until they are no longer running to really shine and be real?

Maybe it's the spirit of unity; maybe it's the hypocrisy of a certain breed of Obama-lover who hates anyone who deigns to criticize the man, but is willing to embrace anyone who is willing to partake in the beverage of Jim Jones' choice; maybe it's just a slow news day; in any event, you have made it to the list!

I generally have little use for political speeches but this was an exception. Outstanding in so many ways, cogent, persuasive, a ringing defense of the best values of the Democratic Party. All those who derided Hillary as McCain lite should be eating their words as they take in hers. Could there possibly be a greater contrast between the issues she identified, her tone, her ideals, and those of the Republican Party? And what of those blatherers who accused her of trying to bring the Party down for her own ambition? Where are they today? Of course, we knew all along that this is what she was capable of. She voiced it better this time around than she has before, but her positions and her commitment have always been there for all to see. Unfortunately, too many couldn't, or wouldn't, see past the ugly stereotypes. I would imagine some out there may be having buyers remorse. Particularly when polls show that if the election were held today, HRC would beat McCain. Obama wouldn't. But, as she said, we should be looking forward.

Finally, I forgive Hillary for lifting some of her themes from the celebrated Armchair Guerilla concession and endorsement. But she said it better than even I could. Of course, I didn't have 30 minutes and an adoring crowd of supporters. I could, but I chose to sit this one out.

Nice post L'ville.

Good day to be an American.

:)

BEAUTIFUL speech. It really does emphasize how Clinton came so close to winning this nomination, and why she will continue to be a powerful force in Democratic politics and for woman's rights.

It was a wonderful speech, and maybe the responses show that Hillary's supporters are wrong when they assume the worst about us.

The post made the Rec list quickly, although you didn't think it would, because we're actually not evil or stupid ;-)

If Hillary had been THAT candidate all the way through the primary, she would have won easily. Hell, I might have voted for her! That Hillary is a force of nature and I wish there was a way to get her into Harry Reid's job because she would kick some ass.