'The Power of Our Democracy'

Obama's speech.

McCain's speech.

A few notes.

Obama's victory is the result of the convergence of several key factors. Obama's media friendly persona and his stunning rhetoric. The collapse of the economy. Bush's total decimation of the Republican brand. Over half a billion dollars spent on the Obama presidential campaign. The relative unity of the minorities.

There is now a black President of the United States.

Obama's speeches rely on all-encompassing statements accompanied by examples of those statements in practice. Obama is an expert in reduction of scale. See his speech above. McCain's speeches relied on homegrown statements accompanied by examples designed to contradict the all-encompassing statements made by Obama. Which is why he chose Sarah Palin.

Speaking of which, Palin was at once the most damaging thing to happen to McCain's campaign and the only thing that kept McCain in the running.

Obama will be the most charismatic President since JFK, even moreso than Clinton. His challenge will be to back that up with solid policy. His election campaign was close to flawless, but he has made promises, promises which are unlikely to work out in the long run if previous campaigns are anything to go by. Honesty, true honesty, the presence or lack of it, will be key to Obama's presidency.

When Obama mentioned McCain, there was a ripple of applause and cheers. When McCain mentioned Obama, hefty booing ensued. Obama will have to win them over.

The best man won.

More reaction here, here, here and here.

Comments

[Ryan Ormonde]

More than JFK. JFK had a weedy voice. Oh no I have fallen for a politician hook line and synch. Uh.

I can wait until he breaks my heart.