DNC Monday Open Thread: Michelle Obama and Ted Kennedy

Lisa Stone
BlogHer Co-founder ( http://blogher.org/member/lisa-stone )
Surfette ( http://surfette.typepad.com )

I have been frustrated by how careful the campaign has been with Michelle and the "unpatriotic" rep she seemed to have earned - however unfairly. I just haven't had a good opporitunity to really hear Michelle. Up until now. Watching and listening to her last night was amazing. I finally, FINALLY felt like I got to hear from the real Michelle. Sure her speech was carefully written but - wow - either she's one hell of an actor or she meant every single word she said. I am thinking the latter. She is so REAL, and so genuine. She has a great deal to contribute and stands up for the sort of committed values I believe in. When she said what she and Obama stood for, I just about stood up and yelled at the TV "ME TOO!!!!" And such an amazing mother too. To allow her daughters to have the mic and just go for it, I loved that. It was very "take us or leave us, this is who we are." What a wonderful family all around.

Although I do agree with Rita on the song choice. "Isn't she lovely" I mean, for real? Sure I commented on how beautiful her hair was to my husband during the speech but... um... the song came across as "isn't she cute, all getting up here and saying big words." But then I was kind of hoping they meant it for the girls which might make me feel a little better. Even then, eh, thats kind of buggy too. There are lots of other music choices out there.  

Caroline

http://morningsidemom.wordpress.com/

What I loved most was the emphasis of what is really at stake in this campaign - that we often live in the world how it is rather than strive for a world that can be better. And the visuals of her mother, her girls, Barack as a dad and husband - well, those were just pictures of what every family should have if they want it. It's about the opportunity to live well and work hard for freedom, family, and love. To me, this campaign is certainly about issues like the economy and the war and healthcare, but at the root are these underlying themes of soul and ideals. Michelle's speech proved that like none other has these past 19 months. I was moved. And I'm ready now more than ever.

Notions of Identity ( http://www.notionsofidentity.com )

One of the most moving things about Michelle's speech for me was the reaction shots of women in the audience and how moved they were by her speech.  Especially the black women.

That and Ted Kennedy too and it was a great opening night.

Megan Smith ( http://www.blogher.com/haystackprofile/viewprofile... )
BlogHer Contributing Editor, TV/YouTube ( http://www.blogher.com/blog/msmith )
Megan's Minute: Quirky Commentary Around The Clock ( http://www.megansminute.com/ )

I loved everything about Michelle's speech until the song at the end.  It really upset me for some reason.  Have we not gotten to a point where the woman's song is about something other than her physical appearance? ( http://surrenderdorothy.typepad.com/surrender_doro... )

Surrender, Dorothy ( http://surrenderdorothy.typepad.com )- When I was your age, we just let them ride in the back window.

Rita Arens is a contributing editor for BlogHer -- Mommy & Family.

I agree with you.  Our son is 21 and he is so into this election and the excitement it bring God is truly doing somthing special in this season.

Thanks for sharing

She did a great job I really was impressed.

Michelle Obama and Ted Kennedy were both inspiring. But the 7 year old stole the show.

Virginia DeBolt
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First 50 Words ( http://first50.wordpress.com/ )

Dot

The Convention is certainly subdued this year.

Maybe it is the altitude.

The roving camera shots documenting the event seems to find people glowering with their arms folded like obstinate children who have a  beef with their parent.

Kennedy is the speaker that took best in show tonight.

that your daughter is voting for the first time in this historic election!

CNN gets points for covering the entire convention however they are dead wrong about the lack of substance or the need for dems to go negative tonight.  It was brillant to have the Kennedys pass the torch...and introduce America to their next first lady.

Sustainable Mom

www.sustainablemotherhood.com ( http://www.sustainablemotherhood.com )

Listening to Michelle Obama tonight was something I will never forget. Like so many others, I am so inspired by her words.  Most of all as a mom I am EXCITED about what this campaign means to our kids. More of our youth feel a part of this political process than any recent election I can recall. My daughter turns 18 in a month and she'll be voting for the first time during this historic election.  Michelle Obama inspires so many women and especially mothers like me who strongly believe we have a job to do to ensure we're raising concerned, inspired and informed citizens who understand the power of community and how it is absolutely possible for them to make a difference and to shape the world according to their passions, beliefs and convictions!

Sharon

www.newurbanmom.com ( http://www.newurbanmom.com )

I admit it.  I was drenched in tears throughout Michelle's speech.  Beautiful.  I am in love with the Obama family, their values, their service, their volunteerism, and their true patriotism to this country.

Thank you for coming to my city and showing the world just how needed Barack Obama really is.  I will be at Barack's speech on Thursday.  I can't wait!

- Sarah Porter

 Imaginary Binky ( http://www.imaginarybinky.com )

Here  ( http://www-tc.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/2008/08/2... )

Kim
BlogHer Contributing Editor ( http://blogher.org/blog/kim-pearson )|Professor Kim ( http://professorkim.blogspot.com/ )|

 Michelle was outstanding!  Smart writing, stellar delivery, and absolutely validated Barack as a man to be respected and their family as the embodiment of America's promises.  

Also, just on a covention orchestration note, what a powerful piece--working Obama's visit to a family into the ending of her speech with their children talking to him to let us feel that all families could come together under his presidency.  I know that is the type of wonderful concept that advisors can script in concept only for it can fall flat, but the genuine affection of the family came through and it was perfect.

Deb

www.debontherocks.com ( http://www.debontherocks.com/ )

blog

www.3smartgirlz.com ( http://www.3smartgirlz.com )

consulting

I thought she was spot on. I wouldn't change a thing about her speech or the way she delivered it. I could do lunch with that woman.

Re her wardrobe, we all act like we hate it when The Media reports on what she's wearing but you know we are interested. I love that she wears clothes I might actually buy and wear.

Here ( http://peaurl.com/d60x ) 

Kim
BlogHer Contributing Editor ( http://blogher.org/blog/kim-pearson )|Professor Kim ( http://professorkim.blogspot.com/ )|

Michelle Obama giving a speech like that, so powerful, so well-delivered, so full of passion, is incredibly important to the campaign.   I think the main reason why is that Michelle and Barack have made it clear how strong their marriage is and how much of a partnership they have.  We can only assume that will continue into the White House.  How great is it that Obama's partner is so savvy and intelligent?  Wouldn't you want your president bouncing ideas off her at night after the kids go to sleep?  If we're electing a First Family, the Obama's are the clear winners.

She did a great job relating  - my favorite parts of the speech. You can just feel those decisions.

Jill
Writes Like She Talks ( http://www.writeslikeshetalks.com )

I thought Michelle was great, especially towards the end, when she really seemed to connect with the audience.

And I love how she wears dresses rather than suits.

Can we get Michelle in 2016? 

I am touched, inspired, and feel completely connected to her. What a perfect speech! She hit all the notes -- family, love, community, and even graciously mentioning HRC. And I love the daughters on the mic at the end.

No really.

That was amazing. Loved the end with the kids. SAME things my kids would have done. Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

I missed the beginning, but Michelle is on now - and doing a great job!

my last post:

2 Reasons Why Women Should Vote for Obama ( http://www.ideasforwomen.com/news/change/2008/08/2... )

Michelle should totally be on Def Poetry...the way she speaks is totally like so many female poets I've seen on there.  ANOTHER reason why she is so awesome. 

Tearing up, FYI.

My Mom and motherinlaw take care of my kids.

Sigh.

Hearting Michelle

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

Leach sounded like Kermit the Frog, Claire sounded like she was doing a pageant interview.  Bring on Michelle in all her classy, fabulous, fierce glory.

I started getting weepy during the tribute video, but when he walked out and they showed where his hair had been shaved for surgery, I lost it. It was so great to see him and hear the fire in his voice.

Dimple and a Smirk (dot) com ( http://www.dimpleandasmirk.com )

Will be there tomorrow, though. In town, but not in the hall currently.

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

Greetings!

How
are you all? I am here to inform you of a insipiring video a colleague
of mine has created to inspire more people to vote. I believe the issue
is important, so I would like to share this video with you today.

Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4kg514DcTA

Tell me what you think!

It was good to see him there, and to hear him speak at the convention.

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings ( http://www.flamingohouse.net/ )

'cuz I think  I may have the tivo paused just as C-span did a close up on you. 

As Ted Kennedy speaks.  He's such a legacy and a true public servant.

we shall see!

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

...unfortunately the news networks are just showing talking heads, and what they are talking about (Clinton, divisiveness, polls, etc.) is annoying.  I have switched to C-span, but I worry that there won't be any post-convention bump in the polls if all the average American sees and hears are commentators talking about division, while speakers address unity.

...and started to feel that excitement I knew was coming!

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

I love it when her one daughter says she'll tell her mom she did a good job because she's nice!

The kids were SO awesome on the microphone. What a great moment!

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Liz Henry ( http://www.blogher.com/haystackprofile/viewprofile... )
lizzard@bookmaniac.net ( http://liz-henry.blogspot.com/ )
Contributing Editor, World and Latin America
( http://www.blogher.com/blog/liz-henry )