Michelle Obama & Patriotism

[cynodd]

I thought Michelle Obama gave a very nice, stirring speech at the convention last night. I found it quite moving at times. I thought the beginning was a bit too much about her brother (who cares?) but she wove it all in by the end. It was a little awkward at the beginning, too, before she warmed up. I also think it was a little silly with the girls

Comments

[clair_de_lalune]

--Since I imagine she (and Barack, and McCain, and Biden, and whoever McCain picks) are pretty scripted from here out, does that mean that none of them can sway you at this point? Or is it because with Michelle it's not about policy, but about personality?--

Policies have to be planned and designing speeches to convince people that one's policies are the best is the work of politicians. It's no different than when I write a grant and try to convince people to give me money to carry out my research projects. So, no, I don't think sincerity really applies to them. For the most part, they don't lie about what they think is the best way to run the country.

Michelle Obama has nothing to do with policy, other than how she may influence her husband. Her speech was about selling herself and her husband in a terms of convincing the people that they're the kind of people who value what all Americans value, etc. The problem is that she's said things in the past that make me question how much she really values American society. A scripted speech, the purpose of which is to change opinions of her, isn't going to work because everyone knows that's the purpose of it. Of course, I wouldn't extrapolate her views of American society on to her husband.

[cynodd]

Of course, I wouldn't extrapolate her views of American society on to her husband.

Fair enough, then.