I thought the speech was great too. Not that there are not large parts I disagree with. But I'm pretty sure that whether I agree with them or not they represent real beliefs Obama has - even if some of them appeal to America's worse rather than better angels. In terms of being independent of foreign oil in ten years, it is possible - expensive, but physically possible, and the expense is not out of line if it is a priority. Mind you I think a better goal for the next ten years is Gore's coal of 100% carbon free electricity combined with phasing out most long haul trucking. But if reducing oil consumption by 70% was the priority there are ways to do it.

I was thinking mostly about the colors.

Absolutely -- it was a gorgeous, rich color scheme, and the girls' lighter dresses were a.dor.a.ble.

I have to say, again, when Obama walked out on the dais, I was struck by how sure I am that he's going to win.

And then he essentially told McCain, "Bring it, bitch," and he blew that stadium wide open.

The rest was just icing.

I liked how, when he was evoking Dr. King's speech, his delivery got preacher-esque. And I LOVED his little self-amused grin after "eight is enough." Kind of a "Yeah, I went there...god, I can't believe I just said that," grin.

He was...I want to say "presidential," but I don't feel that from him, yet. He's still the candidate. And that's okay. I remember Bill Clinton being the same way, right up until he took the oath of office.

I guess what I want to say is that what I saw in Obama tonight is more than excellent oratory, and more than blazing intelligence, both of which have been obvious all along -- I saw the kind of president he can be, and I want that. More to the point, I think that this country *needs* it.

Please Vishnu.

I'm still freaking weepy and afraid to be optimistic. The idea that all this was happening within a few miles of me has added a surreal edge to watching his speech on tv.

I am laughing like a loooooon because Pat Freaking Buchanan is GUSHING over Obama. HA!

Also, Obama didn't say that within 10 years, we'd not need foreign oil; he specified the mideast.

Which made me, of course, laugh and say to myself, "yeah, we'll just buddy up with Hugo Chavez".

Please Vishnu.

Sorry, Vishnu's a PUMA.

Blasphemer!

Yeah I agree it is a great speech and that Obama and the Democrats will be light years better than the Republicans.

Most of the things I don't like he probably had to do. The one thing I don't think was absolutely necessary and wish had not been done was the "only in America" bit. There are wonderful things about our country, but we can love those things without pretending other nations don't have them too. The U.S. is NOT unique in offering opportunities to for poor and middle class people to grow up and become rich or powerful. Why the hell does loving America have to include putting down everyone else?

I kind of assumed that he got caught.

David, David, David.

Okay, I've been out of the loop all week because of the whole ER thing, but I just went into the video archives to watch a few of this week's speeches. Biden hit it out of the park! I wasn't sure about that choice last week when I first heard it, but I'd forgotten how inspirational he can be. Put him up against anyone in the VP debate, and I think he's going to shine. And Obama vs. McCain? Please.

I'm feeling excited for the first time in four years. I'm daring to hope.

After that speech no one will call him Obambi again. Man is not only a great orator: he can throw a punch.