I was surprised Warren wasn't simply a better *speaker*--as such a popular pastor, I thought he'd have a better demeanor. He was looking DOWN most of the time! I thought he'd be a smooth, rhythmic, kinda guy, you know? But instead he barely looked up. That really surprised me.

The "brown, stick around" etc stuff was also in a song: [link]

Hey, since flea is here, I had to share that my cousin is being induced today and they are naming the baby Ronan Borom; Borom being a family name. I suggested Change or Hope or Barack but I don't think they are going to go for it.

I think so. Warren as speaker makes me more uncomfortable than his actual text, I think. I didn't plan to get all sucked in...I generally wear my indifference to pomp as a point of some pride, but "Damn you, Barack Obama, you pretty motherfucker!"

Check out the new New Yorker cover: Drew Friedman: Obama portrait for The New Yorker

My favorite living portrait artist, Drew Friedman, created the magnificent cover art for this week's New Yorker. The painting is titled "The First."

Ronan Hussein! Congrats on the addition to the fam, Stephanie!

Thanks for the context, Ellen. As I mentioned earlier, I think almost his entire speech was strings of quotations from a host of sources with meaning in a civil rights context. (Someone needs to post an annotated transcript somewhere. I'll be on the lookout because I'm sure it'll appear in the next day or two.)

I was surprised Warren wasn't simply a better *speaker*

Yeah, this struck me too -- no matter what you think of his politics or his theology, you don't normally build a 20,000-person mega-anything with negative charisma!

I watched from the Yo Yo Ma gorgeous performance through Obama's speech. I loved:

• The piece that was played
• Seeing the Obama family (damn but they're a pretty bunch)
• "I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear..."
• Malia taking pictures
• Shout out to non-believers (wished he had somehow worked us LGBTers in, but I'm not upset about it or anything)
• Seeing the crowds in DC, LA, NY, Memphis, etc.
• Actually being able to listen to the president and be touched by what he says

I'm still upset by the Warren thing, but now that it's over, I'm ready to move on. If Obama really does away with DADT, that will be a huge, "See? I'm down with teh gays!" I think it will help many, if not all of us, to forgive and forget this misstep. So, let's get down to business!

I am so excited about the possible death of DADT. It would make a big difference in our lives, personally, and those of a handful of immediate friends, and that would be fantastic. Actual change!