John Edwards to the podium
One Edwards introduced another Edwards who introduced the main Edwards of tonights DNC theatrics. The veep candidate didn’t provide quite the dramatic oratory of Bill Clinton (although he had the same thumb-fist gesture, is it a southern thing?), but some aspects of his presence that had to factor into his selection were apparent:
- He certainly projects optimism, which can neutralize the Bushies’ tactic of presenting Dubya as having the rosier outlook.
- For a few moments I was wondering why he kept talking about Kerry and Kerry’s vision, but then I realized being an advocate for another is Edwards forte, being a successful trial lawyer.
- He exudes sincerity when talking about working-class struggles and issues.
Overall he seemed to stress the themes brought up during the previous two nights while adding a new theme of populism; dunno how accurate is the comment about keeping the tax cuts in place for 98% of the population, but it certain has a good ring to the average Joe. However, this populism seems more tempered than the kind that Gore tried in 2000 but couldn’t pull off.