Let's try free association: Great intro video. Nice tie. Goes right for bipartisanship, which is smart. Heckler interrupts, convention veers out of hand, McCain regains control with good quip. Reminds the base of Sarah Palin.
Going big time for the "reformer" tag--and "change" too--and "maverick"! Great flag visual behind him. Overwhelmingly white, with coats and ties--nice coats and ties. Using Iraq as an advantage. Reminds base that he shares "patriotism" with them. Country first.
Housing market. Personalizes the problem, as Hillary did. In fact, seeming to make a bid for Hillary supporters. "They matter to me." Openly acknowledges corruption within the Party! Seemed a bit uncomfortable. Tries to break with party on corruption. "We're going to change that" flops. Brief play for the Latino vote--we're all Americans.
Reminds the base on judges, natch. Runs down conservative principles. He's actually running on health care? Ballsy. Appealing to working class, somewhat Clintonian again. Education, another Clintonian move. School choice, strong conservative line here. Foreign aid! That's been a conservative theme reaching at least to the 40's.
Drilling! How manly! Environment, another Clintonian theme. Invoking national security issues, runs down list of things to be afraid of--Georgia!--working the experience angle. Tough guy--but peacemaker too!
Change again. Bipartisanship again, and again, er...and again. "Get this country moving again." JFK! Goes spiritual. "Blessed with misfortune." POW. "I thought about it though"--displays admirable humility. Telling us how swell we are, always a hit.
Country first again. Slaps at Obama obliquely. God, country, American, faith, flag, hero--connects with conservatives but appeals to Democrats as well. Goes on a bit. Then visibly shifts: Fight with me! It works big time. Stirring ending.
McCain is proving to be a wily opponent. The "celebrity" attack on Obama worked some. The Palin selection was a big risk, and may yet prove costly. So far, though, she's working his right flank. Trying to grab some of Obama's themes. At times sounded like a conservative Clinton. National service and specific economic programs has appeal to the working and middle class. Sarah Palin shored up the base last night. McCain makes broader appeal tonight.
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