Posted by Jed Lewison on Sun Aug 31, 2008 at 1:17 AM Pacific
Barack Obama On McCain's VP Choice: No Change
This is classic Obama -- personally generous to Palin ("compelling person") without letting her off the hook for representing John McCain's Republican vision, which would just deliver more of the same (transcript below):
Barack's answer was understated and mellow, but was nonetheless biting; he pounded home his message on what this campaign is about: the change we need versus McCain = Bush = More of the same.
Any day that he can satisfactorily answer a question by emphasizing the campaign's core message is a day that we've won.
So while the McCain camp did manage to steal the spotlight on Friday, they didn't manage to fundamentally change the nature of the campaign, and they didn't do anything to knock Barack Obama off stride.
Unless they can somehow figure out a fresh way to do that, they've got no chance of winning in November.
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Transcript: You know, I haven't met her before. She seems like a compelling person, obviously a terrific story, personal story, and, you know, I'm sure that she will help make the case for the Republicans. Unfortunately, the case is more of the same, and so, you know, ultimately, John McCain at the top of the ticket. As I indicated in my speech last night, I think that he wants to take the country in the wrong direction. I'm assuming Governor Palin agrees with him in his policies.
But the fact that she's been nominated I think -- or will soon be nominated I think is one more indicator of this country moving forward, the enafact that you've got a woman as the nominee of one of vice presidential nominee of one of the major parties I think is one more hit against that glass ceiling. And I congratulate her, look forward to a vigorous debate. I'm pleased with my choice for vice president, Joe Biden. I think he's the man who can help me take guide country in a better direction and help working families.
© Jed Lewison