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Obama, Don't Squander This Moment

There is a time and a place for lofty rhetoric, and it's here and now

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 27, 2008 6:26 AM CDT

(Newser) – The right convention speech at the right moment can transcend politics, and Barack Obama may miss his moment with his plans to give a "workmanlike" speech tomorrow, writes Michael Gerson in the Washington Post. The candidate should focus on big themes like faith and equality, and return to his early theme of national unity, Gerson argues.

It would be a blunder for Obama to use this speech to rip McCain or focus solely on the bread-and-butter issues when he has a chance to make a positive plea for post-partisan unity, Gerson writes. "Obama has been given a unique historical moment," Gerson notes. "He will fill it with significance or eventually be filled with regret."

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (3)]

Barack Obama is illuminated by the light from the television as he watches Hillary Clinton, speak at the Democratic National Convention yesterday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Barack Obama is illuminated by the light from the television as he watches Hillary Clinton speak at the Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Barack Obama speaks at a rally at American Airlines Overhaul Base hanger at Kansas City International Airport yesterday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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To give a memorable speech, Obama must find some way to reassert his initial theme of national unity, recently drowned out by the daily gunfire of presidential politics. - Michael Gerson

In his speech, Obama should deepen his arguments about the essential public role of religion and deliver his party from its recent secularism.
- Michael Gerson

I'm not aiming for a lot of high rhetoric. I'm much more concerned with communicating how I intend to help middle-class families live their lives. This is going to be a more workmanlike speech." - Barack Obama

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Obama, Don't Squander This Moment