Eight is Enough!


Last night, before a crowd of more than 85,000 people, Barack Obama accepted the nomination of the Democratic Party and laid down the gauntlet. He rebutted the criticism and laid down an agenda. He contrasted his temperament and judgment with John McCain's "experience." He said -- Eight is Enough, that is, we've had enough of the Bush-GOP years, and now it's time for change.

Obama spoke eloquently of his roots and grounding, rebutting the idea that he's merely a celebrity filling a suit. He shared his commitment to the welfare of the American people -- without calling into question McCain's character.

McCain has a compelling story, but that story in itself is not proof he should be elected. He has a Maverick reputation, but in recent years he has backed off all of his previous commitments and embraced the Bush agenda (voting 90-95% of the time with Bush). He once called Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson agents of intolerance, and yet this year sought the endorsements of Rod Parsley and John Hagee, two preachers who make Falwell and Robertson look like liberals.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden offer a real contrast and the opportunity for real change. The speech last night should end any idea that Obama isn't presidential. There is no room for turning backwards -- it's forward we march. And as for putting America first, Obama told John McCain that the Republicans don't have ownership of that either.

Speaking of ownership. Remember George Bush telling us that we should be an ownership society? That was, of course, before the collapse of the housing market -- and Obama turned that idea on its head and said to the American people. That idea simply means: "You're on your own." Remember Katrina. That says enough.


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