Yes, I watched the speech last night. It was a good speech, and if you're a liberal, I can understand that you're more energized now than ever. For the first time in 16 years, the Democrats have a found someone who can give a stump speech without boring you to tears.

But the speech has issues. Mostly, the classic problem liberals have - that things are just awful and only the government can make them better.

There's a lot of good response to the speech today, but this response from Pejman Yousefzadeh over at redstate.com is one of the best.

I am not hard-hearted to those who suffer. I just am outraged that politicians feel they have to constantly and consistently appeal to our worst fears by making it seem as if suffering is everywhere and just around the corner from your home, barreling towards you to consign you to the depths of Hellish misery and that the only way to escape is to actually be reassured and grateful when Bureaucratic Man comes around and tells us "I am from the Government and I am here to help." We ought to know by now that governmental "help" is nothing of the kind. The same people that screw up your day while you are waiting in line at the Post Office, while you are waiting at the DMV or while you are dealing with the recalcitrant IRS gnome who is impervious to reason are the ones who will be put in charge of your health care, will administer tax policy and will usurp your right and the right of your community to raise and educate your children. All the pretty words in the world can't hide that ugly fact.

Just like global warming (of which there has been none for 7-8 years), I'm tired of hearing how awful the economy is. Even last night, Obama talked about the economy being in such bad shape, ignoring the report yesterday that the GDP grew at 3.3%. Just like how the Democrats are ignoring the progress in Iraq, Democratic victory this year is dependent upon voters believing everything is awful. Even when it isn't true.

Labels: politics