I have avoided watching political conventions for a number of years because I often believe that all of the money that is used to rally an already persuaded base does little to help the cause of struggling Americans, particularly considering the much heralded mission of the Democratic party. The oppulence and spectacle of it all seems to be, dare I say "out of touch" when one considers the troubling economic circumstances that some in our country are presently experiencing. The contrast is striking and more than a bit disheartening in further consideration. Additionally, I have avoided disagreeing with Professor Lamont Hill because,up until Professor Harris-Lacewell's unfortunate departure from this forum, he had been sufficiently critical of Obama in a way that I believed was necessary. However, I have to take this time to respectfully disagree with the reasoning of your grade for Michelle Obama's speech. I did not watch the speech, but I read the transcript and from what I read I did not find anything particularly compelling. If I may offer a critique that I am sure will offend some, I believe that she performed well in that regard because she was not burden with much to do. The truth is that the aim of her speech was to introduce, or rather re-introduce, her husband to the nation in a way that would make undecided voters less fearful of him. And the problem is that he has introduced himself to the world already. In fact his campaign has hinged on his biography to a large extent. If there was a need for reintroduction, it was not because of his upbringing or even his biography, but because of his present gaffs and blunders. And by the way, the same is true of Mrs. Obama. While I do not deny that the racist, and to a larger extent, sexist machinations of conservatives have largely contributed to the image that we have of Mrs. Obama and her husband, there is no denying that the would-be first couple has also been contributorily negligent. It has taken them almost a year or more to understand the pathology of the American voter and it may be to late in the game to prove adepth at doing so now. I agree with the grade, but not with the reasoning.

Michelle Obama did an excellent job! Love your post and couldn't agree with it more

I thought she deserved an A+.  I thought she was spectacular.  She showed the world a side of Barack, a caring black man, father, husband and son that is rarely seen.  She also connected the dots for the dissenters who feel they are presenting a fake front, they are elitist and out of touch with middle America.  She spelled out that yes they have made it and make no bones about it, it was a hard experience.  But through it all, the family unit is strong and there is love in their home.  I liked his response to her and he was so proud of her.  I like hiim saying she was looking cute.  It seemed like a code for "wait til I see I you Thursday night.  Yes. Mr Obama has plans for his wife.  I want Michelle Obama to be First Lady because I know she will do a great job and the girls will grow up strong and loved.  So, change that vote because the future First Lady is fantastic!

I thought John Legend stole the show.   He should have had an encore in between the B speeches.

I liked/loved Kennedy's graciousness and his presence of mind.  Understanding his fight, and thinking about Tony Snow and Tim Russerts, I felt like I was watching Martin Luther King's "I May Not Get There With You" speech.  

:-(

Jimi Izreal, what is up with the moniker, that is way offensive.  You should know better.

Also, Michelle Obama did have the job of introducing her husband to the US because not everyone follows the primaries.  It stands to reason, no pun intended, that there are more people who are going to vote after primaries than during.

Someone interviewed DMX in Arizona, before his last arrest, This interview was 2008, perhaps in the spring.  DMX did not know and had not heard of  Barack Obama; DMX did not know that Obama is running for president.   Mrs. O had to introduce, and entice and make people want to come back and meet the man himself.  

again, your moniker is rude as all effin hell. not at all flattering.  I wrote to Melissa and told her I understand not wanting to work in the company of people who don't give a crap about other's feelings. BTDT and in a word, it SUCKS.

and who loses? "

the root readers.

(screaming!)  

cuz it was much cooler when Lacewell was around, even though I agreed with about two things she said out of six.

:0)

I feel it necessary to respond to DrewReason. I am not Mr. Jimi Izreal, although considering that I have never been accused of being so well written, even if by implication, I can take some measure of flattery from your presumption. I am sorry to bother others with this response because it seems to be a distraction, but I did not want there to be any confusion as to who the author of the first post was. I chose the name because when I started visiting the root back in February of this year, the two individuals that I seemed to gravitate to the most were Professor Melissa Harris-Lacewell and Mr. Jimi Izreal, ironically enough for the very reason that I believe Professor Harris-Lacewell left the forum. I believed then, as I do now, that both of these contributors offered an examination of post-modernist feminism that was relevant and thought provoking. I did not agree with much of what either writer had to say about most topics, as I found that Mr. Izreal was often given over to absurdity and Professor Harris-Lacewell was at times, intellectually dishonest. I believed that the combination of both of their names as a screen name was a reflection of what I consider to be a dualism lacking in most debates/discussions today. However, I did not mean to offend and I apologize DrewReason unreservedly.

I have to go and check and see if Mr. Izrael is indeed so well written. You may have him "trumped."

Thank you very much for clarifying your moniker--- mine is an honest mistake and wonderful opportunity to bash mr. izrael. (who is guilty of "unrelenting misogyny."  

:-0)

absudity and intellectual dishonesty, hmm..

that's one to mull over.

Take care and have a good evening, sorry for the distraction as well.

See, I luvs me some blackpeople.  

Kudos to Mr. Jimi Harris-Lacewell and DrewReason for their intelligent responses to one another.  This is how well behaved we really are.  It's just too bad more aren't privy to this discussion.

Rock on my people!  I love you.

Mr. Jimi H-L:

I can agree with the following:

"If there was a need for reintroduction, it was not because of his upbringing or even his biography, but because of his present gaffs and blunders. And by the way, the same is true of Mrs. Obama.  While I do not deny that the racist, and to a larger extent, sexist machinations of conservatives have largely contributed to the image that we have of Mrs. Obama and her husband, there is no denying that the would-be first couple has also been contributorily negligent. It has taken them almost a year or more to understand the pathology of the American voter and it may be to late in the game to prove adepth at doing so now."

However, I cannot agree that any necessity in this reintroduction is due to negligence on the part of the O campaign.  Maybe it would be a bit trite for me to even consider and offer as a point in what I perceive to be an underlying strategy, but i believe that the campaign and O and Michelle have always held and promoted a dogged belief that people do read, and listen, and form judgements and opinions after actually reading and listening.

Yet history and modern politics alike have proven that success is realized when appealing to the lowest common denominator of the populace.  People don't read. People don't listen.  Soundbytes rule.  

My point is, you may see negligence, but i see...hope? Trite again, i know.  Just my .02.

Michelle's speech was on point for many resaons.  She showed the American dream is available to all.  Some have to work harder at it because of barriers, but the goal is still possible.   Michelle did have one big advantage that most black girls do not, a lovely, working father at home.  Even overcoming the struggles of the "southside" become possible when you have an intact family and positive role models.  

No policies her husband will be able enact will be able to help our people as much as we can do ourselves by solid two parent loving households for our children.  That "HOPE" can not be passed in a bill, but can only accomplished by a fundmental "CHANGE" in our behaviors and souls.  You don't have to grow up money to have class and character.  Education and hard work open up a world of opportunities.  Those lessons make Michelle Obama a great role model and an inspiring "First Lady".

I believe Hillary Clinton did a great job. Her supporter need to except that she is doing the right thing. The Hillary supporters should not want to be the reason Barack loses this election. The Hillary supporter must remember that if Barack was to lose this election due to the Hillary supporters not voting. I will make a strong prediction that the 95% African Americans will boycott the next election if Hillary wins the nomination. Do we really want 8 more years of republicans? I saw one Hillary supporter upset and said it will be hard for her to vote for Barack. Maybe I missed something. This is a historic election for African Americans even if no one will say it out loud, but that African American women must have forgotten what African American have been through in life. I have no problem with supporting someone, but what is more Historic for African Americans women? Hillary in the White House or our first African American women in the White House. I am shock that people will allow the color of Barack's skin force us to deal with the republican mess.

What happened with Professor Lacewell-Harris...I'm upset that she's no longer providing insight and her point of view whether others agree or not.  Specifics....Please!!!!!

OOOPS.....Forgive me Professor Harris-Lacewell...I guess a brain infarct was at work here.  Nothing worse than not correctly stating a name, however, I want you back.