Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Re: Fred's Speech   [Peter Wehner]

Fred Thompson's speech was one of the most effective character witness addresses I have ever seen in politics. It was deeply moving in recounting John McCain's five years as a POW. He told the story in vivid and at times excruciating detail. As Rich says, I'm not sure McCain's story has ever been told better. Thompson also put McCain's maverick political career and independence in the best light possible. And Thompson combined his pointed barbs with clever and memorable lines, as well as good humor, to make a very effective case against Senator Obama, the modern Democratic Party, and the MSM.

It helped that Thompson, an accomplished actor, delivered his speech extremely well (apart from the frequent and sometimes distracting throat clearing). He comes across as grounded, plain-spoken, principled, and filled with common sense. If Thompson had given more speeches like he did tonight, he rather McCain might be accepting the nomination on Thursday. As it is, Fred Thompson did his close friend and former colleague proud. He made the case for John McCain as well as it can be made.

09/02 11:05 PMShare