Comments on: Obama’s Acceptance Speech: Deliberately Re-Considered

By: Jeffrey Goldfarb

Jeffrey Goldfarb — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:52:00 +0000

David, both on political grounds and theoretical grounds, I of course agree. And notice how my analysis of the speech in my next post revolves around significant changes in everyday life. And they contribute to a big story. The one Obama has been telling about the American dream and his part in helping us extend it.

By: David

David — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 21:17:00 +0000

I also appreciated Obama’s comments on 60 Minutes last night. When asked if he had a big idea like going to the moon he responded by saying that the biggest idea today is working to improve the lives of all Americans by helping them find meaningful work that enables them to live a decent life (I’m paraphrasing). Contrast this, for instance, to Prime Minister of India Singh’s “big, bold” statement that India will support a mission to Mars, which came on the heels of a huge blackout in 14 states in India. Sometimes it seems as though stories and statements with so-called big ideas like exploring the unexplored catch our attention when it is stories that are concerned with everyday life that might actually be more important (I have nothing against India going to Mars, though). It isn’t always the large things that matters, sometimes it is the small everyday things. In fact, the most important things might be the small things.

By: Iris

Iris — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 16:23:00 +0000

What I took from Obama’s acceptance speech was his emphasis on citizenship. This theme defines his philosophy of governance, which translates into what has been accomplished in his first term and how he envisions a successful second term. “We are all in this together” stands in contrast to the other side with its theme (and convention theme) “I built it,” emphasis on “I.”

The Republicans’ refusal to recognize that none of us, no matter how much we fancy ourselves to be rugged individualists, the rich included, can prosper without the support of the group. This shows what blinders they have on, and proceeding blindly can lead to dangerous consequences.

Obama is now campaigning by encouraging his audience to change Washington, saying change comes from the outside. This harkens back to his acceptance speech about citizenship. Maureen Dowd cynically chastised Obama for saying “You did that,” but what he was doing was highlighting the power that ordinary citizens have. Not only do our votes matter, but we must become the lobbyists. Occupy Wall Street started something, but without engagement in the political process such a movement will be no match for the Tea Party. Obama is not only asking for our votes, but for our actions to pressure Congress once he is re-elected.