Obama: thank you John Edwards.

[chimpymustgo]

Barack Obama gave his most compelling speech tonight. It began as usual, with the platitudes about hope and change. But then he pivoted. And he talked about helping the poor and less fortunate. He told some of their stories. He took on corporate lobbyists. He took on McLame.

Tonight, he gave the speech of a nominee. And he can thank John Edwards for the ideas that made it soar beyond rhetoric. For the first time, tonight, Obama said something meaningful to me.

[tabatha]

1. Obama has always been concerned about the poor -

that is why he was a community organizer.

[Radical Activist]

5. He has worked on many poverty issues over the years.

I don't understand why people place so much emphasis on a stump speech.

[Forkboy]

2. Missed it, but cheers for something more postive than "your choice smells of elderberries".

:)

[Andy823]

3. I missed his speach

What did he say about lobbyists? I have heard him bring in the poor and less fortunate in another speach, after Edwards left, and I thought the same thing, Edwards has pushed the important issues to the front of this election, and that's great. I am glad Obama is talking about these things.

[Adelante]

4. No

Obama has always talked about those things. None of this is new and he is not channeling John Edwards. You are just paying attention now.

[chimpymustgo]

7. Oh no. I have listened closely. Waiting to be inspired. Wanting to be inspired.

This speech was different. And it's good. And you can draw a direct line to John Edwards.

[JI7]

8. yup, that's how he won Iowa

people in iowa look beyond stump speeches. he spend many days in diners, people's homes, farms just sitting down and talking to people about their concerns. what he is saying now is nothing he hasn't said before.

[ProSense]

12. Exactly! n/t

[my3boyz]

6. I wonder if he had that conversation with John Edwards afterall. nt

[jasonkrueger]

9. Nice

Inspiring.

[DB1]

10. I have seen Obamas WA, VA and WI speeches, he evolves with .....

each one, bringing in the best and the necessary of the last and adding more. He has always included the poor.

[AtomicKitten]

11. Obama is unfolding as the most amazing candidate!

And I am thrilled that he is incorporating Edwards' most heartfelt causes into his platform and talking about it more and more. I remain appalled about the Gulf Coast in particular, and I know Obama has worked with the Oceans 11 boys (Pitt and Clooney) on projects, so this is where Edwards' and Obama's causes intersect.

[BeyondGeography]

13. It's more like "thank you John McCain"

He's starting to sharpen his general election argument to show Democrats that he's the stronger match-up with McCain and close the deal for the nomination.

Obama was reforming government back in Illinois before John Edwards ever made a speech about special interests. Not that it will mean anything to the true blue Edwards crowd who think all gutsy stands were invented by their John.

[chimpymustgo]

14. BG, that was so unnecessary. Let's look at uniting now.

nt

[BeyondGeography]

15. Yeah, you're right

and I do look forward to John and Mudcat tearing ass around Ohio and Texas and helping Barack seal the deal.

:hi: