President Bill Clinton gave an excellent speech at the Democratic National Convention. Here�s a transcript.

You can also read it below...

Bill Clinton�s Speech In Support of Obama
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It is almost always better to read the original words of a speaker, than the selected angle and all-to-often myopic focus of reporting journalists and would-be pundits. So with that in mind, here is Bill Clinton�s speech in its entirety.


"What a year we Democrats have had! The primary began with an all-star lineup. And it came down to two remarkable Americans locked in a hard-fought contest right to the very end. That campaign generated so much heat, it increased global warming.

Now, in the end, my candidate didn't win. But I'm really proud of the campaign she ran.

I am proud that she never quit on the people she stood up for, on the changes she pushed for, on the future she wanted for all our children. And I'm grateful for the chance Chelsea and I had to go all over America to tell people about the person we know and love.

Now, I am not so grateful for the chance to speak in the wake of Hillary's magnificent speech last night. But I'll do the best I can.

Last night, Hillary told us in no uncertain terms that she is going to do everything she can to elect Barack Obama.

That makes two of us. Actually, that makes 18 million of us. Because, like Hillary, I want all of you who supported her to vote for Barack Obama in November.

And here's why. And I have the privilege of speaking here, thanks to you, from a perspective that no other American Democrat, except President Carter, can offer.

Our nation is in trouble on two fronts. The American dream is under siege at home, and America's leadership in the world has been weakened. Middle-class and low-income Americans are hurting, with incomes declining, job losses, poverty, and inequality rising, mortgage foreclosures and credit card debt increasing, health care coverage disappearing, and a very big spike in the cost of food, utilities, and gasoline.

And our position in the world has been weakened by too much unilateralism and too little cooperation, by a perilous dependence on imported oil, by a refusal to lead on global warming, by a growing indebtedness and a dependence on foreign lenders, by a severely burdened military, by a backsliding on global nonproliferation and arms control agreements, and by a failure to consistently use the power of diplomacy, from the Middle East to Africa to Latin America to Central and Eastern Europe.

Clearly, the job of the next president is to rebuild the American dream and to restore American leadership in the world.

And here's what I have to say about that. Everything I learned in my eight years as president, and in the work I have done since in America and across the globe, has convinced me that Barack Obama is the man for this job.

He has a remarkable ability to inspire people, to raise our hopes and rally us to high purpose. He has the intelligence and curiosity every successful president needs. His policies on the economy, on taxes, on health care, on energy are far superior to the Republican alternatives.

He has shown a clear grasp of foreign policy and national security challenges and a firm commitment to rebuild our badly strained military.

His family heritage and his life experiences have given him a unique capacity to lead our increasingly diverse nation in an ever more interdependent world.

The long, hard primary tested and strengthened him. And in his first presidential decision, the selection of a running mate, he hit it out of the park.

With Joe Biden's experience and wisdom, supporting Barack Obama's proven understanding, instincts, and insight, America will have the national security leadership we need.

And so, my fellow Democrats, I say to you: Barack Obama is ready to lead America and to restore American leadership in the world.

Barack Obama is ready to honor the oath, to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Barack Obama is ready to be president of the United States.

As president he will work for an America with more partners and fewer adversaries. He will rebuild our frayed alliances and revitalize the international institutions which helped to share the cost of the world's problems and to leverage the power of our influence.

He will put us back in the forefront of the world's fight against global warming and the fight to reduce nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

He will continue and enhance our nation's commendable global leadership in an area in which I am deeply involved: the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, including -- and this is very important -- a renewal of the battle against HIV and AIDS here at home.

A President Obama will choose diplomacy first and military force as a last resort.

But, in a world troubled by terror, by trafficking in weapons, drugs and people, by human rights abuses of the most awful kind, by other threats to our security, our interests, and our values, when he cannot convert adversaries into partners, he will stand up to them.

Barack Obama also will not allow the world's problems to obscure its opportunities.

Everywhere, in rich and poor countries alike, hard-working people need good jobs, secure, affordable health care, food and energy, quality education for their children and economically beneficial ways to fight global warming.

These challenges cry out for American ideas and American innovation. When Barack Obama unleashes them, America will save lives, win new allies, open new markets, and create wonderful new jobs for our own people.

Most important of all, Barack Obama knows that America cannot be strong abroad unless we are first strong at home.

People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power.

Look at the example the Republicans have set.

In this decade, American workers have consistently given us rising productivity. That means, year after year, they work harder and produce more.

Now, what did they get in return? Declining wages, less than one-fourth as many new jobs as in the previous eight years, smaller health care and pension benefits, rising poverty, and the biggest increase in income inequality since the 1920s.

American families by the millions are struggling with soaring health care costs and declining coverage.

I will never forget the parents of children with autism and other serious conditions who told me on the campaign trail that they couldn't afford health care and couldn't qualify their children for Medicaid unless they quit work and starved or got a divorce.

Are these the family values the Republicans are so proud of?

What about the military families pushed to the breaking point by multiple, multiple deployments? What about the assault on science and the defense of torture? What about the war on unions and the unlimited favors for the well-connected?

And what about Katrina and cronyism?

My fellow Democrats, America can do better than that.

And Barack Obama will do better than that.

But first we have to elect him.

The choice is clear. The Republicans in a few days will nominate a good man who has served our country heroically and who suffered terribly in a Vietnamese prison camp. He loves his country every bit as much as we do. As a senator, he has shown his independence of right-wing orthodoxy on some very important issues.

But on the two great questions of this election -- how to rebuild the American dream and how to restore America's leadership in the world -- he still embraces the extreme philosophy that has defined his party for more than 25 years.

And it is, to be fair to all the Americans who aren't as hard-core Democrats as we, it's a philosophy the American people never actually had a chance to see in action fully until 2001, when the Republicans finally gained control of both the White House and the Congress.

Then we saw what would happen to America if the policies they had talked about for decades actually were implemented. And look what happened.

They took us from record surpluses to an exploding debt; from over 22 million new jobs to just 5 million; from increasing working families' incomes to nearly $7,500 a year to a decline of more than $2,000 a year; from almost 8 million Americans lifted out of poverty to more than 5.5 million driven into poverty; and millions more losing their health insurance.

Now, in spite of all this evidence, their candidate is actually promising more of the same.

Think about it: more tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans that will swell the deficit, increase inequality, and weaken the economy; more Band-Aids for health care that will enrich insurance companies, impoverish families, and increase the number of uninsured; more going it alone in the world, instead of building the shared responsibilities and shared opportunities necessary to advance our security and restore our influence.

They actually want us to reward them for the last eight years by giving them four more.

Now, let's send them a message that will echo from the Rockies all across America, a simple message: Thanks, but no thanks.

In this case, the third time is not the charm.

My fellow Democrats, 16 years ago, you gave me the profound honor to lead our party to victory and to lead our nation to a new era of peace and broadly shared prosperity.

Together, we prevailed in a hard campaign in which Republicans said I was too young and too inexperienced to be commander-in-chief.

Sound familiar?

It didn't work in 1992, because we were on the right side of history. And it will not work in 2008, because Barack Obama is on the right side of history.

Now, Sen. Obama's life is a 21st-century incarnation of the old-fashioned American dream. His achievements are proof of our continuing progress toward the more perfect union of our founders' dreams.

The values of freedom and equal opportunity, which have given him his historic chance, will drive him as president to give all Americans -- regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability -- their chance to build a decent life and to show our humanity, as well as our strengths, to the world.

We see that humanity, that strength, and our nation's future in Barack and Michelle Obama and their beautiful children.

We see them reinforced by the partnership with Joe Biden, his fabulous wife, Jill, a wonderful teacher, and their family.

Barack Obama will lead us away from the division and fear of the last eight years back to unity and hope.

So if, like me, you believe America must always be a place called Hope, then join Hillary and Chelsea and me in making Barack Obama the next president of the United States."

-- Bill Cinton, 42nd President
of the United States of America

Yes, it was a good endorsement. He and Hilary certainly can't be accused of dividing the Party. If Obama loses, it will not be because the Clintons didn't back him at the Convention.

quote:

It didn't work in 1992, because we were on the right side of history

Actually, it had more to do with Ross Perot...
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The Clinton's said all the right things, which you knew they would.

Responding to Bill Clinton:

quote:

Barack Obama is ready to be president of the United States.

What, exactly, qualifies his "readiness"? You yourself said many times during the campaign that he was inexperienced and basically unelectable.

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As president he will work for an America with more partners and fewer adversaries. He will rebuild our frayed alliances and revitalize the international institutions which helped to share the cost of the world's problems and to leverage the power of our influence.

I hope you're not looking back to your Presidency as the "golden age" of "influence." A few reminders: 750,000 killed in Rwanda . . . the rise of Al Qaeda and their constant attacks on U.S. embassies and other targets . . . Black Hawk Down, which emboldened our enemies. Yes, the Balkans were a fine moment, but there were those others.

quote:

But, in a world troubled by terror, by trafficking in weapons, drugs and people, by human rights abuses of the most awful kind, by other threats to our security, our interests, and our values, when he cannot convert adversaries into partners, he will stand up to them.[quote] In this decade, American workers have consistently given us rising productivity. That means, year after year, they work harder and produce more.

Now, what did they get in return? Declining wages, less than one-fourth as many new jobs as in the previous eight years, smaller health care and pension benefits, rising poverty, and the biggest increase in income inequality since the 1920s.

And let's not forget that the first three years of this decade featured a 50% decline in the stock market, largely due to the tech bubble that had blown up during the 90s (your presidency) finally bursting. Also, I dispute some of your stats.

quote:

American families by the millions are struggling with soaring health care costs and declining coverage.

Mr. Bush did get a prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients passed, and it's made a huge difference. Also, Bush got legislation passed for Health Savings Accounts. I don't recall your admin getting anything like these two accomplished.

quote:

But on the two great questions of this election -- how to rebuild the American dream and how to restore America's leadership in the world -- he (McCain) still embraces the extreme philosophy that has defined his party for more than 25 years.

Which one is that? The one that reduced Carter's "misery index" from 22 to 8? The one that brought about an end to the Soviet empire? That all laid the groundwork for the prosperity and peace during your Presidency.

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They (Republicans) took us from record surpluses to an exploding debt; from over 22 million new jobs to just 5 million; from increasing working families' incomes to nearly $7,500 a year to a decline of more than $2,000 a year; from almost 8 million Americans lifted out of poverty to more than 5.5 million driven into poverty; and millions more losing their health insurance.

Keep talking to us about health insurance. You did have your chance. Yes, Bush the deficits are up; no one likes that. But your surpluses were because of huge tax increases, a bubble economy, and no 9/11.

quote:

Think about it: more tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans that will swell the deficit, increase inequality, and weaken the economy; more Band-Aids for health care that will enrich insurance companies, impoverish families, and increase the number of uninsured; more going it alone in the world, instead of building the shared responsibilities and shared opportunities necessary to advance our security and restore our influence.

Again on the health insurance issue! How many times are you going to shoot yourself in the foot?

It's just false that "tax-cuts for the rich" lead to deficits. There's more tax income to the government now because of it. The "rich" don't hide their money under the mattress, but, generally, invest it. Capital gains taxes, in particular, which Obama plans to raise, were lowered under Bush, encouraging more investment.

Also, the Bush tax cuts weren't just for the rich. We are middle-classers, and we paid around 1,500 less after Bush's first year than we paid during your last year. Our taxes went up during your admin, not down.

quote:

My fellow Democrats, 16 years ago, you gave me the profound honor to lead our party to victory and to lead our nation to a new era of peace and broadly shared prosperity.

That "era of peace" was handed to you, thanks to the Presidencies of Reagan and Bush I. So was the prosperity, which collapsed toward the end of your term.

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Some might feel "pumped" about hearing this sort of spin, but I can't tolerate more than 5 minutes of it. I tried listening to Obama tonight, but had to just turn off the TV after a short while. It'll probably be the same with the Republicans. Too bad! Not much real statesmanship or education happening at these conventions. They're an insult to the intelligence of informed Americans.

Wow....Was that Sean Hannity or Phil with the blistering retort!!!
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I agree with you regarding the conventions - I think I said this elsewhere, but they really are big pep rallies. I checked out the coverage this week, but I am like you - I can only listen to so much of that, and I will feel the same way about the Republican Convention.
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quote:

Originally posted by AMH v2.0:
[qb] Wow....Was that Sean Hannity or Phil with the blistering retort!!!
[/qb]

LOL. Well, I just need to NOT listen to the Clintons speak; it's better for my blood pressure. Same goes for John Kerry, whom I heard for a few minutes.

What I'm looking forward to are the actual debates, which should be informative and revealing.

My only concern with the debates is that style wins over substance to some degree. I think McCain is at a huge disadvantage with regards to the standard debate format. IMO, when I watch Obama, he comes across really well. Conversely, McCain does not do that for most of us.

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Originally posted by Phil:
Well, I just need to NOT listen to the Clintons speak; it's better for my blood pressure.

Do you have a link to Bill Clinton�s speech?
And to Obama�s? I would really like to watch and hear them.

I�ve read the transcripts, and they�re excellent!
But I would love to see them in their entirety.

-- HeartPrayer

HP, the speeches are on youtube.com Just do a search for Bill Clinton or Barack Obama.

No comments on my critique of some of Clinton's points? Lots of spin in what he said.

quote:

Originally posted by AMH v2.0:
IMO, when I watch Obama, he comes across really well. Conversely, McCain does not do that for most of us.

Well put! AMH.
And when you take into account the disadvantage of the last eight years� Republican policies, which McCain has by and large supported, I think the Democrats will win the debates on knock-out.

quote:

Originally posted by Phil:
No comments on my critique of some of Clinton's points? Lots of spin in what he said.

Thanks. I knew I could find them on YouTube, but the image resolution there is appalling. Is there a good alternative in higher res. and with good sound?

I read your critique of Clinton�s speech. You probably won�t be getting more than short posts from me today and this weekend. I have to deal with two rather comprehensive things on the home front, and have a project due Monday.

That will probably not give me the time to give you the thoughtful reply your post deserves. But I will get back to you.

Cheers!

HP:

Don't read too much into the McCain voting record - pretty standard stuff to vote party lines - you know that!

The biggest issue is the style side - Obama is just better at this. But if you are in a crtical thinking mode, it is more of the same old, same old...you either agree or disgree with where the liberal Dems are coming from:

http://blog.beliefnet.com/crun...emocrats-change.html
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BTW, HP - what did you think of the Democratic Platform article I posted on the other thread - I really wanted to hear your thoughts on that one in particular, because the Europeans have complained long and loud about this issue.

quote:

Originally posted by AMH v2.0:
Don't read too much into the McCain voting record - pretty standard stuff to vote party lines - you know that!

But McCain is continually portrayed as a maverick, as someone who pursues different policies from George W. Bush.

Well, he isn�t and he doesn�t.

McSame...

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But McCain is continually portrayed as a maverick, as someone who pursues different policies from George W. Bush.

Well, he isn�t and he doesn�t.

McSame...

HP - As usual........Wrong, wrong, wrong.....

via DIck Morris:

The issues on which McCain and Bush differ are legion:

* McCain fought for campaign finance reform -- McCain-Feingold -- that Bush resisted and ultimately signed because he had no choice.

* McCain led the battle to restrict interrogation techniques of terror suspects and to ban torture.

* McCain went with Joe Lieberman on a tough measure to curb climate change, something Bush denies is going on.

* McCain opposed the Bush tax cuts when they passed.

* McCain urged the Iraq surge, a posture Bush rejected for years before conceding its wisdom.

* McCain favors FDA regulation of tobacco and sponsored legislation to that effect, a position all but a handful of Republican senators oppose.

* McCain's energy bill, also with Lieberman, is a virtual blueprint for energy independence and development of alternate sources.

* After the Enron scandal, McCain introduced sweeping reforms in corporate governance and legislation to guarantee pensions and prohibit golden parachutes for executives. Bush opposed McCain's changes and the watered-down Sarbanes-Oxley bill eventuated.

* McCain has been harshly critical of congressional overspending, particularly of budgetary earmarks, a position Bush only lately adopted (after the Democrats took over Congress).

Remember that McCain ran against Bush in 2000.

quote:

Originally posted by HeartPrayer:
[qb] [QUOTE]
I read your critique of Clinton�s speech. You probably won�t be getting more than short posts from me today and this weekend. I have to deal with two rather comprehensive things on the home front, and have a project due Monday.

That will probably not give me the time to give you the thoughtful reply your post deserves. But I will get back to you.

Cheers! [/qb]

That's OK. And it wasn't a "thoughtful reply." It was a veritable rant!

quote:

Originally posted by Phil:
That's OK. And it wasn't a "thoughtful reply." It was a veritable rant!

Ahemm...! I wasn�t saying your post was thoughtful, but that your post deserved a thoughtful reply.

Re: The informative and revealing debates
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quote:

Originally posted by Phil:
What I'm looking forward to are the actual debates, which should be informative and revealing.

Oh, they were. That was the problem for the Republicans.
And it shows in the polls.

Most importantly: in each of the four debates, it was apparent that Obama/Biden convinced undecided voters by a ratio of between 3:2 and 2:1.

Granted, McCain had some fine moments, especially in the last debate ("that one" not being among them). And granted, Palin was not a bimbo, but a very capable and folksy deliverer of sound bites. A bit extreme yes -- but not a bimbo. (She plays well to the home crowd.) As the Democratic campaign knew, her debating record in Alaska proves that she�s a formidable debater.

At the end of the day, and at the end of the campaign, it was Barack Obama and Joe Biden who convinced.

Hopefully, the country will not evaluate people on their rhetorical skills, but on the subtance of their proposals and their past records.