"The choice is clear, our cause is just." -- Kerry on Obama

By Michael J.W. Stickings

This is obviously a big night at the Democratic Convention -- both Gore and Obama are speaking -- but make sure, if you haven't already (or, if you have, do so again), to watch Kerry's speech from last night. Sandwiched between Bill and Joe, it didn't get much attention, but it's Kerry at his finest, the Kerry it should have been four years ago. He makes a compelling case for Obama, but it is his critique of McCain ("the myth of a maverick"), his juxtaposition of Senator McCain and Candidate McCain, that is the most effective part of his speech.

We need more of this, more of a sustained attack on McCain and the Republicans, more of an effort on the part of the Obama campaign, as well as the Democratic Party more broadly, to define the opposition and to create a compelling narrative to dominate the remainder of the race. Clinton and Biden did extremely well last night, as (I suppose) did Hillary the night before, as did Michelle and Kennedy the night before. But let's not overlook John Kerry. He may not have run the most impressive campaign four years ago, but he remains a good, decent, and, as he proved again last night, incredibly impressive man. And I was reminded, once more, of why I admire and respect him so much.