John Edwards: Pretty cool in Houston.

[jobycom]

I'm at the Houston convention (and haven't found a single DUer yet!), and John Edwards spoke around 8:00 PM. I was so close I could almost make out a broad facial feature or two (meaning I was in the back) but they had him projected on two large screens.

Anyway, you've all heard and seen him, and you know he's a fiery speaker, and connects well with his audience. He's a combination of Gore at his best and RFK at his most compasssionate.

He talked a lot about Kerry, and described him better than I've ever heard Kerry describe himself. Kerry volunteered for Viet Nam, and volunteered for hazardous duty, etc. He described talking to Kerry about jobs, and wage hikes, and several key Democrat issues, and said Kerry was a passionate supporter of these.

A picture of Kerry began to emerge as an intelligent, brave, compassionate man who cared about the world, who had a strong liberal vision for America, but who was somewhat unable to express this view as passionately as he felt it. Kerry was more formal, like Abraham Lincoln (these are my words, not Edwards's), serious and grave.

I felt for the first time a strong attachment to Kerry, whom I've always admired, but never warmed to. After hearing Edwards, Kerry seems more human, almost humble, and yet much larger than life.

I'm not saying this about Kerry, so much as about Edwards. He made Kerry come to life for this crowd in a way I've not heard anyone do before. Before long the crowd was chanting "VP,VP!" and Edwards just smiled.

IF Edwards is chosen as VP, that's what he brings to the ticket. Not just his charm, and his ability to connect to audiences, and his soft accent and good looks, and his wonderful "Two Americas" speech. What he brings to the ticket is an attractive Kerry. He can sell Kerry. He can make people love Kerry. And that's what Kerry is missing the most.

[Frances]

1. Excellent account

Thanks so much

I agree. Kerry does need someone to sell him. Remember how exciting the primaries were? I think it was because Kerry could play off the other candidates.

[Zen Democrat]

2. Saw Edward at a small gathering in Houston several months ago

and while I was a Clarkie at that time, Edwards is undeniably articulate and charismatic ... and he's uncredibly good looking. More so in person than on TV.

I can definitely see the points in his favor for VP. Relative youth, for one thing. We need someone with a future. We can't let the Republicans get the White House back in 2012!

[Lindsey]

3. He's definitley #1

on my list as the VP.

[jobycom]

4. He converted a couple of people tonight

I spoke with a couple of people before the speech who weren't sure, but who after the speech said Kerry would be a fool to pass him up.

[Booster]

5. He was always my #1 pick for Pres, but

he would also make a great VP. I remember the pundits said he didn't have any foreign policy experience, and Bush didn't even know what that meant when he ran. Kerry would be making a big mistake if he doesn't run with Edwards; he's young, good looking (which never hurts) and can talk a blue streak about positive things, which I think we really need right about now. Come on, Kerry, use your head.

[Jane Austin]

6. He needs to watch something, though.

When he would be making a deadly serious and emphatic point, during the following applause, he always, always gave a big grin which he got quick control of, resulting in a kind of slitty-eyed look.

Those big projection screens can be your friend and your enemy!

It was a rousing speech, though, and he played us Texans like a fiddle - - saying he couldn't wait to tell the rest of the country what great Democrats are still here in Texas and bringing up Tom DeLay several times!

That's one thing all Texas Democrats are solidly together on.

Tom DeLay must go!

[jobycom]

7. Yeah, the smile looked a bit awkward and sly

So where are all you DUers? What parties have I missed? What goes for Saturday?

[Jane Austin]

8. I was delayed leaving Elgin so got to Houston pretty late in the day.

No parties for me. :)

[jobycom]

10. Elgin? I used to live there!

So you and me are the pathetic types who live go to Houston to hang out on the internet in our hotel rooms? Sigh. I think I'm going to grab a coke and turn in. Thrilling, eh?

[AP]

9. Electing Kerry is this man's case. And he's making his argument to the ...

...jury.

He's also telling the truth.