The Boulder Weekly press seat revealed an ample view of the speakers’ teleprompter, and it was a relief to see Biden sporadically deviate from it. His verbosity seemed less like an effort to pile on charm, and more of an honest desire to engage in communication. It was a respite from the laid-out speeches that so many politicos, scared of swerving from the prescribed idiom of a party, recite verbatim.
After an official acceptance of his nomination of Obama’s running mate for the Democratic presidential ticket, Biden was ready to show his speaking skills.
The speech began as a sort of personality introduction, in which he relayed anecdotes and memories about his family and upbringing. Most memorable was the recollection of his mother (who was present at the speech) sending him back out of the house to bloody the noses of whomever knocked him down. The references to his middle-class upbringing were revealed to set up an illustration of the American dream — one that Biden feels is slipping away with the current administration.
At this juncture, Biden began an endless address of current American economic issues, circled around gas, energy, education and health-care costs. And, as could be expected, he went on to further describe how those woes play into America’s big decision. The result was essentially: Barack Obama will bring us that change; John McCain will not.
In fact, Biden’s speech began to morph into something reminiscent of the protest cheers on the Denver streets this week. In the days prior to Biden’s speech, protesters demanding the right to voice their views in unrestricted areas shouted the mantra, “They say, ‘Get back!’; We say, ‘Fight back!’” Inside the convention halls, Biden stood at the podium, citing line after line of McCain’s future economic plans for America. After each line he powerfully stated, “That’s not change!” while the audience repeated back with him, “That’s more of the same!”
The audience held up signs, as if on cue. One red sign expressed the McCain=same sentiment. Another blue sign stated that Obama is the change we need.
The simultaneous colorful outburst of these signs signified a celebrated unity. It was effective, to say the least — there was no debate or differing within the public audience. But it also seemed distinctly uniform, as though the supporters were mere automatons using the appropriate signs and response shouts, mechanically cheering at every third sentence at the mention of Obama or change.
Biden’s speech continued to address the Iraq war, comparing McCain’s stances on Afghanistan with those of Obama. Again, the yes/no slogan was chanted back to the audience with fervor twice in between statements: “John McCain was wrong. Barack Obama was right.” Biden asked the audience to repeat it, and they wasted no time in doing so.
Biden wrapped up his sentiments with his excitement to join Obama in his campaign, noting that some of our greatest presidents — Lincoln, Roosevelt and Kennedy — all challenged Americans to embrace change.
At the end of his speech the crowd was elated, cheering vehemently. And just when all the reporters were ready to pack up their bags and head out, a special surprise guest was announced.
Barack Obama, who had just arrived in Denver earlier that day, was introduced to the stage. He took the time to greet those who spoke on his behalf and approached a crowd whose applause could not be silenced. In the face of camera flashes and stretched necks, he briefly spoke to thank the crowd and speakers. He expressed his approval of Biden as a running mate and his excitement for the next day’s speech at Mile High.
His presence was brief, but for a few moments an electricity surged through the room. If this energy was any preview for Obama’s official acceptance speech, then you can guarantee that change is in the air.
Above: a shot of Obama during a surprise visit to the Pepsi Center on Aug. 27 after Joe Biden’s nomination acceptance speech. Photo by Erica Grossman.
—EG
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