Tonight I finally tuned into the convention and was glad I did. Biden's talk was very good, very real and he connects to the typical american.
I note you and other conservative pundits all seem to downplay the impact of the speeches in contradiction to the actual impact — obviously you're laying the spin for those who didn't watch, who may just read your criticism and take your word. A shame if they do.

The reason you think that ,Toobin, is because you already heard a lot of it this Sunday. i felt the same… but my husband who did not watch Bidens speech this last Sunday thought it was great tonight. Biden had to follow Bill. I mean, few can top Bill, really.
Lets see how McCain does, my friends. creepy smile, gribbit.. blinks eyes with blank toad like gaze.. and waxy looking face… as he lies.

Biden gave a speech that confirms what he is and why he is part of the Obama change ticket. A blue-collar, hard-working, family loving straight talking guy who happens to know a lot about foreign and domestic policy.

This was a perfect speech for a vice presidential Irish kid who's going to kick some Republican butt,I wouldn't mess with Biden on the street or the stage.

Biden surely isn't the speechmaker that Obama is — or Bill Clinton, or hell, how about Michelle Obama?

But this is missing the point. The job of the vice president isn't to give speeches. It's to know what's going on in the world and provide the president with backup — and Joe is one of the most knowledgeable guys around. And the job is to provide strength in areas where the president is weak, not just in strength but in personality.

joe reached the part of the group he was sent to reach, just like everyone else. thats the great thing about know-it alls, they only see it from their view.

Are you kidding me? Did you even watch the speech?

I disagree. Biden's speech was on the mark!

Excuse me, have you been drinking tonight, sir?

The other contenders have been going full steam for months. Joe is just getting back into the mix and needs to warm up!

He did a great job on substance! Although sincere he did not convey the emotion.

But then again we're not looking for a show. We need to think with our minds and not just with our hearts for this one.

Although they'll both lead you back to OBAMA/BIDEN 08!!!!!!

It's hard to top Michelle Obama…her speech was still the strongest, but have no fear, at the Republican National Convention there will be plenty of crappy speeches he can top!

Hillary and Bill hit the mark, humbly accepting their roll in this election process. I really wish that all the democrats who want a change will boycott the Republican National Convention. Don't watch TV, listen to the radio or even read the paper during this time. As democrats lets come together and make a stand. One of the greatest impacts would be to simply not partake in John McCain's rhetoric. He's too old, and too old school. Our young people know what direction the country should take and it's again time for young blood no matter the gender or the race. GO DEMOCRATS!

Biden did EXACTLY what he needed to do! Great job Joe!

You must be kidding Jeff. Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's. That was the best rank and file speech for the blue collar workers. It really complemented well with Bill Clinton's.

What is with the Media trashing this speech?

This was emotional, moving, and clear… you've got to be kidding me.
Look down these comments, I think your viewers have spoken.

Shoot – Biden spoke tonight? We turned it off and ate dinner after Bill spoke. Forgot about Biden. But according to this we didn't miss anything. Well, big night tomorrow over at the stadium.

I think Biden gave the best speech he could. Lets face it, there was a lot of emotion, adrenaline, excitement going on…. it would be quite easy to fumble a little bit or sort of sway away from the theme- it could happen to anyone..and it is easier for us, the viewers- to comment, analyze and judge, but try stepping in his shoes Tobin, see if you will deliver a better speech..
Naturally, there will be people that will like it, and some won't.
Generally, it has been a GREAT night and yes, Biden did the best he could..

Can people ever just ler things be!!! do we have to analyze every minute of this thing. Biden just joined the ticket and had about 3 days to get his speech written and practiced, in addition to everything else he has to do….Monday morning quarterbacking! he will be great in debates and on the campaign trail….yikes, I am sick of the negativity!

SORRY JEFFERY, I DISAGREE!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08-'12

I agree — but that is because Michelle Obama's speech was great! Hillary Clinton's was super! And President Clinton was terrific. Joe Biden came across as a good man. His speech was not so well crated as the others — more "common man" and reveals his humaness and sensitivity.

What would you know about the presenting of a speech? You can't even write a decent article. Doesn't school start tommorrow? Its past your bedtime.

Biden seems like a nice enough fellow. However, I tuned out. Nothing exciting there. I agree he is not suppossed to outshine Obama he is there for two things to add credibility to the ticket as well as experience. Something Obama is lacking in. That said I wonder why is it that the most experienced out of the ticket is added as the second in command and not the first.???? It just goes to show it is all about the packaging.

Ok, since comments are closed next ticker down here we go.

I am so excited and look forward to Republican National Convention!!! I hope it is Mitt Romney.

McCain / Romney 08!

Totally Disagree. I was jumping around the room when Biden was finished! He might be a little rusty since he has not been campaigning much but he took McCain to the woodshed a couple a times really well. Toobin is just another member at the Clinton News Network to try and pour cold water on a great night.

Obama~Biden and the GOP is cryin!

Joe is the newest team member and I'm sure had an abundance of input- He'll be great on the stump and working with the good folks of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. I think the convention had gone well so far- tomorrow night will be HISTORIC!
YES WE CAN!

I completely agree. Biden seemed restrained and the speech lacked direction and focus. In contrast, his son's introduction was fantastic.

He did a great job, you don't need to have a bachelor's degree just to get the message of his speech…hello open your eyes and your ears..you may be just on the left side..

Sr. Catherine did a fine job closing the night with a prayer!!! GO ST JOES!!!!

obama/biden for 08-12-16 all the way

I am Obama supporter..but I have to agree with him…the first half of the speech was practically the same speech that he gave on Saturday… and other half was new fresh and more interesting than the first half of the speech… did Obama people tell him that its national security night…biden should have focus his speech of that and tie it in with other points such as the economic…President Clinton was at point with the theme that our future vice president…

According to most of the recent polls its a really close race ,you might not be "taking anything back"

Bill Clinton and Joe Biden told america the facts about the commander and Chief issue, I hope that every american could listen to it.
Obama was right all along und John McSame was wrong all the time.

How can america trust that old man for another 4 years.

Obama is americas best choice for president.

New Ideas and new pilitics must prevail und will.

Obana ?Biden to bring again properity to americans and establish
again leadership throughout the world.

Wake up america and see the light.

Joe is too old to be vice P. He has no idea what he does, what he think. It seems that this coming election is going to lose for democratic.

You're not serious are you?

Joe Biden, while he may not have been as powerfully spoken as usual, spoke from his heart and told the TRUTH!!! Joe is honest and real, like Barak – which is not only a breath of fresh air, but a rare commodity in this century's politics.

Joe is the bulldog, the fighter, who will bloody McCain's nose.

I will love it if Gustav upstages the Republicans next week!

While I don't agree, I DO agree Biden is best when he doesn't have prepared remarks. He's much more fiery when he's on the top of his head. LIke in the debates.

BRING IT REPUBS.

I think we are in a crucial corner of american history, time is not for speeches and all, time is to face the reality. no matter McCain or Obama, I do believe we need someone able to help us.
Moreover I do think Obama is the right and rational ticket for that very election.
I respect McCain but I think, he is more concerned by HIS War to "invisible" terrorists than americans lives.
Thank you

Who cares what Toobin says? He doesn't speak for the American public. We liked it Toobin. Biden is down to earth and fights for the American people. I'm getting a little sick of the CNN commentators. Most were pretty civil tonight but the other nights that were just a mess. Everything that was positive, they would somehow turn it around and spin it negative like Fox news does. I'm beginning to wonder what has happened to CNN. I guess Fox news is rubbing off on them.

I HATE TO AGREE TOO. HE TRY'D TO MATCH UP WITH THE MASTER WJC SPEECH. YOU CANT BEAT THE CLINTONS WHEN THEY SPEAK FOR AMERICA.THEY ARE RED ,WHITE AND BLUE DEMS.

I thought is speech was very good. He was very credible – especially when repeated again and again that McCain is wrong!

Awww, poor CNN doesn't like it when people go after their Rethuglican pundits.

Toobin's smoking crack if he thinks Biden didn't hit this out of the park.

Say hi to Amy "Second Stringer" Holmes for me!

The MSM can't let Dems even enjoy the moment. It was a terrific night all the way around. I wonder if they are going to nit pick the Rethuglicans next wekk. More than likely, they will let them slide!

Toobin,

Sounds like you have had your ears plugged like Bush has the last 8 years. Biden gave an extremely inspirational speech that you are probably not used to since Bush has not ever been inspirational. Last time I checked there aren't any of McCain's kids or Bush's kids going to Iraq. Why don't you try being respectful to a man that is a true patriot and actually has his son going to your war. Hope you enjoy the next 8 years, because Obama is gonna straighten Bush's faults out.

lets face the facts after a great speech from Hillary and the crowd chanting and celebrating Bill Clinton, Biden cannot lower the standard. His speech was dull and was not spicy. it lacked punch and energy.

No wonder analysts say his speech was horrible….and no he is not auditioning for Fox news…..he is just right,

obama cant be right all the time ….objective pple lol

I agree with Toobin he takes to long to make a point and then it becomes gaffe's and snooze time.

You need to get the crap your full out of your ears.

Where's the plan?
Seriously, do Barack supporters know anything about capitalism? Where is the real plan?

I am a working woman, lower management, college education. Black American. Where is the plan? Seriously, where is the plan?

Who is going to pay for all the hopeful incentives? Who?

See – this is why you should watch cspan. No annoying journalists to tell you how to think.

Obama 'till 2016!

I thought tonight was fantastic !!
Great speeches by John Kerry, Bill Clinton,
Beau Biden and then Joe Biden……….culminating in Obama's
appearance….
Couldn't have been any greater !!

Just what we all needed to see/hear.
Can't wait until tomorrow night !!

Jan

If you don't want more of the same, Say no to McCain! LOL

You must be kidding'? Did you see the same speech that I did?. Biden was great.

Everyone else has had weeks to prepare their speeches. Biden has only known for a few days that he was picked as VP.

Geez, CNN stop attacking people so much!!! You're starting to sound like the Republicans!!

Biden wold have a different speech and he realizes that this is different politics and a different time it was eloquent and appropriate.. The media was jus wishing for the attack dog they all wanted to see and talk about

I loved Joe Biden's speech and thought he was on the money in pointing out the errors of McCain's – and the Bush administration's – judgement and the fact that Obama IS already leading. I well recall the hits Obama took in suggesting that we should be using diplomacy with Iran – and guess what Condi and her crowd are now doing?!
Sorry Toobin, I agree with you often but I thought this speech by Biden was impressive and hit the mark.

Thanks for telling me what to think.

I was mistakenly interpreting it as a pretty nice speech.

I disagree.

Biden called out McCain for being wrong while Obama was right.

That was enough for me.

weak? Are you nuts!!! He's speech was a emotional, strong and we regular Americans can identify with him.. Awesome I can't wait for tomorrow!!

Why do you have to pick apart every speech! Sitting at home, I enjoyed Joe Biden's speech. Both of the Bidens did very well-they talk to the average person!

Biden tells it like it is! He may not be elegant in his words but he is a real person with real storeis who can relate to real people!!!!

Tomorrow you will see the top of the ticket show us why he should be the next president!!!

Obama/Biden 08

I have to disagree. Joe Biden's speech was orgasmic. He hit out of the ballpark.

CNN is as out of touch with America as John McCain. It won't work this time , we are taking our Country back.

Biden was very week and not really Truthful…..but of Course~ no one "cared" at the convention…Obama is proud to have him.

I thought that it was a great speech. While he may not have had any clear theme or memorable phrases, he did what he was supposed to do. Listening to his speech you could have just checked the objectives off: introduce himself and his background (check), tie himself to Obama and the campaign (check), tie McCain to Bush (check), show that together he and Obama have what it takes to not only win the election but to lead the country (double check).

I really felt the unity and the hope of the American dream come true. Listening to everyone speak made me feel that every will be okay. We can overcome anything. Then at the end Obama walked on stage and it's as if the balloon burst. I can't help it but I don't feel confident with him.

Toobin what are you smoking?Biden's speech was awesome.He speaks in terms that people can identify with.I think this ticket is going to be hard to stop in nov.

Toobin, what convention were you watching? John McCain's convention is next week. Get your schedule right!

Everyone knows how powerful a speaker he can be and those speeches will come. Tonight was more about who is Joe Biden. I personally am glad he was not too polished, he conveyed to me that he is pretty genuine.

After watching the speech, some of the points could have been given with more strength and emotion. But, not everyone is going to be the orator President Clinton or even Barrack Obama is. I do believe the points are clear though. The major point of this election is change. And do we as a country want four more years of the same big government squashing middle america. More red meat could have been thrown out this evening but overall I believe it was a success.

CNN,
If your newstation is so "fair and balanced"; why do you continue to feature an "All republican" panel that overanalyzes everything about the Democratic convention.

Give me a break.

I liked it, but I have to agree with Toobin. It lacked something, and he sputtered a bit.

SAVE THAT STATEMENT FOR MCCAIN'S SPEECH!!!!

IT IS SURE TO BE A NAP TIME STORY FOR ME….LOL

I would agree, but i did learn a lot about where he came from and what type of person he is, and i think that makes up for the stumbling speech. i think his strength is in debates, not speeches.

I liked it.

Compared to Hill and Bill, Biden can't read a teleprompter, let alone make a speech memorable! Did he see this before he went on stage?

I swear, one minute the talking point is "too much fluff, not enough substance"….and then Joe Biden gives a substantive speech and its called "weak".

You're wrong.

Biden is not there to be slick. He's there to be real and real he was. Biden was talking to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri and Iowa.

I agree that Biden is not as talented an orator as the Obama's or the Clintons. But he was not brought on to the ticket for that purpose.

He is the straight shooter intended to appeal to the 'common man' who may be befuzzled by the rhetoric.

I dont think you have to be a great Speaker to be a Great Leader.
Something I hope and pray Obama keeps in mind as he endeavors on this journey.

The speech was not the best of the night, but his charisma and everything he represents did it all!

CNN STOP IT!!!
Why do you continue to spin every single positive about a democrat, into a "negative". I

Joe Biden's speech was right on the money. He gave the "specifics of what the Obama administration will do once they take office. He also hit McCain hard on several issues.

I truly believe that your network is the unofficial surrogate of FOX NOISE (NEWS).

I hate to agree, but it was not impressive.

could not disagree more! I knew very little about Joe Biden. I am now very impressed. This is the first time we have EVER had two genuine individuals in this position — and both are very eloquent in their own way. Genuine thought, emotion and intelligence attracted me to Barack Obama to begin with… now I feel that connection with Joe Biden, as well. Cool!

How shocking and unlike a former reporter for the New Republic to say something like this.

That was obvious. In 3 days, they democrats have fail to layout their plan to fix the stumbling economy. This was just a parade of speeches. Like the McCain camp has always said, Obama & Company are just celebrities.

With all due respect…are you drinking? Did you watch the same speech the rest of us did?

Isaac August 27th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

Who cares?

I DO, and so should you, these people will guide this country, i would hope they could give a powerful moving inspiring speech!!

SNORE!

He's no HIllary

Interesting

I thought it was great!! So much for this guys feelings, cause as a Hillary supporter I could not be happier.

Obama 08!!

complain,complain,complain

I'm a strong supporter of the Obama/Biden ticket but I'd have to agree.

Then again, Biden is there to give Obama credibility and to attack McCain; he'll do both in good time.

You're entitled to your wrong opinion, Mr. Toobin.

Thank you Toobin-VERY WEAK SPEECH-he had the chance to help BO-but-to many flubs!!!

You sir, are a moron.

oh shut up toobin, you don't know anything.
I think he was great—
Let's hear your comments when the yawners at the RNC start spouting off…

I'll have to disagree with you Toobin. I thought he did a good job. He hit all of the points. Remember he's only warming up.

Toobin, I'm sorry but your stupid. That speech left me in tears hes not some poltical person hes a regular person, he's not some machine like McCain!

WHAT — no memorable lines?

"We need a wise leader, not a good soldier!"

His speech is right on and right on time. Maybe he should have your jobs at CNN since he is willing to acknowledge the fact that the Bush Admin is doing everything that Obama has already suggested, such as the timetable, diplomacy w/Iran, xfer of troops to Afghaninstan. You guys are too busy repeating McCain's lies about his experience and judgement to lead. Maybe youall are about as racist as McCain is.. Now can youall please begin to highlight that. THE BUSH ADMIN IS DOING EVERYTHING OBAMA SUGGESTED. OBAMA IS ALREADY LEADING. Toobin are you trying for a position w/Fox News?

Surely you are kidding me!
Mary Strukel

Who cares?