McCain is out of touch with the real issues of our country. I admire anyone who is a war hero but he is running for president. Voting for McCain and the pitbull with lipstick would be worst the George and Dick.

War hero and patriot! Fine, put him in the museum, not in the white house. During the last 4 days, I heard nothing of substance from this platform, except how bad their opponents are.

Conventions used to be a great medium to get a candidate's message accross to the main street. It seemed to me that this convention was used for partying and celebration. What a waste!

The message was missing! Democrats did a better job in getting their message of hope across. They even took the high road instead of beating up on the opponents. I did enjoy the entertainment provided by the pitbull with lipstick.

John McCain = Country before party and I can't wait to vote for both him and Sarah Palin in November!
John's speech last night was inspirational and inclusive to all Americans!
McCain and Palin 08!!!!!!!!

What a contradicting evaluation by David G. on McCaine speech, if the speech was thin it lacks substance, it is full of mumbojombo but lacks recheche. So how comes you score him "A"?

DAVID THE BIGGEST MISTAKE YOU ARE ALL MAKEING IS UNDER ESTIMATEING OBAMA . IVE NOTICED OBAMA DOSENT REACT LIKE EVREYONE THINKS HE SHOULD . OBAMA PLAYS THE GAME LIKE A CHESS GRAND MASTER , UNDERESTIMATE AT YOUR OWN PERIL . STATE BYE STATE OBAMAS KICKING MCAINS BUT . 15% UP IN IOWA WHAT WITH A COUPLE OF WEEKS . think about it david . obama/biden becouse we love this great nation to much to see another 4 years of bush policys .

They could have put a monkey at the podium dressed in an elephant suit and the crowd in the Xcel Center would have gone bananas over the magnificent display.

Most viewers at home, on the other hand, probably fell asleep after the first five minutes like me.

Voter to McCain: "If you don't have anything substantive to say, at least try to say it with exuberance."

As long as both parties keep it civil and speak to the issues, I will continue to be engaged. But when pitbulls and barracudas start their rantings I will tune out, no matter what party. Our country has serious problems that need immediate attention. Please work toward solutions and do not set out the attack pit bulls and barracudas. Enough already!

Oh my God I think McCain would be the best POW candidate but not the best candidate for the presidency this year. The guy is so stupid telling us about his experience as a POW but never mention anything about what concern the American people. I did not hear anything about equal pay for equal work, health care, better paying jobs, make college more affordable for our kids. What was that; the guy went on self glory himself yeah! I am a hero Barack is not. Last thing that we need is another cowboy that will send our kids to die in wars that we have no reason fighting. The guy is 72 years old he is about to die and I am sure that he want to send as many young kids to die in wars because he does care about them. He lived his live fully our kids should be able to live theirs too. The Vietnam war was a different story from Iraq. We have no reason being overthere now. No way, No how, No McCain.

I also must have been watching a different speech. It was so boring, I could barely stay awake. OK, he is a war hero, I get it, and got it long time ago. I admire his service. But he had absolutely nothing else to say. To watch one more video or hear one more speech about his life and service tells me nothing I didn't already know. I want to know his plans to fix the many problems this country is facing, and I didn't hear anything.

And David Gergen is suppose to be the "insight guy" of the "best political team on TV", but he sounds more like the outsight guy

AAron who is the best of the evils?

\Obamam 08

yeah sure….

I thought both McCain and Palin were fantastic! It's looking like they will defeat the Dems! I like it better when one party doesn't control everything, that way while they're busy bickering not much damage gets done.

There comes a time in every nation's life when old white men need to step aside. That time is now.

Not sure what all you people been watching but McCain is clearly the man for the job. The speech was well-written and well-delivered. He addressed specifics and was very sincere while doing so. He did not feed rhetoric and did not lead a cheerleading campaign like the other guy does. I find it difficult why this country appears (at least the media is making sure of this) to be so infatuated with Obama. Anyone with half a head on their shoulder should know that McCain is not another Bush. They can keep feeding that BS but in the end the hypocrisy of the Democrats will be exposed. They are a nasty, angry bunch of people. They don't care about the country, they care about their agenda and their agenda only. Follow them and walk right into the arms of socialism. I believe at the end of the day that the country will make the right choice. McCain and Palin are a breath of fresh air and just what the country needs right now.

His speech and affect seemed so out of touch with what is really going on in this country. He didn’t even seem to connect with the audience at times. If you ask me, between Palin’s transparently contrived, juvenile speech which completely alienating most Dems and Independents, and John McCain’s impotent acceptance speech which seemingly lacked any substance in relation to this current economic nightmare, I find it hard to see how any credibility was established outside of the Evangelical core of the party. In fact, his process and choice of recruiting Sarah Palin makes him look like either he has incredibly poor judgment, or he has been high jacked by the far right similar to George Bush. It’s regrettable as he does have a good story. Too bad it was repeated throughout the convention making the convention about him and not about struggling folks like me. This was a truly lost opportunity, in my opinion.

so says someone who listened to it. i watched the giants play the redskins…was there 90k doing something else tonight?

I agree with you, Mr. Gergen. I listen to your programe everyday. I like the way you comment on both of the political candidates. You show your FAIRNESS to both of them. Fairness is what we expect from a great nation.

I heard about his war stories many times. But when he told it, I was still moved. I voted for Hillary. When Hillary lost her race, I intended to cast my vote to Obama. But Obama's liberalism worry me a lot. It worries me more than his lack of experience. I'm liberal Dem myself, but Obama's liberalism is beyond my acceptance. I believe a liberal president will not do a country good.

I'm not sure if I'm right.

All joking aside–isn't McCain looking like Barney? Where did his arms go???

David, I too am confused by your writing of this article. Sure McCain is a historical war hero, but really does that have any relevence today. I am glad he is all right and it is a great story. However there is a great bit "BUT" here.

There have been many individuals who can claim the same and it doesn't matter which war you speak of present included.

Get that out of the picture then what do we have. We have a man who is short on substance, reads Karl Rove generated speeches, lies (let's call them half truths) included.

There is a saying in business today that goes like "What can you do for me today?". It kind of exclueds past deeds.

I am sorry to disagree with you as I have great respect for your writings. However this one here is too incongruent for me to believe.

McCain has fought in every American war since 1776???????????

David Gergen is very well respect by many people. However, I find his comments on CNN very confusing lately. He contradicted on occasion. He gave John McCain an A grade for his speech. If you want an easy A, please go talk to Mr. Gergen. I wonder he just trying to be politically correct by not offending anyone, especially the Republican or he has known Sen. McCain too long. Senator McCain is an America hero. However, at this time of our country, we need someone we will uplifting our spirit, solve our problems and lead us to a better economy or justice for all. He did not specifically mention any of those issues. McCain is note one. I'm afraid is just following G. Bush and the Republican. We need someone who listen to the American people. Vote for Barack Obama/Joe Biden

AFTER TONIGHT. BARACK OBAMA,DNC,DAILY KOS,HUFFINGTON POST,MOVEON.ORG AND THE LEFT WING MEDIA ARE IN DEEP,DEEP TROUBLE.

NO WAY! NO HOW! NOBAMA! ON NOV.4,2008.

MCCAIN/SARAH 08!
HILLARY 12!

McCain speech reminded me of my ex-husband who liked to keep talking even when I wasn't interested. If he was boring me, I would even go to sleep while he was talking and wake up to him still talking — often in the same place he was before I went to sleep. I found myself bored to sleep during McCain's speech and waking up to him saying basically the same thing, too. Honestly? He may have been saying "fight", but to me, he looks like he's already given up. The polls don't matter but the people do, and in 60 days, thankfully it will be all over and we will have the change this nation so desperately needs.

CNN=OBAMA TALKING POINT.

Kids, Kids,

It's all in the debates. Conventions are designed to inform the newbies who are just tuning in for the first time and to tell a narrative of who the candidate is. Obama did his and now it was McCain's turn. There a 3 debates that will focus on issues. I'd rather see candidates answer questions on the fly then have prepared remarks on promises they can not keep in a speech.

I would have liked to see them appear together in some town hall meetings this summer. I don't know why Obama kept backing out…

OBAMA+BIDEN=40 YRS IN WASHINGTON.

NO WAY! NO HOW! NOBAMA! ON NOV.4,2008!

I think the presidency was lost to the Dems two years ago. McCain is the sacraficial lamb. I once voted for him for president. That was back in the day when he actually had morals and scruples and WAS a fiesty maverick. Now, he's sold his soul (which has been difficult to watch) and he's "campaigning to the polls." This man (McCain) was on his way to greatness. He got impatient and let everyone down… most of all, himself.

OBAMA IS TALIKING ABOUT CHANGE. MCCAIN IS HAVING A RECORD OF CHANGE.

NO WAY! NO HOW! NOBAMA! ON NOV.4,2008!

MCCAIN/SARAH 08!
HILLARY 12!

Parts of his speech was personable- most of his speech was trying to run from the very party that caused this mess- It's hard to do that when you are in their corner 9 out of 10 times!
Barack Obama gave the speech of a lifetime one week ago tonight- It was what America NEEDS to hear- It was what America CAN be!

It's called the silent majority for a reason. In the end, the Republicans are the ones who end up showing up to vote and the Republicans are the ones who pick the President.

Obama can draw a huge crowd but when it all comes down to it, he's done.

Republicans always win.

Thanks John Mcain son of Admiral and husband of Cindy the heir inherent of the beer industry!. Thanks for serving America with great dedication however, I have few questions. (1). Was Join Mcain the only POW in Naam or there were others unsung heroes?. (2). Mr Mcain you are over 70 years old and thats okay God has taken good care of you but lets say you just sleep but never wake up and God forbid, are you at least 50 % sure that Sarah can lead this Great Nation?. Many people are worried but they are afraid to ask such kind of questions I posed. You and the rest of the republicans talked about that, presidency is not a place for job training yet you are recruiting someone for job training! do you know how many times you have contradicted your own statements! over a hundred times!. With all respects you served this Nation with dedication let those good memories remain with the public! otherwise Karl Rove have thrown your credibility to the dogs!! God bless America and John Mcain

David is one of the few who can speak what he thinks by himself.

Honestly, I am an Obama Supporter. I am also a Pentecostal and a single mother. I work full-time, go to college full time, and I am a Sunday School teacher. McCain's speech tonight was OK. I have to admit he almost had me …. until they panned the camera to Palin. That woman scares the crap out of me. The thought that if McCain won this woman would be a heart beat away from being The Commander and Chief just frightens me. McCain is 72 years old and had 4 (count them 4) bouts with cancer. I don't care how healthy you are cancer is an evil that can kill the most healthy person in a short matter of time. Any doctor will tell you with each bout of cancer the risk of it coming back again is greater. I Pray for McCain to live a long healthy life, but the fact that he may not and Palin would be in charge …. well I guess I could never vote him. I wish he would have picked someone else for his VP

Aaron, if you're interested in Obama's policy proposals (which, btw, he _has_ outlined time and again during his campaign, _and_ very markedly in his acceptance speech), may I suggest that you go to his website to inform yourself further? I don't know if the McCain campaign has done the same, but you might try.

There is also a handy – independent – webtool (sorry I can't remember the link at the moment, but it should be "findable" via Google) that tells you exactly how Obama's tax proposals would effect you personally.

Gergan are you at this again or were we watching the same speech ?
I sure don't understand you we have heard that story far toooo many times and everytime it gets another twist and for those that believe his twists you must need someone to r come read you a bedtime story every night or jfallow Johns way and make it up as we go along.
I thought we were hearing a speech for President but again nothing and I mean nothing all we know is 8 years of McBusyh and now another repeat of 4 Years of McBush .
They are the party of trash ,hate,lies anything crooked flys w/them as long as they have Oil to fill their pockets and war.

I'm tired of this. I have watched every speech and debate for the past year from both of these candidates. This independent chose Barack Obama. Yesterday was the clincher. Behind all the words is the actions and decisions the candidates make and it is clear Mr. McCain chose a wholly unqualified individual in the only real test the candidates have before election. She insulted genuine americans of every party and creed who care for their comunities. I am apalled at the lack of judgement of this VP pick. It is clear Mr. McCain does not have the people's interests at heart. Politics is more important to him. I will do ANYTHING to make sure Mr. Obama is our next leader.

Man, Gergen, I wish you had been one of my professors in college – the speech was thin and not compelling . . . but you're giving it an A? McCain's speech was pandering and boring. His own platform wasn't winning him the election, so now he's trying to hijack Obama's message of "change," except he's offering no solutions. He's saying the same words Bush said 8 years, 4 years ago, and they're just as empty. The scary part is, there are a lot of morons out there who are easily convinced.

I cannot blame McCain for having nothing to say, He has no plans for USA but more war. He only reminded us tonight that much glory is in fighting other contries

Gergen, Give it an A !!!! OMG. McCain should go down in the Guiness
Book of World Records for the number of times the man said "I", never
we. How egotistical can a man become!!!!!!

You gave it a WHAT? Were we watching the same speech?

He didn't address ANY of the issues currently facing our nation.

His POW story is moving… I'll buy the book when it comes out.

I want answers on how he and the Republican Party are going to fix the failed policies of the Bush Administration. By not even recognizing that there are failed policies to fix… that just proves that a vote for McCain is a vote for 4 more years of the last 8 years.

Our nation is in the throes of turmoil…. and choosing a mouthy and snide VP AND giving tax breaks for the wealthy just aren't going to fix it. We need SERIOUS ANSWERS TO SERIOUS PROBLEMS AND ALL WE GOT TONIGHT IS MORE OF THE SAME REPUBLICAN TALKING POINTS.

WAKE UP, AMERICA!!! VOTE SMART…. NOT SENILE!!

A word for Tiffany, Conserned Citizen and Patricia: Your Stupid and retarded.

McCain/Palin '08

As usual, I'm sure my comment won't be posted but I'll say it anyway.

There is nothing new here at all. I get the whole "Maverick" POW thing, but do you really want a guy who prides himself on being (not to mention being confirmed to be one by almost everyone who knows him) a loose cannon?

Then there's a VP who won't face the media because the questions are too hard and unfair because she's a woman, but will berate a man for giving back to his community…..then hide in her own personal "cone of silence" and cry the blues.

All I can say is the United States has a real "value system" problem if this is who you want representing you in the world and building your shattered country back to its former glory.

Wow, if this ticket even gets close you are all crazier than I thought.

I am worried that the Republicans will try to put me in a concentration camp.

Like Bush tells the young people, they won't need Social Security.
Well, let me tell them: Work hard, pay your billis and with the
Cost of Living going us and the pay going down, good luck.

To save in this economy is hard. To save and put your money in
the stock market is a BIG GAMBLE!!!!!! Believe me, kids, you
will need all (and more) of your Social Security Benefits. Time
flys and so does money.

No he didn't you liar!

We all know you are saying one thing in public and another in private just like all the GOP talking heads.

That speech was boring

And Palin just lied and lied and lied.

Convention speeches from either party never provide detailed answers to hard issue questions. These speeches are about rallying the party around the chosen candidate. Obama also had zero substance in his styrofoam Greek column speech.

Except the economy is doing fine, we never had a recession and now are showing fairly standard growth and unemployment is down. I can't believe the outright lies that Schneider propagates in the hope of electing Obama. I literally scared of the debt Obama will tack on to our already outrageous deficit. John McCain has it right: cut government spending.

no way, McCain

Wait, so your saying McCain is like Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump? Angry old ex-vet with long military pedigree? Well, gee, that changes everything.

By the way, how can you square the tough talk about bringing change and standing up to failed policies when McCain lacked the fortitude to stand up to Rush Limbaugh and Charlie Black and pick the man he actually thought could help him govern America and would really have been a break from history? I mean, I don't like Joe Lieberman, don't think it would have made me vote for McCain, but it would have been a heck of a lot more consistent with change than picking an underqualified social conservative who no one knows, can't be allowed to speak to the press yet, and seems driven to reignite the culture wars of the 1980s.

Or is that what he meant by protecting the environment – recycling old, hack political strategies of the past?

Remember… I was a POW.

CNN keeps the game close in their opinion to sqweeze out every last drop of campain advertisment dollars from both sides.
We are being DUPED!

As a 20-year Air Force veteran, I’m well familiar with the personal sacrifices one can makes in behalf of service to this great country of ours. Undeniably, Sen. John McCain has served this country with honor and distinction, and we will forever owe him our deepest gratitude for the profound sacrifice he’s made.
However, the extent of oral and visual tribute to his P.O.W. days over the past 3 days of this convention, including that within his own speech, leaves me feeling that all of us who watched have been subjected to some sort of indoctrination on the topic of his service and sacrifice. It’s as if we are now expected to accept McCain’s positions on things and not challenge him, because he was a Vietnam War P.O.W., and we should think twice before stepping out of line—as that would be considered unpatriotic.

McCain has always been formidable when his cause was just. It takes tremendous courage and character to survive POW camp. However, this time his cause is just not that just. It's just too close to Bush and just too kind and gentle to big oil and just too cozy with the fundamentalists who have attempted to hijack this country. And, just in time, Obama stands too formidably in his way. Obama is for justice and not just for the rich. McCain is just too little and just too late.

Aaron, you caught onto the same thing I did, although I am not as cynical of Obama. I think Obama would try harder to fulfill the change you speak of, because he studied hard in college in preparation to do just that. Then he placed himself in one of the US's most politically corrupt states in order to practice and sharpen his skills. He really put himself to the test by fighting against some of the worst of the worst. He studied them and learned to beat them at their own games – without using corruption himself. You see that he was not quick to jump into the conflict in Georgia unlike McCain who proclaimed that all Americans are Georgians!

I have to wonder how the republicans will feel once they realize that for SOME REASON, their "maverick" is striving to be the "empty suit"!

David Gergen, you must be sleep deprived. Take a nap, then come and revisit your analysis. Obama/Biden will kick McBush/Palincheney rear all the way to Wasilla

One more thing, what kind of experience paves the way for a successful president? Can somebody please define and qualify the experience needed for a candidate to be labeled as "experienced" or "inexperienced"?

People seem hang up on governors for their executive experience, I guess. But look no further than W with his extremely "experienced" herd — collective disaster!

Do people and the press has anything to say about McCain then war hero? Those that he fought with in vietnam are they not war hero.? Does McCain war hero put food in our table, feed the hunger, make people stop losing their homes? With all do respect he is using that war hero for everything. What about the others who went through the same as he did they never made boost of it because they know they went to bring freedom. for one I'm tired of this endless praise.

HILARY CLINTON SAID IT BEST. NO WAY NO HOW NO JOHN MCCAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH YEAH AND PALIN.LOL.

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008!!!!!!!

I think by now we ALL know he was a POW.But that don't change the last eight years.And he has ALOT to do with that!!!And I'm sorry,give ME a shot at it now from the top?I sure hope Not!!!

he also used the same speech 'theme' as the rev. wright did in his interview with reporters a few months ago.

is that funny ,or what?

Boring. Period.

Palin = Reagan 2.0

Run to the hills hippies and ask your mommies to hold your sniveling emaciated little pasty bodies.

I just wish that thses reporters stop being scared of the republican party and tell the truth. John McCain has no idea of change in America…just more of the same McCain….and is trigger happy, by he way..Palin is trigger happy as well! Check it out!

NO WAY! NO HOW! NO MCCAIN!

I must have been watching another speech. Oh I remember….I slept through it.

I can't wait for John and Sarah to board that newly painted plane, drop McCain off in Arizona for good and Palin off in Alaska for good, and sell that plane on eBay. John McCain is an "empty suit" trying so hard to fill himself with Obama's substance. Sarah Palin is an ambitious woman, but terribly naive and easy to use and abuse (when she isn't being abusive herself that is).

CNN let's not be so self serving. As a network you have milked this campaign season for some of the best ratings ever. The under card featuring Hillary and Obama like the William sisters meeting at the US Open was the main event. Now your trying to sell the main event as competitive when you know and all 40 million people know it is non-competitive, a dud. Barack is the winner on merit and performance.
Stop with the artifical grading and start reporting the facts.

The speech seemed disjointed, talked over thru applause and not put together very well.

He did not seem to give very many specifics, and the ones he did, such as on energy (in terms of drilling, more alternative fuels, etc.), his record is different than what he said.

As a side note, this was not the place for protesters to express their protests. That was unfortunate.

I don't trust him and trully believe that he spoke in that way because we all know that this is probably his last shot at the white house. He clearly had said a few months that "the economy has not one of his strenghts".
Also, was is so wrong to have a Ivy league education, especially when you are economically disadvantage, and black? See, Obama was right:" John McCain and the republicans, just don't get it."

I too was wondering how you could level substantial criticism at his speech, and then casually drop an "A." Amazing the level of spin necessary to "not seem partisan" and to "keep the race close." I thought an A meant flawless. Now we're handing out "A"s to meh speeches?

I share your desire for less partisan rancour. For that, McCain deserves high marks.

Those who find his speach "boring" would likely be criticising him if it were a more entertaining speech for the lack of substance. He actually provided a more detailed economic plan that Obama did last week.

Mr. Gergen, What are you thinking sir? Formidable; I think not.

;it's obvious you don't listen to OBAMA he's said plenty of times he will stick to the constitution(constitutional law professor)and he would use diplomacy over force whenever possible.If we leave Iraq we will be saving 10 billion per month we can use that to start paying off some of that national debt. so PLEASE do a better job of listening next time( AARON) OBAMA/BIDEN "08″

I don't know if I was more board or let down that their was not more of a focus on the issues. I dont want to hear what McCain thinks about Obama and I really don't want to hear about his war record again!

Mr. Gergen I have listened to you for years and have the utmost respect for your opinion; but in this blog, I don't have a clue where you're headed. Either Sen. McCain had a good speach or he didn't. It can't be both ways. This is a man with nothing more than an…ooops I got shot down and did prison time in Viet Nam; to being elected Senator to one of God's mistakes (Arizona) for about thirty years! He has no "executive experience" to brag about and after selecting a woman he met once to run with him…I think that about sums up his mental state. So please; come out with an opinion and leave the wishy washy stuff to folks who try to make "Coal" sound like "Clean Coal".

Gergen you sound like a double minded person sometimes. As old as you are, are you that gaullible to shoot straight? I hate hypocrites like you. Say what you mean and mean what you say. At least that's what I like about Bill Scheinder.

Bravo aaron. Could not have said it better. Unfortunately we know the "changes" you outlined will not be pursued. And we know why. This whole show is not about making ours a better country. It is all about power and WINNING. Never mind our country.

aaron;it's obvious you don't listen to OBAMA he's said plenty of times he will stick to the constitution(constitutional law professor)and he would use diplomacy over force whenever possible.If we leave Iraq we will be saving 10 billion per month we can use that to start paying off some of that national debt. so PLEASE do a better job of listening next time OBAMA/BIDEN "08″

Where you listening to the same speech I was? John McCain once again rates our respect for his courage and sacrifice while a POW, but that does not mean he should lead this country. If it were 2000, I'd vote for him, but this is 2008 and in my humble opinion he has sold out as the Palin selection glaringly demonstrates. She's no reformer, she's an opportunist. How she can still stand up and tell bald faced lies is amazing. She exists in a constant state of denial. With many qualified GOP women to chose from he picks her? Bad choice John, you lost this independent voter's vote.

There is something I do not understand. Why would an enemy nation, during a war offer to release a prisoner because his father was an admiral? What kind of a deal was the admiral proposing? Please some one of you bloggers may be able to tell me how the son of a high ranking
officer was so priviliged?

Yawn…glad that speech is over with…same old…same old. This man cannot fix America, he is part of the problem.

The Republicans are not going to pamper him and protect him the way the Clinton campaign did.

Senator McCain looks great for a dual centenarian!

"It is worth remembering that a McCain has fought in every American war since 1776″ It's difficult to forget when that is what is touted every ten seconds from the campaign. It seems they need some humility, even though military servicemen deserve to be treated with honor, it is quite dishonorable to use it as a means to obtain a government position. Had Senator McCain not served in the military would he still be able to run on his record based on accomplishments in the senate? His military service should be viewed from all angles including one that A) foresees his service as a liability for unending war and B) someone who is too cozy with American exceptionalism.

I would not mind a McCain presidency, but I can't bear the thought of a possible Palin presidency down the road. So Obama will get my vote.

Hum?

This democrat will support the McCain- Palin ticket.

McCain makes me feel like I can trust him, where as Obama has LIED so many times and changes his opinion so many times that it makes us uneasy about what will he actually do if he wins.

As soon as he was the nominee, he started dumping and distancing from some of the main issues that helped him beat Senator Clinton.

Which of the many Obamas is the one we will end up with in the White House?

At least with McCain we know we are getting what we see.

Even though McCain doesn't have the eloquence of Obama he did get his message through to America. I particularly liked that he will cut off the funding to countries that don't like us. His message on energy was spot on. I was leaning toward Obama just for the health care but now I'm giving McCain second thoughts.

Obama better start being exact on his issues with details. Generalities are good for the primary but that is over now.

why are you guys so scared of mccain now that he said that you are trashing palin , please, please be real and stop tip toeing through the tulips, she is more of the same like mcsame.

I am an independent and believe both McCain and Obama are one in the same. As the election moves closer, so do they. Now McCain promises 'change' and like Obama has no idea what change is. Sadly, change would be adhering to the U.S. constitution, paying off the debt, preserving personal liberties, and stop meddling in other country's business. Neither offer the above, and our (U.S.) media doesn't seem to care.

He did?

Were we watching the same speech?

I am truly confused. You write the following:

" In terms of addressing America's big challenges, however, I found the speech much less compelling. It was a very general recitation of fairly standard Republican approaches (how is he really different from Bush on policy?), and it did not address many issues such as getting us out of an economic ditch, heading off the worst financial crisis since the Depression, exploding health care costs, and more. Overall, I thought that part of the speech was thin."

Then you go on to state that the ticket will be formidable and you give the speech an "A."

What am I missing here?

McCain is NOT running for "best POW." He is running for president. YES, his service to our country was inspiring and his experience harrowing. BUT, the challenges facing this country are not the challenges faced by him over 30 years ago as a POW. They are the challenges you outlined above, the part of his speech you called thin. That part of his speech was supposed to tell us what he will do as President and he gave us more of the same, which is nothing.

As a memoir of his life, he gets an "A," as a presidential speech he gets an "incomplete."

Wow, I clearly must have been viewing another speech. His speech was boring and didn't seems to connect with the audience. This could be case of the #2 outshining #1. Pretty dangerous!!!!!!!