President Barack Obama’s marquee Wednesday night speech at the Democratic National Convention was held up even by some conservatives as the kind of address the country deserves in the current political moment.
Pundits who fundamentally disagree with the majority of Obama’s policies expressed grudging admiration for an optimistic speech that praised America’s inclusive democracy. It provided a stark contrast to the ominous address about the threats facing the United States that Donald Trump gave at last week’s Republican convention in Cleveland.
Some suggested that Obama’s speech, which quoted the Declaration of Independence and framed the U.S. as a “light of freedom, dignity and human rights,” did a better job at expressing conservative values than Trump’s did.
Most of those who commented are on the record as fervent members of the #NeverTrump movement. Tim Miller, America Rising PAC co-founder and former communications director for Jeb Bush, said the disparity between the conventions would push a generation of young voters away from the Republican Party, while New York Times columnist Ross Douthat said Obama’s speech should make GOPers ashamed of what their party has become.
Michelle Obama’s deeply personal speech on Monday, which made the case for having black and female leaders in governance, also earned bipartisan accolades.
Will a Trump apologist explain to me why an 18 yo watching the conventions would want to be a Republican? We’re giving away a generation
— Tim Miller (@Timodc) July 28, 2016
A speech to make Republican elites feel sickened (as they should be) by what their party has nominated.
— Ross Douthat (@DouthatNYT) July 28, 2016
I disagree with the President on so much policy and his agenda, but appreciate the hope and optimism in this speech.
— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) July 28, 2016
I started the evening saying for the first time I thought Trump could win. Then Obama spoke. I’m so angry at my own party right now.
— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) July 28, 2016
Great speech. And we made it easy for him.
— Rory Cooper (@rorycooper) July 28, 2016
Trump is asking Russian President for help. Hillary Clinton is asking an American President.
— stuart stevens (@stuartpstevens) July 28, 2016
American exceptionalism and greatness, shining city on hill, founding documents, etc–they’re trying to take all our stuff
— Rich Lowry (@RichLowry) July 28, 2016
Still stunned. Feel like I’m in the twilight zone. Obama just defended America & conservative values from attacks by the Republican nominee.
— (((AG))) (@AG_Conservative) July 28, 2016
Lowry, you stupid f**k; it’s NOT your stuff!
Is it wrong that I am smiling?
We’ll be glad to accept their votes. They don’t even have to tell anyone that they voted for Democrats. (That’s the whole thing about a secret ballot!)
As TPM noted, yesterday, Sen. McCaskill predicts that most of her Republican Senate colleagues will secretly vote for Hillary.
It’s a trend!
We’re not taking it - you gave it away to a fascist clown.
Well, that’s just dandy. It’s almost August of 2016 and a few of the more broad-minded righties are saying, “Hey, you know, this guy’s actually pretty good.” And all it took was for them to have a presidential candidate who’s a lunatic buffoon by way of contrast. Insightful people, these folks.