Francis Beckwith on President Obama's Abortion Comments

Justin Taylor posted a piece of President Obama's recent comments on abortion, and Francis Beckwith, Baylor Philosophy Professor and Senior Visiting Fellow at Norte Dame, made some comments after reading President Obama's quotes on Justin Taylor's blog. I found them very provoking and very needed.

President Obama:

"On the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we are reminded that this decision not only protects women's health and reproductive freedom, but stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman's right to choose.

While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue, no matter what our views, we are united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, and support women and families in the choices they make. To accomplish these goals, we must work to find common ground to expand access to affordable contraception, accurate health information, and preventative services.

On this anniversary, we must also recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights and opportunities as our sons: the chance to attain a world-class education; to have fulfilling careers in any industry; to be treated fairly and paid equally for their work; and to have no limits on their dreams. That is what I want for women everywhere."

Professor Francis Beckwith:

"Apparently, the only way our daughters can be successful is if they are permitted to kill our grandchildren.

So, without surgery so that women can be like men, women are unequal to men. Thus, according to Obama, women are congenitally inferior unless they can have abortions.

I don't even think the worst chauvinists in the world have implied anything so outrageous."

Sometimes the assumptions of the pro-choice argument can be deconstructed from the inside out. Beckwith demonstrates this clearly and poignantly.

President Obama is right in that this is a "sensitive and divisive issue," yet I disagree that this means that the ultimate issue is coming together on finding ways to "reduce the need for abortion." That sentence does not work for anyone who believes that there is never a need for abortion.

"Need for abortion." "Need for abortion." Listen to what that is saying. It presupposes a belief and one that is antithetical to the pro-life position.

The belief and assumption that President Obama carries into his viewpoint of pro-choice is not unifying but divisive. Where one comes down on certain issues eliminates the possiblity of agreeable conclusions. I am united to eliminate (and see a decrease in) abortion, but not the "need" for it. This is not a common viewpoint, nor is it a unifying foundation that President Obama has laid.

However, I would be called narrow. I would be the one that is divisive, because the sentence is framed in such a way that anyone who disagrees with the assumptions of his "unifying" statement is forced into divisiveness. I think its better just to admit that both of us are divisive. President Obama elevates the choice of the born pregnant female over the unborn male-female, and I elevate the right to life of the unborn male-female over that of the choice of the born pregnant female. Of course, I have made just a ton of assumptions, of which I believe to be true, and so has our President.

I sincerely hope that President Obama's goal is truly to do all that he can to lessen abortion. Oftentimes, one's who hold the pro-choice position insist that they really do not want to see more abortions, but less. However, it is paragraphs like his that do not give me that impression. In his view, a born female choice is supreme, the unborn human or unborn potential human is secondary. In that model the goal is not to decrease abortion but to elevate choice. Let's not act like we agree on the assumptions.

It is possible to honor someone with who you vehemently disagree with. I do honor President Obama as my President, and in honor, I radically express my disagreement with him. Somehow this can be done without compromise and with civility.

Honor and Pray for President Obama

(Image Source: Huffington Post)

Serbian Abortionist Now Pro-Life

A wonderful story about a former Serbian abortionist who is now a pro-life activist says that during one abortion his mind was changed:

"...However, the baby's heart came out still beating. Adasevic realized then that he had killed a human being..."

Like Adasevic, I pray that President Elect Obama's mind and heart would be changed and that his strong pro-choice position is changed to a vigilant pro-life position.

(HT: Z)

The End of Obama's Speech

I was particularly affected and moved by the end of President-Elect Obama's speech. The progress he spoke of I am thankful for and the call to live for another generation is a call self-centered American's, like me, need to hear:

"This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing -- Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call."

President-Elect Barack Obama

A historic night indeed...

May we honor and pray for our new President-Elect.

(Image Source: MSNBC)

Election Day! Go Vote!

The Implications of King Jesus the Day before Election Day

'Twas the day before election day and I can't help but think about the implications of King Jesus...

I'm reminded afresh of who I am and who I serve.  At the core of my identity I am a part of a "chosen nation" (1 Pe. 2:9).   My "nation" is first not any earthly nation with borders, but the kingdom of God.  Allegiance to King Jesus always comes before any American patriotism.

I have been elected by God the Father not via democracy but by His sovereign choice.  I did not choose my Ruler.  I did not get a vote in the process of my election.  My Ruler chose me.    

As my pastor aptly pointed out in yesterday's sermon, I do not have deserved "rights" in this kingdom, as I do in America, anything I have is "undeserved."  Being a King's kid has thousands of priviledges that are greater then being an American, yet every priviledge is derived from grace and never from rights that I deserve or fought for.  Every priviledge has been given to me, even though I committed treason, by my sinfulness, against the King of the Kingdom.  I did not fight for any right, rather the King fought for me and bought me every "spiritual blessing" (Eph. 1:3).

My King served me in a way I could never serve myself.  King Jesus said, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). This is an odd King.  Rather then sending His subjects and citizens to death--this King "gives his life."  However, that is not nuanced enough, for I too am called to suffer as a follower of King Jesus.  If the State demands my allegiance to say that anything or anyone else is "Lord" besides King Jesus, I do not bow.  At that point I am called to die in allegiance to King Jesus, rather then say anything or anyone else is my sovereign.

The kings of the earth, and many Presidents, think they rule and act in a way as if they are the only Sovereign.  Rather, they are ruled.  Any sovereignty of any nation's ruler is derived and curbed in the soverignty of King Jesus.  Jesus is the "ruler of the kings of the earth" (Rev. 1:5).  I give a President to much clout when I am overly excited or overly depressed about the outcome of any election, because that President is ruled by King Jesus.

America is not my home.  In fact, the whole earth I will inherit.  The Gospel of the Kingdom has no borders.  The message of the Kingdom is for every border and every tribe and tongue.  I need to live in such a way that reflects that my concern is not chiefly American, but for the whole earth.  I am a part of a kingdom that is mutinational and multiethnic.  If I live and think and breathe only for the American agenda I probably am not living the life of the Kingdom as I should.  This does not mean I am to be unAmerican or a passive citizen.  On the contrary, I am to "honor the" President and to live as an honorable and dutiful citizen (1 Pe. 2:17).  I am thankful for this country and glad to be a citizen of it, yet I am an alien on the earth and resident of heaven, and an inheritor of the new heavens and the new earth where "righteousnes dwells" (2 Pe. 3:13).

I reject conservative self-righteousness and liberal naivete.  I am called to the upside-down values of the Kingdom: where the last is first, the internal is more important than the external, and the Gospel fulfills the Law.  

There has been a whole lot of "I" in this little blog.  That itself is a bit wrong-headed for the "I" individualism of the America does not reflect the corporate and "we-us" language of the Bible.  I am a part of the people of God.  "I" am called to live not for self but for "us."

Party-agendas and platforms, no matter what one, do not sum up who I am or what I stand for.  I am an ambassador for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the true Lord of the world and King of Kings.  I proclaim His message that frees people from sin, that which no political party's message can ever do.  I proclaim the historical event that Jesus died and was resurrected, and by doing so forgave sinners, defeated the devil, and triumphed over death.  This message, this Gospel of the Kingdom, is what I am called to live for and die for.  

Democracy may be good, but it is not eternal.  I am a servant of King Jesus.  My knee will bow to King Jesus, as my temporary vote is cast tomorrow.

Jefferson on the Government's Financial Books

"We might hope to see the finances of the Union as clear and intelligible as a merchant's books, so that every member of Congress and every man of any mind in the Union should be able to comprehend them, to investigate abuses, and consequently to control them."

President Thomas Jefferson to Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin, 1802

Nations are in the hands of God

"All nations are in the hands of YHWH, the living God. Their victories too are not to be attributed to their own gods but rather the sovereignty of YHWH. And sometimes God may use a nation, any nation, as the agent of historical justice in the arena of international affairs. That in itself does not make the nation so used any more righteous than another (as Israel were categorically told). All it means is that God remains sovereign." Christopher Wright, The Mission of God, 460

Live-Blogging the VP Debate

5:35 On my 200th post here at blogger, I'll be live blogging the VP debate this eve.  

5:49 Getting the sense from CNN that the race here is really heading strong toward Obama.  They say momentum is clearly his, and Palin, though, with a strong performance, can put the momentum on pause, but it would take a huge gaffe of Biden or an major news event to reverse the trend. Campbell Brown did just make the point that they haven't talked about Biden much at all, but this debate is about Palin.

5:53  Howard Fineman of Newsweek and MSNBC thinks that as long as Biden gets off the stage without any major mistakes and the media not talking about him it would be in Biden's favor.  

5:56 80 million people is the record for a debate night, notes a FoxNews commentator.

5:59 Chris Matthews of MSNBC makes a good point that most of the cute buzz words the media talked about was all prepped and scripted anyway.  He did not speak positively of it, and hopes for some true spontaneity and memorable moments.

6:03 The questions have not been shared or cleared by either campaign.  The questions start...

6:07  Biden blaming most of the economic policies on the Bush administration in response to the deep economic issues of late.  Fundamental disagreement, Biden notes, is he and Obama want to help the regular guy and not the "wealthy."

Palin says that McCain sounded the alarm on Fannie and Freddie and such early on, and says many at soccer games would be fearful.  In other words, economic crisis is not just a Wall Street issue, but a Main Street one.

6:10 Palin says McCain meant the "American workforce" when he said the fundamentals of the American economy were strong.  This was in response to Biden's disdain for McCain's remark.

6:12 Palin calls for the American people to not get ourselves in debt and "don't live outside of our means."  Biden says that Obama warned 2 years ago about the sub-prime crisis and notes that McCain said, in the past, that he was "suprised" by it.  

6:15 Palin says that over ninety times Obama either voted against tax cuts or did not vote for them.  Obama did not vote to raise taxes says Biden.  Biden says Palin is not answering the questions.

6:18  Again the classic line Democrats, echoed by Biden, say divide between Republican's is: Repub's are for the wealthy.

6:25  Promises made that won't be kept, asks the moderator: 

Biden- we will slow down committment to double foreign assistance.

Palin- not answering the question.  Instead launches into an attack on Obama's energy policy and the positive things she's done in Alaska.  After being prompted by the moderator, Palin says she hasn't made any promises, being that she's only been at this for 5 weeks, that won't be kept, except to "put the government back on the side of the people."

6:30  Again Biden points out Obama warned 2 years ago about sub-prime crisis and McCain was surprised by it.

6:30 Palin launching, unasked, into energy policy again and the reliance upon foreign oil.  "Energy independence is the key to American's future."  She also believes its a key economic issue and national security issue.

6:34 Palin doesn't want to argue about the causes of of climate change, but to make policies that deal with it.  Biden thinks climate change is all man-made.  Palin doesn't.  She thinks it is also cyclical.  

6:38 Biden supports same-sex benefits, as they do, according to the moderator, in Alaska.  Obama and Biden do not support gay marriage.  Palin doesen't either.  

6:44 Palin pointing out that the Surge in Iraq has worked and Obama voted against it.  Biden says Obama has a plan that is the same as Bush and and the prime minister of the Iraq are now, post-Obama's plan, working on.  "You're plan is a white-flag of surrender," comes back Palin.  

6:47 John McCain has been "dead wrong" on the fundamental issues realting to the Iraq War--"that's the facts."  Biden and Obama have been focused on Pakistan who have nuclear weapons now.  Biden says an attack on the homeland now will come not from Iraq but from the hills of Afghanistan and Pakistan.  

6:52 A "two-state solution is the solution" for Israel and Palestine, says Palin.  Biden: "No one in the United States Senate has been a better friend to Israel then Joe Biden."

6:56 Palin: "There have been huge blunders in the war...and throughout this administration."  She goes on to say that there is "too much finger-pointing backwards" to the Bush Administration by the Obama campaign that supposedly is about "change" in the future.  Biden doesn't believe there is any proof that a McCain administration would be different.

7:00 According to Palin, the surge principles, though not the same strategy, should occur in Afghanistan.  Biden states that today the commanding General in Afghanistan clearly said that "the surge principles of Iraq will not work in Afghanistan." 

7:05 Moderator notes that Biden is for putting troops on the ground in Darfur.  This I did not know, and this concern of Biden's I applaud in this difficult region, though I do not know precisely what strategy would be wise.  Biden can't stomach genocide, and thinks we should rally the world to act and demonstrate it by our own action in Darfur.  It is the strongest statement on Darfur I have heard yet out of Washington.  Good work, Senator Biden.

7:07 Palin comments on Darfur as well and says she is waiting for some legislation in her own state to pass to help Darfur, and supports a no fly zone and doing whatever we can to help that region.  

7:11 In response to the moderator's question, Biden would carry out Obama's policies if Obama was ever to die.  "This is the most important election since 1932," says Biden.  Why always these superlatives?  Palin would have some different energy policies then McCain.

7:13 Biden again connecting the Bush Administration to the McCain.  Palin prodding him, in her characteristic smile, to look ahead to the future and quit looking at the past.  No Child Left Behind is not doing the job, says Palin, as she draws a difference between McCain ticket and Bush Administration.  

7:17 Joe Biden: "Vice President Cheney probably the most dangerous Vice President in America history."  That indeed is a strong statement/accusation.  

7:22 Biden getting emotional, and right there just connected with the public, on saying that he has had the experience of not knowing if a kid is "going to make it."  He also makes the case that a woman isn't the only one that is concerned about one's kids.  A strong father-moment for Biden.

7:25 Biden: McCain has not been a maverick on many of the things that matter to the American people.

7:29 How do we change the tone in partisanship?  Biden says that he will not question the motive another member of the Senate in disagreement but will question their judgment.  Palin says that you appoint people, as she has done in Alaska, regardless of party.  

7:32 Palin makes another hit on the mainstream media in her closing statement.  She says that we must fight for our freedom, both economic and national security.  A vote for John McCain is the only vote for one who has a proven record of fighting for the people.  Biden says its time for America to get up together, and they are ready to lead the country.  End.

7:38 Hume of FoxNews note it wasn't as heated as the Presidential debate, but clear attacks from both parties.  Hume says Palin seemed comfortable and got better as the debate went on.  I agree with that.  Chris Matthews, of MSNBC, amazed that Palin is asking for more power as VP. "Joe Biden gave the best performance of his life," notes a CNN commentator.  

7:40 Chris Matthew thinks watching Palin was like watching a "spelling bee" and reciting.

7:41 A FoxNews comentator makes a similar "spelling bee" comment in regards to Palin.

7:51 Foxnews independents, on a TV set, resonated with the Palin comments on everyone taking responsiblity.  CNN independents, on a TV set, supposedly made a decision on who to vote for tonight far more then last weeks Presidential debate.  

7:55 Senator Fred Thompson (R) says, in regards to Palin, positively that he has "never seen a performance like that."

8:00  I thought controversial Gwen Iffil did a good job moderating this debate.  I did not sense any sort of partisanship to either candidate.  If you are not aware, there were worries she is biased toward Obama.  I saw none of that.

8:07  CNN reporter notes, from the debate hall, that it was a warmer atmosphere then the Presidential debate.  Not that there wasn't disagreement--there was--but it was a "friendlier" atmosphere.  MSNBC's Keith Olbermann opinionist (he is not a reporter), as usual, tearing into Palin on matters like her constantly going back to energy and not answering questions.

8:09 Olbermann says Palin "did not crash and did not burn, but she also didn't answer the questions."  I think, there is a strong point to that.  Fineman of Newsweek and MSNBC says virtually the same thing.

8:12 National poll from CNN of people who watched the debate...Biden did best job with 51% of vote...64% said Biden did better then expected...84% thought Palin did better then expected.

Adios.

The "Gift" of Cerebral Palsy and the Horror of Abortion

(HT: Ray Ortlund Jr.)

Thoughts on Politics after Live-Blogging Both Parties

Let's make this clear: I like politics and am a Christian, and one who finds the idea of a "Christian nation" without the person of Jesus Christ bodily present dangerous. I'm looking to Jesus coming and establishing new heavens and new earth as King. The value of this kingdom is not one nation under God but many nations made as one under the Triune God.

I find abortion horrendous and think it matters even when not politically expedient to talk about. The idea that the economy is the main issue displays that we've got issues. As long as "potential" human beings are being killed it matters. I believe that a fetus is a baby. When many, including myself, at times, says: "O, your pregnant. Is it a boy or a girl?" The "it" is a human being created in the image of God.

I don't think kids in public schools should be forced to pray in school. Taking "prayer" out of schools was not the downfall moment in American history. This is contrary to Carman.

The state as state is to "bear the sword" to enforce justice in the land. This does not mean Christians, as individuals, are to "bear the sword," but it may mean Christians as members of the state, in fact, must at times use the sword. This means militaristic decisions and actions can be made by Christians in office.

However, chiefly, Christians must remember that they represent Jesus who did not take the sword and did not come (at first) to establish an earthly kingdom but died for sinners. He called His people to follow a path of suffering and not a path of militancy.

Conservative arrogance is disgusting.

If image and magnetic personality is what wins political elections (probably mostly due to the medium of television) then Obama and Palin are in and McCain and Biden are out. And if image and personality determines election we have deep problems. Jesus the Messiah and Paul the Apostle would never have won an election, nor would they have ran for one.

Here are my favorite lines from the two conventions:

"America needs to be known for the power of example rather then an example of power." President Bill Clinton (quote paraphrased).

"...Martha opened the door of her classroom. In walked 27 veterans, some wearing uniforms from years gone by, but each one carrying a school desk. As they carefully and quietly arranged the desks in neat rows, Martha said, 'You don't have to earn your desks...these guys already did...No one charged you for your desk. But it wasn't really free. These guys bought it for you. And I hope you never forget it.' I wish we all would remember that being American is not just about the freedom we have. It's about those who gave it to us." Governor Mike Huckabee

"I was blessed by misfortune." Senator John McCain

Live-Blogging Palin's Night at the RNC

5:15 Palin has been impaled by constant media coverage, some not too nice, so she has a lot to prove this evening. I am looking forward to this speech, dare I say, more than McCain's tomorrow. Some say that if she does well tonight all the backlash she has received the last few days will make her critics look really bad. If she doesn't perform well her critics look right and the McCain campaign face a downhill slope. We shall see...

Obama will be on the O'reilly Factor for the first time tomorrow.

Read Peggy Noonan's article in the WSJ today. It is good. (HT: JT)

This morning I heard on MSNBC some gentlemen basically mock the RNC for the large focus on abortion at the convention. It was treated as an old issue that was discussed in the 80's when now we've, in effect, moved onto more pressing issues like the fact that people are losing their houses. Gimme a break. Houses more important than whether what is in the womb is a human being or not? Now, I doubt the commenter wants to reduce issues of life on an equal playing field to that of housing but that he did.

Inserting Picture for effect regarding above sentence:

Housing


20 week-old baby

(Sources: Image 1 & Image 2)

5:30 "The biggest Vice Presidential speech ever", thus saith O'Reilly.

5:45 A good reminder from Paul the Apostle, in Romans 13:1, when thinking politically: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." Whether McCain or Obama their authority is derived and given, ultimately, from the sovereign authority of God over and above the authority of the voters. America only thinks the choice is theirs...

5:52 Romney, Huckabee, Guliani up to come this evening on the platform. There has to be a joke there somewhere with those three....

6:10 Romney is hammering liberals. Liberal vs. Conservative. "We need change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington."

6:45 Huckabee congratulating the "elite media for uniting the Republican party." Huckabee throws out a nice compliment to Obama and his historic nomination. Some things we don't want to change: "freedom, security, and the opportunity to prosper." A little play on Obama's change theme. Palin "got more votes running for Governor of Alaska then Joe Biden did running for President of the United States." Clever Huckabee. Olberman of MSNBC corrects Huckabee saying the vote statement is inaccurate and that Lincoln did not found the Republican party. Takes a little zing out of what was a strong ending to Huckabee's speech with an analogy of how kids get there school-desks. Answer: because the veterans earned it for them. Kids can't earn their desks. The veterans already paid the price for freedom to have them. The story was solid and sounded more like a sermon.

6:55 CNN seems to think, at least the current commentators, that the convention has gone too far right and compromises the idea of John McCain as reaching across party lines.

7:00 Another CNN commentator making a strong point about key women who have spoken at the convention like McCain's economic advisor and HP's CEO, which does reach across party lines and isn't classically "Republican."

CNN interviewer going after the sister of Palin on family issues and she is staying private and quiet. Good response.

7:11 Guliani up and rolling with the horizon of New York in the background. He thinks this election is the most important in a lifetime. Everything nowadays is the most important thing/event/person/idea in a lifetime. Guliani points out that everyone acknowledges McCain is an American hero and has "proved his commitment with his blood." Guliani snickering at Obama working as a "community organizer" immersing himself in Chicago politics. Hammering the indecisiveness of Obama voting "present" not "yes or no." An African American man is cheering at that line--shot by CNN. Obama has never run a city, state, military unit and has never had to lead people in crisis. Barack Obama "has never led anything...nada"....Cindy McCain says--me mouthreading--"thats good." Speech mainly showing the great difference in experience against Barack and John. He had some cute one-liners.

7:22 Much talk on the Surge and its success in Iraq. Intense speech by Guliani mainly labeling Obama as a flip-flopper toward the end. Some pretty clear and strong labels there in typical Guliani fashion. His advice to Obama when mulling over the next issue: "Next time call John McCain."

7:28 Endorsing strongly McCain's VP Palin and contrasting her executive experience w/ Obama's. A lot of cheers here toward the end. The strongest speech I've seen yet at the RNC and the most enthusiasm I've seen of course not in comparison to last Thursday at the football stadium. Guliani finishes...

7:28.30 Palin enters to lots of cheers immediately following Rudy.

7:31 She's honored to accept the nomination.

7:47 Introducing--2 boys and 3 girls in-between. A perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig, who as you know has Down Syndrome. "Our family has the same ups and downs as any other." She will be an "advocate" for special needs kids. "2 decades and 5 children later" her husband is still her "guy." "Every woman can walk through every door of opportunity...", as she introduces her parents who inspired that in her. "The difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull: lipstick."

She is not going to Washington to get the good opinion of the "media elite" but to serve this good country. "Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties...the right reason is to challenge the status quo..." "We put the government of our state back on the side of the people."

8:00 She got rid of the luxury jet that citizens were paying for and she put it on Ebay. She has vetoed nearly half a billion dollars and the state has a surplus. She brought about the largest private infrastructure process in American history and is helping lead America to energy independence. "We can't leave ourselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers."

"When the Styrofoam Greek columns are held back to some studio lot...When that happens what exactly is our opponents plan? Answer: Take more of our money." Obama will increase income taxes, payroll taxes, death taxes, business taxes, and increase the tax burden upon American people by hundreds of billions of dollars.

8:05 Senator McCain's records of reform are why lobbyists don't like him. McCain isn't looking for a fight but "isn't afraid of one either."

"My fellow citizens the American presidency is not suppose to be a journey of personal discovery. In this world of threats and dangers. It's not just a community and it doesn't just need an organizer...let us face the matter squarely. There is only one man in this election who has ever fought for you."

8:08 Blows a kiss to a POW who is obviously emotionally moved.

"For a season a gifted McCain can inspire with his words, but for a lifetime John McCain has inspired with his deeds."

Speech done.

Fox News' Brith Hume: Palin "wow's" the delegates when her knees could have been knocking.

8:10 The whole family is on-stage her young baby in her hands. John McCain comes out and greets the family in a special cameo.

8:11 "Don't you think we made the right choice..." John McCain

8:15 Olbermann: "She clearly gives a great speech." Then Olbermann basically slams her with a quote from another.

"This is cultural alternative to Obama...nothing to do with Hillary Clinton." Chris Matthews.

8:20 FoxNews Kristol thinks most Republicans "now feel pretty good" about the ticket. Hume finds her poise "remarkable."

Oh boy, country music singer. Good ole' Southern Republicanism. Singing: "Were 'all just raisin' McCain."

'What an amazing speech...whether you think she's right...or wrong...clearly a star has been born in the United States." CNN's Wolf Blitzer

8:23 Obama campaign response: basically that it was a George Bush type speech written by a George Bush speech-writer.

8:24 "She was superb. She was a professional." Rudy Guliani

"...She is a force to be reckoned with." CNN's Anderson Cooper

8:30 Abortion not even mentioned--a great comment by Campbell Brown. This surprised me and definitely shows that it was meant for someone not in the conservative camp.

That's it for me. No doubt the enthusiasm that she brings to the ticket, though doesn't rise to the enthusiasm of Obama's supporters, has no doubt more than doubled the enthusiasm for McCain pre-Palin.

Live-Blogging Obama's Night at the DNC

5:55 Albert Gore is speaking. Let's just say Obama's personality and presentation in speeches far exceed Vice President Gore.

Gore is big on climate crisis. I think there are some serious issues here, but I don't think it should be the number one issue on American's minds...or the number two or three issue for that matter.

I just saw Jin from Lost listening to Gore's speech. I guess the explosion on the ship where Jin apparently died was a hyper-implosion into Mile High Stadium in the future for the Obama acceptance speech.

6:00 The Democrats are clearly selling the idea that a McCain win would be Bush re-deux. Crowd signs like "McCain more of the Same" and similar lines like that dominate the speeches by Democrats at this convention.

Breaking News Joe Biden just arrived at Invesco Stadium.

Gore is done. Keith Olberman of MSNBC confirms that Gore has endorsed Obama in the speech. Chris Matthews makes a reference to his lost election and the Supreme Court decision that "decided" the presidency of George W. Bush.

6:10 The wave has been started in the Denver stadium.

Senator and Basketball star Bill Bradley and Sean Hannity are duking it out on FoxNews. Hannity says the war has been won in Iraq. The Surge has worked. I think that may have been a shot at Bradley's statements of which I did not here as I just switched from MSNBC. A white guy with white hair and a white goatee that I do not recognize is singing a bit soulish America the Beautiful on stage.

6:20 A CNN commentator just said that people have been paying a thousand dollars to try to get tickets and that usually people want to get out of political speeches and not into them. I like Wolf Blitzer: His name and face and hair work together well.

Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, is on stage. I believe this is an endorsement of Senator Obama. Reference to Gettysburg here. Compared economic crisis and debt to a "moral failure not just a financial one." "Too many people in power have failed us." "Stubborness a substitute for leadership." Some pointed remarks to Mr. Bush. A back-handed slam on McCain's age. Restoring the hope and bringing the change of Lincoln will come with, apparently, the election of Mr. Obama. "Yes we can."

Another reference to the "potential catastrophe of global warming," this time by a CNN commentator. Catastrophe. Maybe I need to do some more research. Is this a potential serious problem or is it a potential catastrophe. Is terrorism more of a catastrophic possibility? The economy? Killing unborn children in the womb? War-mongering? What are the true crisises (how do you spell this plural version of crisis?) of our country? Our world? Just curious...

6:29 The speech has now been made public even though he is yet to speak for 30 minutes. There is the glory of media for you. MSNBC's Olberman is reading it now. Thank you for ruining the suspense of it for us all...j

6:31 That was cool. A break on FoxNews and John McCain comes on in commercial form congratulating Obama "on this historic day." That was refreshing.

6:41 Hannity has read the speech and is letting everyone know that there is nothing new but regular "liberal" rhetoric. Hannity wants a strong conservative not a moderate like a Lieberman. Why does this not surprise me? Hannity wants "the base" rallied.

Over 80,000 in the stadium, says Wolf of CNN. Conventions are big money for cities over $160 million dollars will be generated in Denver CNN reports.

Side-note: Benny Hinn is on TBN right now sporting his regular white outfit.

6:55 I love the distinction between MSNBC and FoxNews now. Some have said MSNBC=Liberal, FoxNews=Conservative, CNN=Non-Partisan. Slate had a funny edited piece of FoxNews and MSNBC earlier in the convention showing the distinctions.

MSNBC noted that Obama has written most of this speech complimenting both his writing ability and his inspirational oration. "Not God bless America but God damn America," echoes in my ears as FoxNews is reviewing the rise of Obama and popped in a clip of Rev. Wright--Obama's ex-pastor.

The Broncos are playing the Packers, CNN's Blitzer notes, thus this pillared stage erection must be torn down for the big game.

Secret Service must be really on their toes tonight. The security in that stadium somehow must be controlled.

Michele Obama is here: CNN shows me this.

7:00 Senator Dick Durbin is introducing Senator Obama. He did this 4 years ago at the DNC when Obama, according to him, "changed politics in America." He says Obama has spoken about the "better angels of our nature" as Americans. What does this mean?

7:02-7:12 The video tribute has begun. A baby picture. Cute. Young Obama swinging a baseball bat. He only met his father once for a month. Obama was, in his words, "..shaped more by his absence then his presence." Parents grew up in the great depression. Obama's mother saw in him "a promise" says the video commentator. Only time Obama saw his mother angry was when she saw cruelty, and was furious when Obama did this growing up. Some cute self-depreciation of his unusual name. Barack had a pile of student loans so did Michele. If they are looking to connect they have connected with me on that note. Flashes of the his family. He wants a family that "transmits" values to the next generation: kindness, faith, sense of empathy, etc. I believe the narrator is actor David Strathairn of Good Night and Good Luck.

7:12 Obama. Flashing camera's. U2's City of Blinding Lights in the background. He appears emotional.

7:14 Nomination accepted.

7:17-7:38 Thanks many including the "love of his life" and his daughters..."America we are better than these last 8 years"..."Tonight I say..to the people across this land--Enough!"..."John McCain has voted with George Bush 90% of the time"..."I'm not ready to take a 10% chance on change"...that was a clever line...

Does John McCain really think middle-class is below 5 million? Is it true that tax cuts are only for the rich?

Obama is keying in on the economy. Using normal Democrat rhetoric.

"Our government should work for us not against us." It is one of the "promises of America". Should the government do that?

Now he is spelling out "exactly" what he means by change.

Tax cuts for 95 percent of the middle class. Energy investments. He will not settle for kids without a chance for an eduction. He's going to pay teachers higher salaries. We will keep our promise to every young American we will make sure you can afford a college education. Now is the time to keep the promise of affordable healthcare for every American. Let's just say the promises are rolling more then I can type. Now is the time for change of bankruptcy laws and social security. Now is the time for equal pay for an equal days work so daughters have same opportunities as sons.

Many of these plans will cost money, but he will lay out how to pay for everything.

(I lost everything that I just typed by the failure of a laptop.)

7:54 Here is the big wammie tying in the MLK speech: "In America our destiny is inextricably linked...we cannot walk alone, the preacher cried...America we cannot turn back...at this moment we must pledge once more to march into the future..."

8:00 Here comes the commentary....MSNBC's Olberman: "Vote for him or do not. But take pride that America can produce men and speakers as that." MSNBC's Matthews: "I've been criticized for saying that he inspires me. To hell with my critics."

CNN's Anderson Cooper: "A speech of a lifetime...the most certainly dramatic speech he has ever given."

A woman has a tear-stained face.

FoxNews commentator: "It's history...the spectacle is what dominates me...emotion came from the history...i don't know that he did the closing sale tonight."

Bill Kristol FoxNews: Thinks Obama met and exceeded expectations and an "impressive" speech.

MSNBC's David Gregory: Thinks the Democrats are "motivated."

CNN's Campbell Brown: One concern, would the language be too soaring? "What you heard tonight was down there, plain spoken, no B.S."

8:17 I can't help be taken by the historical moment of the speech. No doubt it was staged brilliantly even if you think brilliant staging is sickening in politics. It is true too that it was not all soaring rhetoric, instead there was distinction on the issues from him and McCain and toughness and thoughtfulness regarding national security. Obama has a way of speaking that resonates in the hearts of people that McCain cannot compare to. But it is not oration ability that makes a president.

Amazed and Thankful

Would not Martin Luther King Jr, if he were alive today, be amazed and thankful that 45 years since his I Have a Dream speech a black president would be nominated for the President of the United States.

I am grateful for the progress in the United States of America on this particular issue.*

*This blog post is not an endorsement of Barack Obama.