John Berman has been at ABC since 1995, and allowed to appear on television since 2001. He covered the 2008 campaign extensively, following John McCain and Mitt Romney during the primaries and then Barack Obama in the general election. He also spent more than 20 months chasing George W. Bush around the country as a producer from 1999 until 2001, earning the clever nickname, "Pain in the Ass," from our 43rd president. He is a frequent and sometimes welcome contributor to all of ABC's broadcasts.
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Biden Makes the Case -- Night Three, Closing Thoughts
August 27, 2008 11:27 PM
It was, in the words of one adviser, a "prosecutor's case," and tonight Joe Biden showed why he was tapped for the ticket.
He made the case for Barack Obama arguably more effectively than Obama does himself. He also made the case against John McCain, surely more effectively than Obama himself.
And when you toss in Bill Clinton's speech, and the well-choreographed roll call, complete with its magical moment of Hillary Clinton asking for the acclamation vote, what have is a rollicking third night of what's been a remarkably well-organized convention.
After the first night, in particular, this was no sure deal. This had the makings of a rough week, with the early critique about the lack of message coming dangerously close to taking hold.
But the Obama team kept with its plan and has pulled off three nights that have begun to shape Obama, and the race, basically just like they want him shaped.
And oh -- by the way -- unity is in the air.
And so, the pressure is on for tomorrow night. This convention either ends on a bang if he delivers a well received speech, or it is a huge missed opportunity. Biden and both Clintons have set the table for Obama. Now it is all up to him.
That's all for tonight -- be back tomorrow, and check back tomorrow morning, as always, for The Note.
August 27, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (261)
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Good Analysis, Rick.
I think all but the most strident Republicans and the few wing-nut PUMAs (who aren't republicans in disguise) have gotten their questions answered about who Barack Obama is and his readiness to be President.
Looking foward to tomorrow night.
Obama 08
Posted by: jackt51 | Aug 27, 2008 11:35:20 PM
i'm so disappointed in the american public. obama may be half black, but he is ALSO half white. why is it i can't, as a white woman, claim him as my own? he is a white man. raised by a white mom, white grandparents, white relatives, etc. etc. i'm so disallusioned by all the talk of the first black man to be nominated....blah, blah. when did he not become half white? i never taught my kids black and white (20 and 22 yrs. old). i taught them people. the good, the bad, the great, and the ugly. i listened tonight, hoping that joe biden could put it all in perspective. i'm just not sure. of joe, of hillary, of bill, or if i can claim obama as my own....mine, what i stand for, what i taught my daughters, truth, kindness, faith in mankind, and never, ever, give up. God Bless this country, and all that we used to stand for. i'm thinking about moving.....to canada.
Posted by: bldblf | Aug 27, 2008 11:40:36 PM
Barack Obama wants to correct problems he perceives in the American People. He and his wife see us as a "mean" nation of the "US KKK-A" who need to be told where to set our thermostats and what to eat by the socialist nations of Europe that we should be emulating. "Greedy" successful people and "windfall" companies, who already pay disproportionate taxes, are to be further punished. He wants to use government to correct problems with the people of America.
.....John McCain wants to correct problems he perceives in the American government. Like pork-barrel waste, overspending - he recently railed against republicans for this - and lack of vision. McCain's vision of strength for America has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in Iraq. McCain wants to use the people and their priorities to correct the government of America.
Posted by: HawkTheSlayer | Aug 27, 2008 11:43:10 PM
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Posted by: david from texas | Aug 27, 2008 11:51:06 PM
hawktheslaer
lier lier pants on fire
Posted by: love obama | Aug 27, 2008 11:55:54 PM
i wonder what some of the people in this blog will write when obama is elected really. what the hel**** you going to say then
Posted by: love obama | Aug 27, 2008 11:57:36 PM
America NEEDS Barack Obama & Joe Biden
Posted by: dan | Aug 27, 2008 11:58:13 PM
Joe Biden's original attacks, that Joe Biden thought up just this morning.
"I pity the fool that votes republican."
"Go ahead McCain, make my day."
"Come with me if you want to live."
"Do you feel lucky, punk McCain?"
"And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers."
These are the intellectual property of Joe Biden and are wholly developed by Joe Biden. Any resemblance to other people's words, speeches, law school course work, or popular movies PROVES that you are a repugnican McRacist and want no change. Did I mention that anyone who disagrees is a racist?
Posted by: HawkTheSlayer | Aug 27, 2008 11:59:49 PM
Great speech from Bubba, and an even greater one from Vice President Biden. I can't wait to see President Obama's speech tomorrow night! 75,000 people!?! The GOP couldn't pull that off ig they paid people to come! The times they are a changin'!!!
YES WE CAN!!!
OBAMA/BIDEN '08!!!
YES WE CAN!!!
OBAMA/BIDEN '08!!!
YES WE CAN!!!
OBAMA/BIDEN '08!!!
YES WE CAN!!!
OBAMA/BIDEN '08!!!
YES WE CAN!!!
OBAMA/BIDEN '08!!!
YES WE CAN!!!
OBAMA/BIDEN '08!!!
Posted by: That one guy | Aug 28, 2008 12:02:11 AM
Wow, Mr. "Love Obama" - you sure took me to task with your refutation. Seldom have I seen such powerful rhetoric and compelling logic. Allow me to also cimpliment your spelling - you managed an astounding 50%.
Anyone who "loves" a politician in modern American politics as your name implies better be related to that politician, or he/she is an idiot.
Posted by: HawkTheSlayer | Aug 28, 2008 12:04:04 AM
Looks like I only managed a 98% spelling rate myself.... Gotta switch back to Firefox.
Posted by: HawkTheSlayer | Aug 28, 2008 12:06:16 AM
Obama / Biden 08'!!
Posted by: dan | Aug 28, 2008 12:06:25 AM
Ashamed to be a democrat.
Osama ben biden - Never!!!
Posted by: abe | Aug 28, 2008 12:06:37 AM
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Obama/Biden aka "Dumb and Dumber"
Posted by: david from texas | Aug 28, 2008 12:07:38 AM
Yes, the GOP doesn't have Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi playing the convention. Conservatives like John McCain prefer to balance the budget and keep government small and efficient rather than confusing entertainment, showmanship, and infatuation with the executive branch of the United States. But, if you have no experience or real accomplishments, I suppose fireworks, Greek temples, concerts, and rising up out of the floor are a satisfactory distraction.
Posted by: HawkTheSlayer | Aug 28, 2008 12:10:46 AM
Hillary we understood your message!
No way, No how, NOBAMA!
PUMApac.org another 9,000 registered this evening! Thanks DNC !!!!!
Hillary '12
Posted by: martha S. | Aug 28, 2008 12:11:41 AM
It is all a lot of orchestrated hot-air. What a waste of time and money! At least Biden began to mention possible change topics, OBama hasn't bothered to think that far and his thoughts are scary. I am not convinced that either can handle the mess our nation is in. Oh I just wish there was a candidate I could believe in on any ticket--not this year and definitely NOT obama.
Posted by: Wishing | Aug 28, 2008 12:12:55 AM
Joe played possum on the GOP tonight. By the time all is said and done, he's going to knock a chunk of meat out of McCain.
Posted by: Hardlabour | Aug 28, 2008 12:14:09 AM
3 million dollars spent on Obama's stage for his acceptance speech!!!
Bitter, disgusted and disappointed !
Obama is for the blue collar voter. Ha! McCain is right, Obama is an elitist/celeb.
Democrats for President McCain.
Posted by: Angie in Jacksonville | Aug 28, 2008 12:17:01 AM
Listening to Joe Biden talk about Obama's Illinois senate "accomplishments" made me wonder if he was talking about the same Obama that we Illinoisans know. Sadly, Obama is not known for many, if any accomplishments here in Illinois. Let's hope he can do better as president.
Posted by: Nancy | Aug 28, 2008 12:18:10 AM
When Dukakis was asked to look the American public in the eye(the camera) and name one politcal accomplishment of Obama, Dukakis looked like a deer in headlights. HE COULDN'T NAME ONE!
Lot's of hockus poskus going on tonight!
We'll see what Obama is made of when the debates begin because he won't have all the Democrats cheering him on when he starts off on one of his wild meandering answers to a question.
Posted by: BewareoftheDeceit | Aug 28, 2008 12:20:32 AM
3 million for the temple of doom, thanks Obama, money well spent. Your proving, again, McCain was right.
Anybody but Obama...
Posted by: Barry Not! | Aug 28, 2008 12:20:41 AM
all u people who think the hilary supporters will choose McBush over their kids and their right to abortion u all must be dreaming. i am sure u all will wake up on nov 4. sleep thight don't le the bed bugs bite
Posted by: love obama | Aug 28, 2008 12:21:50 AM
abe
don't be one ( a democrat) anymore no one is holding your hand
Posted by: love obama | Aug 28, 2008 12:25:11 AM
Nancy...you're right!
Obama had no "accomplishments" in the IL state senate because he voted most of the time "present" and wouldn't vote yes or no! No guts/No experience/No decisiveness/Nobama
Posted by: BewareoftheDeceit | Aug 28, 2008 12:25:12 AM
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