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Let's talk about the speech in general. No worries, I will come back to these points, because they are critical to understanding the historic shift we're seeing in today. But first, some general thoughts.

Coming in to tonight I thought that the Democratic Party had pulled off an amazing feat. Over the course of the week, they've carefully crafted a message, each speech building carefully on some classically American themes. Optimism, hopefullnes, strength, determination, leadership. Aside from the discipline of staying on message, what's particularly remarkable is that these themes are all typically Republican, not Democratic. At least, not in the last 30-40 years. (more on THAT topic in a bit...)

As I say, throughout the week they've been building, leading carefully to the moment tonight when Kerry would deliver his speech. To use a sport's analogy (mine, not Robert George's), it's been like watching a slam dunk play develop in basketball. They've pushed the ball up the court, set the play, and delivered the ball perfectly towards the basket. The setup was perfect. All Kerry needs do now is deliver the ball to the basket and the entire week would be a huge success. Of course, dunks often go awry, and there was the chance that he would not be able to deliver under the pressure, no matter how perfect the pass. (I'm pushing this analogy, I know, but stay with me anyhow).

So.. about ten minutes in, I had this thought. Tonight, this guy is Shaquille O' Neal, and he's in the process of tearing off the rim and leaving the backboard in a million pieces on the floor.

In this convention, and ultimately in this speech, the Dems have pulled off an AMAZING feat. On the most critical issue in this election, the war on terror, they've gone TO THE RIGHT of George Bush. But is it for real, or is it just a political ploy? If it's a ploy, it's one of the most cynical, shameful acts in American history. We are, after all, at war, and nothing could be more serious. If, however, it is for real, then what we are witnessing is the complete and total transformation of the Democratic Party. So which is it?

As I've alluded two, I believe it is the second. Let me explain...

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