On Today's Speech

As Inland at DKos says

This speech did not require Obama to reinvent the wheel, or himself. There wasn't anything in the speech that was new, besides specific references to Wright and Ferraro. Most of it is in his books. He's not inventing a spin, he's articulating his most deeply held belief.

That's why he gives a great speech: he's better than most politicians because he's reaching for something better and is determined to get there.

This is what Bill Bradley tried to be, but was too inhibited and maybe not smart enough.

OTOH, I think the speech was too long for its purpose and media environment by at least 10 minutes. It wouldn't have had as much good and necessary material had he not written it himself, but it could have used editing by others.