Across the pond

Much of the media comment today on the first day of the Democratic Convention in Denver is about whether Hilary Clinton’s supporters will get over their personal disappointment and throw their support behind Barack Obama’s bid for the US Presidency. But I was utterly mesmerised by the speech made by Michelle Obama. She spoke clearly and confidently. What she said, and how she said it, was the best possible response to the vicious campaign against her by the Repbulican press which has tried to protray her as un-American and consumed with anger.

She emphasised her role as daughter, sister and wife, but showed herself to be light years away from a subservient spouse. She delivered a strong and coherent political message. She threw down the gauntlet to her critics. Her theme was she, and her husband, embody the American dream. She offered Americans the chance to live that dream by voting for a husband and wife team brought up on the back streets of Chicago.

How the Clintonistas will take this remains to be seen. But surely some of them will realise that a vote for Obama will put a very strong minded woman in the White House, and one who is likely to be a different kind of First Lady than any other in US history.

One of the question marks about Hilary Clinton was to do with how husband Bill would play his role as the first First Gentleman in US history. There were fears that he would have been unable to resist the temptation to be the back street driver, dictating policy in the bedroom.

This election offers Americans a choice between candidates radically different in personality, social and economic background and policies. Barack Obama has continually played down race in his campaign, unsurprisingly since he is actually half white. Michelle’s high profile speech today is a reminder that she is one hundred per cent black. But also one hundred per cent American.

In recent weeks Obama’s lead in the opinion polls has dwindled away to nothing. No-one is quite sure why. Several media commentators have speculated that conscious or un-conscious racism may be a factor. I am not so sure. But I shall be watching carefully to see what the polls show about the reactions of Americans to Michelle’s speech.