I have specific opinions about NCLB, based on the fact that my wife is a special education teacher. Our state has done a lousy job of implementing the program. From what I’ve read in other states, I’m not sure anyone has done a good job.

I’m curious of any direct comments about the program.

When talking about reforming NCLB he said it was his only guaranteed appluase everywhere he went. He said they could drop him from a helicopter in Idaho, 200 miles from the nearest Democrat, and the elk would cheer.

He also talked about a gap in healthcare coverage that he called the doughnut hole. He went on to say that he hated that the only guilt-free part of a doughnut was slandered like that.

I’m voting for Obama myself, but I was in the press pool at the event and enjoyed it, except for the Clinton campaign press people. They were not too friendly.

My general opinion of Clinton’s speech was positive, I only meant to point out that those two things worked against him somewhat. That also applies more to the impression that I read from the crowd more than my own impression. I noticed a lot of people gathering their stuff and trying to stretch towards the end of the speech. I will say that I’m still sore from those narrow bleacher seats though.

Bill:
I actually have (low quality, but mostly understandable) audio of the speech, but can’t get it to upload on my dial-up without timing out. I’m going to go back through and try to get some clips up until I figure out a way to get the whole speech uploaded.

As for Strickland, he seemed fine. He even stood up through most of Bill’s speech.

The difference is in the tone. I think when Biden said it, he said it as a surprise or in a demeaning manner (as if to say Obama could articulate well, but nothing else). Here, Garrison obviously meant it as a compliment.

Which brings the point that there will be A LOT of slips of the tongue this yer, we’re going to have to live with a lot. And my preference is to look over a lot.

Bill Clinton is also one who articulates well. He’s very astute politically and knows how to get his message across. I’m not surprised that you didn’t come out hating him. In fact, had his speech been earlier in the day and a little shorter, you may have even been more positive.

(Remember, I’m a self-described conservative saying these things. If I can be that nice about the former president, how can liberals NOT like the guy?)

How about one of the jokes? Or humor lines? I’m glad you got to see him. There were reports around yesterday that Gov. Strickland was shaking or something on TV. Did he look sick or anything, flu?