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Police accuse bank robbery suspect of gobbling up note (with dashcam video)
Dad accused of forcing son into field, killing him
Man found dead in North Akron home is identified
Victim of beating in Kent last week is declared dead at Akron hospital
Coventry man killed in crash at I-77 ramp
Browns' roster nearly devoid of consistent players
College student mistaken for deer, shot to death
NFL star Chris Spielman's wife loses cancer battle
Blogs:
Pets:
Cat-loving chihuahua suckles seven abandoned kittens
The Heldenfiles:
Friday Night Notebook
Patrick McManamon:
For your Saturday entertainment …
Akron Zips:
Hitchens leads Zips in second-half comeback
Tribe Matters:
Seven players added to Tribe’s 40-man roster
Cleveland Browns:
Holmgren expresses interest in Browns position
Kent State Sports:
Kent State blown out in second half, loses to Temple 47-13
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Gameblog: Cavs vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Buckeye Blogging:
OSU – Michigan college football rivals meet in Baghdad
Varsity Letters:
Four area football teams play tonight
All Da King's Men:
Headed For Disaster
Blog of Mass Destruction:
Will Health Care Reform Pass?
Akron Law Café:
Health Care Financing Reform: (69) The Brookings Institute Study on "Bending the Curve" – Four General Strategies
See Jane Style:
Vintage Chic
Car Chase:
TIME TO GET YOUR COLLECTOR CARS WINTERIZED
Let's Talk Real Estate:
Silverdome Potentially SOLD!
Ohio Travels with Betty:
George is looking for a Thanksgiving buffet in Akron.
Sound Check:
Steely Dan Plays "The Royal Scam" at E.J. Thomas Hall
HRLite House:
Colloquium at University of Akron
Akron Gamer:
Nintendo's Mario endures even as games come and go
Barack Obama answered many questions in Denver. Others still linger about his pursuit of the presidency|
Published on Sunday, Aug 31, 2008
The sight of the Illinois senator, a black man, before almost 80,000 people at Invesco Field in Denver, taking the reins of a major party, certainly qualifies as part of the progress King envisioned. The historic advance shouldn't be lost, as John McCain graciously noted in a television ad. The Constitution calls for a pursuing a ''more perfect union.'' This is such a moment.
That doesn't guarantee an Obama presidency. Racism persists. The candidate must persuade voters that he deserves election. That challenge was foremost in mind on Thursday, doubts continuing about Obama's lack of experience, his soaring rhetoric missing the necessary concreteness. Many Democrats have wondered: Is he tough enough?
Obama pitches change. He was most effective in arguing why Republicans do not deserve four more years in the White House. He pointed to the economic mismanagement, the tax code favoring the wealthy, the puny level of job creation, a budget surplus converted into a growing deficit. Most striking was the withering assessment of the way Republicans have diminished American influence abroad.
For those uncertain about an untested senator, Obama deployed strong words and a strong presence. More, he stressed: Continuing along the current path involves greater risk.
Yet it isn't enough to say: Enough. Obama and the Democrats must sell the concept that they not only understand the changing world, especially in the economic realm, but that they have the policies suited for the moment. In that way, Obama channeled Bill Clinton. He described an ''American promise'' of opportunity and responsibility. He highlighted a familiar list of Democratic remedies, altering the tax burden, advancing toward universal health care, developing alternative sources of energy, improving the quality of education.
What was missing?
For all the impressive rhetoric, Obama has yet to summon key words that matter. He echoed tired pledges. More talk about dealing with the deficit through closing loopholes and eliminating waste? Independence from foreign oil in a decade? Change you can believe in?
In one sense, Americans want change, a large majority viewing the country on the wrong track. And yet, change also frightens, especially in places like Ohio, where globalization rattles nerves. So yes, Barack Obama articulates a more appealing vision of American leadership in foreign affairs. He recognizes the plight of many in the middle class. Missing is a firm grasp of this particular moment. What is required to compete globally, when China and others are surging forward? How will the American promise, or dream, be sustained?
Address those concerns in a smart and compelling way, and Barack Obama will become a more complete candidate of change.
Get the full article here.
