OK, despite the problem with the prompter, this was one of McCain’s better victory speeches in terms of content. But why is it he still sounds more like a guy stepping off Apollo 11 than stepping into a presidential race? You wish he would amp it up a little bit. The crowd was more excited than he was. In terms of delivery, I prefer the feisty McCain – the one with his back to the wall – than the victorious one, the one with the eight months to go before a general election.
“Now, we begin the most important part of our campaign: to make a respectful, determined and convincing case to the American people that our campaign and my election as president, given the alternatives presented by our friends in the other party, are in the best interests of the country we love,” he said.
True enough.
It was also interesting how much he talked about war and security and the Middle East and avoided talking about the national economy. Is he setting the tone for his campaign?

On the Democratic side, Clinton has won Rhode Island and appears headed for victory in Ohio. Obama has won Vermont, but Texas is still up for grabs. It could be a narrow overall victory for Clinton. But if she doesn’t significantly cut into his lead on the delegate count, where does this leave the party? By this time tomorrow, I expect the talk will be about Pennsylvania on April 22 – and more talk about the role of superdelegates.
– Paul Gullixson