When Obama Speaks

I just finished listening to Obama's Democratic Convention speech again this morning. No matter what happens over the next few months, whether or not Barack Obama is elected as our next president, he should be chosen to stand up and talk to America a couple of times every year. The way he inspires when he speaks, the way he shares his compassion and hope for America and the American people, I always feel good about the future when I hear him on stage.

Like a good liberal, I've been known to download his speeches to my iPod, put one bud in my ear and go to sleep listening to Obama talk of change and opportunity. Let's get back to the days of economic surpluses, more jobs, and the promise of better health care for Americans.

I had the pleasure of hanging out with the lovely Jane Q. Public the other night. We both think it'd be cool for a bunch of us to get together to watch the upcoming presidential debates.

• Sept. 26: The first presidential debate, at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, will focus on foreign policy and national security. John McCain and Barack Obama will stand at lecterns and answer questions from moderator Jim Lehrer.
• Oct. 2: The vice presidential debate will be held at Washington University in St. Louis.  
• Oct. 7: The second presidential debate, at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., will have a town-hall-style format. Moderator Tom Brokaw will call on audience members and pose questions submitted through the Internet.
• Oct. 15: The final presidential debate, at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., will center on domestic and economic policy. Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama will sit at a table with moderator Bob Schieffer.
  
  (Associated Press)
  

Good idea? Maybe the good folks at Drinking Liberally are already organizing something. I want to experience these debates in a social setting. Let me know.

Have a nice day.