Healthy Influence Blog

Maybe.

I suggested two persuasion lines for tonight’s speech, the first stressing internal attributions (Our War, not His War), the second pointing to affirmation to strengthen anti-war citizens’ ability to change.  Mr. Obama ran the Attribution Express through the entire speech, but rather than finesse opponents and doubters with affirmation, he confronted their arguments head on and rejected them.

I predict that public opinion will move generally in favor of Mr. Obama and the Long War as a result of the speech, but that anti-war opponents will be unimpressed – wait for Senator Russ Feingold’s next speech.  Republicans can only complain about details, but will largely support Obama if only quietly.

I found this to be a strong speech in both content and delivery.  Obama made a good case based on evidence, reasoning, criteria, commitments, and history.  He delivered it powerfully.  I am surprised that he did so little to help marginally anti-war citizens change positions beyond giving a well argued case.  Something like affirmation of key values and beliefs that veer from the traditional values of freedom, country, and prosperity Obama noted.

I suspect anti-war Democrats are shaken at Obama’s stand.  They thought it was just that idiot George Bush.  And, now the guy they fell in love with wants to fight the same war.