Prior to President Barack Obama’s marathon 54 minute speech in Ohio today, the Obama campaign sent our several statements promising the speech would be a major address framing the campaign going forward. Despite the hype, the speech was mainly a rehash of themes and ideas from the president’s recent stump speeches and his remarks were widely panned as overly long by the political press corps.
Mike O'Brien @mpoindc
In terms of politics, this speech could have ended about 20 minutes ago. Drive your message, take your ball, go home.
14 Jun 12
On the air, MSNBC’s Jonathan Alter said it was “one of the worst speeches I’ve ever heard Barack Obama make.” He refused to back down.
Jonathan Alter @jonathanalter
Just cheerleading BO doesn't help him. He needs a sharper, more cogent message with some memorable lines. I ain't walking my criticism back
14 Jun 12
ABC News reporter Devin Dwyer felt like we were all being lectured.
devindwyer @devindwyer
Obama speech in Ohio felt more lecture or courtroom arg than rally. He streamlined pitch, imbued urgency, said voters will break stalemate.
14 Jun 12
John Hayward of Human Events compared the speech to a filibuster.
John Hayward @Doc_0
This Obama speech is so long-winded it might be the first attempt to filibuster an election.
14 Jun 12
