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Conservatives Stunned By How Much They Liked Obama's DNC Speech

By Allegra Kirkland
July 28, 2016, 11:02 AM EDT

President Barack Obama’s marquee Wednesday night speech at the Democratic National Convention was held up even by some conservatives as the kind of address the country deserves in the current political moment.

Pundits who fundamentally disagree with the majority of Obama’s policies expressed grudging admiration for an optimistic speech [ http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/read-obama-dnc-speech ] that praised America’s inclusive democracy. It provided a stark contrast to the ominous address about the threats facing the United States that Donald Trump gave at last week’s Republican convention in Cleveland.

Some suggested that Obama’s speech, which quoted the Declaration of Independence and framed the U.S. as a “light of freedom, dignity and human rights,” did a better job at expressing conservative values than Trump’s did.

Most of those who commented are on the record as fervent members of the #NeverTrump movement. Tim Miller, America Rising PAC co-founder and former communications director for Jeb Bush, said the disparity between the conventions would push a generation of young voters away from the Republican Party, while New York Times columnist Ross Douthat said Obama's speech should make GOPers ashamed of what their party has become.

Michelle Obama’s deeply personal speech on Monday, which made the case for having black and female leaders in governance, also earned bipartisan accolades. [

I'm saying this as a partisan who takes the other side seriously; this speech is a grand slam for Dems. Over the back wall, ball in orbit.

— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) July 26, 2016

]

Tim Miller @Timodc

Will a Trump apologist explain to me why an 18 yo watching the conventions would want to be a Republican? We're giving away a generation
8:41 PM - 27 Jul 2016

Ross Douthat
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@DouthatNYT

A speech to make Republican elites feel sickened (as they should be) by what their party has nominated.
8:47 PM - 27 Jul 2016

Erick Erickson
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@EWErickson

I disagree with the President on so much policy and his agenda, but appreciate the hope and optimism in this speech.
8:38 PM - 27 Jul 2016

Erick Erickson
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@EWErickson

I started the evening saying for the first time I thought Trump could win. Then Obama spoke. I’m so angry at my own party right now.
8:48 PM - 27 Jul 2016

Rory Cooper @rorycooper

Great speech. And we made it easy for him.
8:45 PM - 27 Jul 2016

stuart stevens @stuartpstevens

Trump is asking Russian President for help. Hillary Clinton is asking an American President.
9:31 PM - 27 Jul 2016

Rich Lowry
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@RichLowry

American exceptionalism and greatness, shining city on hill, founding documents, etc--they're trying to take all our stuff
8:22 PM - 27 Jul 2016

(((AG))) @AG_Conservative

Still stunned. Feel like I'm in the twilight zone. Obama just defended America & conservative values from attacks by the Republican nominee.
9:10 PM - 27 Jul 2016

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/conservatives-grudgingly-praise-obama-dnc-speech