Unsung hero - Jim Leach

The appearance of long time Republican Jim Leach, who spoke at the Democratic convention last night was seriously shortchanged in the elite media coverage. He's a weak orator but the content of his speech was strong and called for the "country first" bi-partisanship our lazy media elites keep insisting the voters want. Yet when the real thing manifests under their powdered noses, they ignored it. It's disgraceful.

Fortunately, Steven Benen now posting at Washington Monthly, caught a transcript and has these excerpts:

"As a Republican, I stand before you with deep respect for the history and traditions of my political party. But it is clear to all Americans that something is out of kilter in our great republic.... Seldom has the case for an inspiring new political ethic been more compelling. And seldom has an emerging leader so matched the needs of the moment.... I stand before you proud of my party's contributions to American history but, as a citizen, proud as well of the good judgment of good people in this good party, in nominating a transcending candidate, an individual whom I am convinced will recapture the American dream and be a truly great president: the senator from Abraham Lincoln's state -- Barack Obama.... This is not a time for politics as usual.... Obama will recapture the American dream and be a truly great president."

We need more Republicans, and for that matter more Democrats, like Jim Leach. And we need far fewer elite bloviators like Chris Matthews.


[More posts daily at The Newshoggers and The Detroit News.]