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Chicagoans: Obama Has New, Sharper Edge

Obama's Speech Called 'Heartfelt,' 'What America Needed'

CHICAGO (CBS) ― As CBS 2's Mike Parker reports, we all know Chicagoans love their politics and have very firm opinions on the subject. They are weighing in on Obama's acceptance speech.

CBS 2 talked with morning diners Friday at the White Palace Grill, 1159 S. Canal St. There were different opinions on how Obama fared Thursday night – did they see a kinder, gentler candidate or a fighter? And who do they want to see as the campaign goes on?

"I think it was well-done in a decent way and a proper way, unlike what's been going on in the last eight years, where it's all these character assassinations," said Nosher Wanyasim.

Lorez Henley said a kind and gentle campaign may not be enough.

"I think that we need to play dirty politics in order to win, and I thought it was a great speech," Henley said. "I think that if they don't come out fighting – the Democrats – hard, they won't win this election."

"It was very hard on John McCain, but John McCain knows how to fight dirty," said Leo Henley. "He's been in this business a long time.

For months now, a lot of political observers have believed that the Obama campaign has been losing momentum. But the impression of many at the diner was that Obama has found a new, sharper edge – especially in his blistering, aggressive attack on John McCain's economic policies.

"I thought it was heartfelt; I thought it was what America needed," said Kendall Cole. "He touched every base and every issue; he addressed the country, and he made everyone feel as though he'll be the next president of the United States, and it was just heartfelt and I'm glad he did it."

When asked if Obama had gone after McCain strongly enough, Cole added, "Yeah, I mean, I think that's what McCain is going to do next week when he has the Republican Convention, so I think he did it in all fairness."

During his speech, Obama blasted McCain as believing that to be "middle class" in America is to make less than $5 million per year.

Viewers have also sent their reactions to CBS 2. The comments were overwhelmingly positive.

"I think Obama's speech made Americans, especially black Americans extremely proud," wrote Yolanda Gant. "I feel that his speech just continues what Martin Luther king Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech embodied."

"I think Obama's speech was just awesome," wrote Trish. "I am finally able to vote this year and I am excited about it. I never was interested in any of the elections until now. He gives me hope about this country, I truly think if he wins the country will come together like it should."

It was a hard-hitting, populist speech, with Obama devoting 16 minutes to attacks on McCain's economic policies, and only 4 minutes to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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