There were several great speeches coming out of the opening night of RNC speeches - but none has generated more chatter among political junkies that Chris Christie's keynote. Some have said he sounded too much like the nominee that a supporter, claiming that he frequently referenced himself rather than praising Romney. Others thought the speech was simply "good", but Glenn thought it was one of the best speeches he had ever heard and that it evoked memories of some famous American icons.
"I thought he was off the charts last night," Glenn said.
"His message was right on target, I thought. It was firm, yet optimistic. He didn't go after Barack Obama, which I found extraordinarily refreshing, yet you knew exactly what he was talking about. It was, I thought, deep and yet accessible. He was a guy I thought last night that would appeal directly to the Reagan Democrat, to somebody who just doesn't watch politics very much, and they could understand it. He voiced the direction of the country in a way that the average person could access. Which I thought was fantastic."
While Stu and Pat thought it was good, neither of them were blown away and felt that it was a little rushed.
Nevertheless, portions of the speech reminded Glenn of a letter written by Neil Armstrong, where the deceased astronaut called for Americans to look forward to the future.
Glenn read three of powerful paragraphs from the letter on radio:
In my work I depended on many people. In space flight, whether it be a fellow crewman or a flight controller in mission control on Earth, I was often trusting that person with my life. When you depend on others, you want to be able to trust them. You'll want to know that they say what they mean and they mean what they say. And they will want to feel the same about you. Your word should always be beyond question.There is much uncertainty to life. Good health may be taken away from you without warning. Material possessions may be lost due to circumstances beyond your control. The one thing that cannot be taken from you without your consent is your character, which includes your beliefs, your ethics, and your principles. So guard them with care. They are your most valuable possessions.
The 21st century has much promise. Remarkable things may be created and achieved, and each of you will have the opportunity to play a role in achieving and creating a better world. I know you will true. Good luck. I wish I had your future.
Neil Armstrong
"That's incredible. That's one of the most powerful three paragraphs I've ever read in any letter. That is so powerful, and that is the message that I think that Chris Christie was delivering last night. I wish I had your future. There is a brighter tomorrow. It's not on the path that we're currently walking down, but there is a brighter tomorrow. And all it requires is the truth and common sense," Glenn said.
Last night, Christie told the audience, "Now, we believe that the majority of teachers in America know our system must be reformed, to put students first so that America can compete. Now, teachers don't teach to become rich or famous. They teach because they love children.e believe that we should honor and reward the good ones while doing what's best for our nation's future, demanding accountability, demanding higher standards, and demanding the best teacher in every classroom in America. Get ready. Get ready. Here's what they believe. They believe the educational establishment will always put themselves ahead of children. The self interests will always trump common sense. They believe in pitting unions against teachers, educators against parents, lobbyists against children. They believe in teachers unions. We believe in teachers."
"Outrageous. Outrageous. I mean just one of the best speeches I've ever heard. And exactly right for the times. I thought the right tone, the right tenor, the right verbiage, everything," Glenn said