Many congrats, but you still have some convincing to do, sir.

I take this opportunity now to be the one of many, many, many posts in regards to Obama's acceptance speech this evening. Regardless of affiliation, it is safe to say it was a spectacle with the hundreds of gallons of confetti, enough fireworks to make the Chinese raise a furtive brow, and (what I enjoyed most) the disappearing podium.

It may be more debatable, however, whether or not the speech was a success. For me, personally, I have my own mixed message of it. Yes, Obama showboated quite effectively. He threw the expected bone to Hilary, and talked of the Change plan that has become so popular. He threw in some things I have been waiting to hear from a candidate for years now-- individual responsibility of every citizen in the government and among the communities, without political smear. He also set an energy goal directly related to the abilities of the citizens, rather than a promise of "We're working on it." Closing the gap between the rich and poor. And a slightly more realistic outlook on the war in Iraq. I was left wanting more, excited by his philosophy and his eloquence. Hell, I even gave him a golf clap.

But I am cautious. Before I registered to vote, I planned on doing so as a Democrat; not because I am directly in tune with their rhetoric, but more in the belief that an even playing field should be in the next election. To prevent another Kerry incident on the DNC's hands the best way I could. When I had heard of their decision to exclude the state of Florida from their primaries, because of a Republican controlled legislature's choice, I registered as an Independent, which I've always been anyway. Unlike those who remained faithful to the Donkey, I still need convincing.

In the arms of die-hard Democratic party members, Obama is able to fill the room with anti-McCain declarations. They, of course, eat it up happily. "More Ovaltine, please!" I implored the TV: "What is the plan? You say you have one, tell me what it is!" To no avail, of course. They haven't invented the interactive television yet. As an Independent, I am not dismissive of either option just yet. I fear more of the same from the Republican party, but that is matched by the fear of Obama's inexperience. He says he wants to re-evaluate the budget to remove ineffective programs, how will he decide efficacy? What is his plan, exactly, for troop withdrawal, and how will we maintain relative calm in the Middle East? How will lobbyists be more accountable? Give me details, give me facts, give me rationalizations. Statistical analyses!

The ladies have swooned, the flags have waved. Biden smiled that Vaseline smile. Obama needs, now, to get into the specifics. Those of us less smitten with the promises, and more with the data, need to see a candidate with concrete plans and less smear. Less characters, more plot points. In doing so, John McCain will have an opponent the likes of which he's never seen; and I would love to see what happens when he does.