Key speaker well received.
Senator John McCain spoke at the annual Conservative Party congress in Bournemouth last night. His speech (very conservative--as to be expected from a Democrat), was well received. I can't comment on his politics but I did (as an orator of long-standing),do a critique on the speech, noting some important highs and lows. Note that these are my personal observations:
* The Senator looks like an ageing politician with reduced energy (he is over 70). He does not appear to have the charisma or fire-power of a Reagan. Reagan was at his peak at 70 (oh, to be like that!). Senator McCain appears to be on the wane (terrible rhyming phrase-sorry).
* He spoke off the cuff and I doubt there was a teleprompter. This prompts me to conclude that he is a)well-prepared, and 
very wise and knowledgable about theUSA and World scenario. His fluent knowledge of World affairs and the threat to America impressed me.
* I regard him as a great War hero but I fear the Vietnam war took its toll (physically), on his speech: His voice whistles irritatingly and is not going to be welcomed in "fireside" talks.
* The Senator seemed to lapse into a monotonous rhythm at times, with no change of pitch.
* There were signs of humour in the speech but not enough to keep an audience alert.
Conclusion: The speech was highly acclaimed by the Conservatives but I wondered how it would go over to a bunch of politicians in the US? Like Jimmy Carter, Senator McCain is not an accomplished orator but then again, you know what happened to Jimmy Carter!