Let’s be frank, Obama’s speech last night was phenomenal.  But not in the usual way.  Obama is a great orator, so for him to deliver a technically excellent speech is nothing out of the ordinary, but what set the speech apart was clear the message that Obama is not the usual kind of Democrat campaigner.  Obama took the opportunity to send a strong signal to the Republicans that he would not fall victim to the standard Republican campaign.  What campaign?  The one that brands democratic candidates as unpatriotic, weak, and immoral. 

He made clear that he was not afraid to tackle the divisive issues that Democratic candidates usually avoid like the plague; abortion, gay rights, and the right to bear arms. 

And perhaps most importantly of all Obama showed that he can take the fight to the Republicans on their territory, adopting their language to make his own arguments; personal responsibility and low tax are no longer the private reserve of Republicans. 

Has this speech sealed the election for Obama?  Not at all.  But it makes clear just how tough an opponent he’s going to be for McCain.