CNN commentator Van Jones heaped praise on former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama for their "beautiful" speeches at the Democratic National Convention, calling them an "oasis" in a "spiritual desert."
CNN commentator Van Jones was effusive in his praise of former President Obama and Michelle Obama for their speeches at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night.
"This was a masterful act of leadership," Jones said of both speeches. "It was a sacred task. They took it on well. I didn't realize I had been in a spiritual desert until they created that oasis on that stage."
Obama's DNC Speeches Praised as Oasis in 'Spiritual Desert'
"I didn't know how much I missed them," Jones said. "I missed that."
Jones praised Obama's use of nostalgia as a powerful tool to connect with voters. "Obama used nostalgia in a beautiful way," he said.
Obama's DNC Speeches Praised as Oasis in 'Spiritual Desert'
Other media figures also heaped praise on the speeches, with CBS reporter John Dickerson calling the moment "nourishment."
"These two speeches by the Obamas are going to serve that purpose," Dickerson said.
Obama's DNC Speeches Praised as Oasis in 'Spiritual Desert'
Dickerson added that the speeches act as a "shield against what Donald Trump is doing, which is to say Kamala Harris is the other."
MSNBC commentator Michael Steele said the speeches were an important reminder for voters.
"[It's] a way of reminding us, ‘Y’all need to wake up because y’all have been sleep walking through some stupid,'" Steele said.
"You need to recognize where we are headed is not even where the Founders on their worst day in dealing with slavery and women and others in this country — we’re not even close to that," he said. "We are so far removed, we’re in a whole different space here."
Responding to Michelle Obama's speech, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow said that it was "stunning."
"It was one of the best convention speeches I've ever seen by anybody in any circumstance," she said. "Not just because she's good at giving a speech but because it was subtle and deep and thought-provoking and surprising."
Fox News' Emma Colton contributed to this report.
In addition to the praise from media figures, the Obamas' speeches were also well-received by Democratic voters. A poll conducted by CNN found that 87% of Democrats approved of Obama's speech, while 84% approved of Michelle Obama's speech.
The Obamas' speeches were a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and unity in a time of great division. Their words struck a chord with voters and helped to galvanize support for the Democratic ticket.
The Obamas' speeches at the DNC were a masterclass in political oratory. They were well-written, delivered with passion, and filled with messages of hope and unity. They were a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.
