Former Speechwriter Assesses Rice, Ryan, Christie and Ann Romney's Speeches. What Do You Think?

POLITICS -- August 30, 2012 at 3:37 PM EDT

Former Speechwriter Assesses Rice, Ryan, Christie and Ann Romney's Speeches. What Do You Think?

Former presidential speechwriter and now Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson scrutinizes some of the keynote addresses delivered thus far at the Republican National Convention.

Gerson had high praise for former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, who spoke Wednesday night. She delivered a thoughtful set of remarks "you don't usually get at a convention," he said.

Rice's speech had policy questions about education and elements of moral leadership and compassion. The positive response from the crowd showed "an appetite for something different," he added.

Watch Rice's full speech.

Vice presidential candidate Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., asked pertinent questions in his remarks, said Gerson. Ryan is not a natural speaker, Gerson added, but has a "tremendous ability to say very tough things while looking very innocent."

Watch Ryan's address.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who spoke Tuesday, talked more about his own background, parents, and agenda for the Republican Party than presidential candidate Mitt Romney's, Gerson said.

View Christie's remarks.

Meanwhile, Ann Romney gave an effective testamonial of her husband, said Gerson. "It had a Nancy Reagan feel," he added. Reagan would express sweet things about her husband "and people loved it."

See Ann Romney's speech.

Do you agree or disagree with Gerson's assessments? Let us know in the below comments section.

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