Sen. Christopher Dodd is speaking, and you’re getting… just about the distilled essence of a Democratic senator in 2007. Hooray for working people.

“I’m a union guy. I’m a union senator. I’m proud to stand with union members!”

“The Iraq war is waged without a plan, draining resources that we need here at home.” Yay for isolationism!

“When 60 percent of the Iraqi people think that’s okay to take a shot at American troops, and who think that we’re the problem, then it’s time to let the Iraqi people decide if they want a government.”

“I still see an America that can lead again, at home, and abroad.” Well, I’m inspired.

Dodd has a five year old, and a two year old. He notes he’s the only candidate who gets mail from AARP and diaper services.

Dodd is Dodd, which includes the natural strengths and weaknesses of being a Connecticut Democrat who’s been in the Senate since what seems like Abe Lincoln’s first term. His style is northeastern, a bit loud, a bit blustery, but smooth and experienced in the glad-handing and working a crowd. Anecdotes about Franklin Roosevelt, one of the few to call for a round of applause for those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq (“we may not agree on the mission, but we salute them”) references to the fight for the Family and Medical Leave Act back in the 1980s and 1990s. There’s something old-school about Dodd’s rhetorical style, clearly an attempt to evoke JFK. A bit of stirred gravel in his voice, the head shift, look left, look down at notes, look up and right, karate-chop emphasis gesture with hand, then shifting to the pointing finger for the pledge to protect pension funds. “This is about protecting your pension fund, and your pension fund, and your pension fund!”