Python vs. Lisp -- please explain

[Robert J. Hansen]

> what [is it] about Python that is so different from Lisp that it
> can't be compiled into something as fast as compiled Lisp?

IMO, it's the lack of competing implementations.

LISP has a very well-defined ANSI specification.  Lots of different
people have written LISPs, from Franz to Steel Bank to GNU to... etc.
Each of these competes with the others on different grounds; some are
purely interpreted (ala CLISP), some are compiled (CMUCL), some are...
etc.  They all implement substantially the same language, but the
plethora of different implementations has been a tremendous boon for
the development of efficient compilers, interpreters and garbage
collectors.

By comparison, Python lacks anywhere near as many competing
implementations.

In some respects the lack of competing implementations is a Good Thing.
 In some respects it's a Bad Thing.  On balance it's just a thing.