I just heard Barack Obama's first press conference as president elect. How wonderful to hear someone who can carry on an intelligent conversation in language that indicates he knows what he's talking about, language that is grammatically correct and not colloquial. This nation has had intelligent, inspiring leaders, leaders who were, yes, part of the elite of America. Abraham Lincoln's rhetoric, despite his humble background, placed him in the elite of his time and his words can inspire us 140 years later. When did being eloquent become a political liability?
If there is one thing about Sarah Palin that annoyed me more than any other, it was her Beverly Hillbilly manner of speaking, a manner that evokes George Bush. She may turn out to be much more intelligent than she seemed when Katie Couric interviewed her, but gosh darn it, I don't want anybody leading this nation who talks like Daisy Mae or Jethro. Eight years of it from George Bush is eight years too many
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Comments: 28
I'm saying 3-6 months.
You leaped to a giant conclusion with a huge chip on your shoulder. A southern accent can speak gramatically and eloquently and impart deep truths. I was born and raised in Alabama and lived in Houston, Texas for six years, and have heard it first hand. None of these came from the Beverly Hillbilly group, nor from George Bush nor from Sarah Palin. George and Sarah used their common-folk speech to ramble incoherently, mispronounce and pretend to be something they're not.
However, aside from being refreshing, it is also gratifying that such and individual will now be representing us to the rest of the world. For that alone, one should expect a certain level of education and articulation.
Read any transcript of what Governor Palin had to say (preferably a debate or interview that wasn't scripted) and you can see what Gary means with regards to speaking clearly and articulately, with clear sentences and unambiguous comment. Palin spoke like my 14 year old daughter when she's hopped up on sugar. In a local environment, where being one of the crowd is part of the job, that may be fine. However, on an international platform that requires interaction with people around the country and around the globe, where every misstep can be guaranteed to be broadcast around the world, it's a nightmare.
We've just seen that.
Gary Gentry, Nov 7, 2008, 6:38pm EST
Oh not at all. I supported Mr. Obama and I like the man very much. I just think that the way Washington works and how politics are played, eventually it will become apparent that there is only so much he will be able to accomplish. When that happens, there are going to be a lot of people who are going to be very disappointed.
I was also glad to hear him repeat, multiple times, that he becomes president on Jan 20th. Too many have talked about jumping in and changing policy prematurely. This demonstrates a statesman.
N.K. also with the financial crisis and two wars, Obama has been left with, there will be no quick fixes, but he is willing to work hard for the American people. We must do our part and set realistic expectations, do you really believe Obama can fix 8-yrs of corruption in 3-6 months?
Everyone have a great day!
It is going to be a long four years. If he still retains enough political capital to run for a second term, it will be a miracle.
I have been saying for a long time that this is going to be a tough time, and whoever is President will be blamed for the mess. Obama will, most likely, be a one-term President.
I think what impresses me most is he is well aware of how hard his task is and how he will shoulder the blame. I get the impression of someone who went there to roll up his sleeves and clean up what he can.
And N.K.*, I'm genuinely sorry you're unhappy. I hope you joined the pessimism club; there are a bunch of us. I'm pessimistic in some ways, too. There won't be any magic wand waving and many people likely think there will be.
My expectations, though, aren't desperately high because I know he can't do it all. And, after the last eight years, I will be genuinely relieved to see SOMETHING, ANYTHING get better for a change.
I thought it strange that to political cartoonists, Bush had big ears, but in life, he did little listening.
I was so relieved when he was elected only because of the things that will most likely not happen on his watch. The rest of the world is willing to give him time and room to breathe... and so should we!
I don't expect miracles but I do hope the 'Doomsday Clock' will slow down a bit with his election!
Thanks for the link, but I couldn't get to the article without subscribing to Salon at $29 minimum. "premium link" was the term.