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If for no other reason

March 18th, 2008 · by map · 12 Comments

I just finished reading Barack Obama’s most recent speech, and you know, I really miss having a president who can speak well. One who is eloquent. One with some presence. Some class. Clinton could do it. And Reagan had a flair for delivery, too.

I understand that “he talks good” isn’t a great reason for choosing a president, given the long list of more valid criteria one should address, but wow, I can’t even imagine Bush stuttering through any of Obama’s speeches from this campaign. And as wrong-headed as it may be, it’s important to me that the person who speaks on my behalf to other world leaders, and to tyrants, and to world leaders who are tyrants, at least gives the impression that his words have been considered, that he can make it through a couple paragraphs without shrugging his shoulders, shuffling his feet, and donning some dumbass, shitkicker grin that he doesn’t even come by honestly. Surely there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be inspired?

Tags: General

  • http://dannynovo.com Danny

    Amen, brother.

  • http://dannynovo.com Danny

    Amen, brother.

  • http://iowahowes.blogspot.com writermom

    I hear you.

  • http://iowahowes.blogspot.com writermom

    I hear you.

  • kim painter

    it’s been a tough eight years, in so many ways – these not the least. you are so right, mark – inspiration is no small thing. in fact, at the very worst of times, it becomes the only thing.

  • kim painter

    it’s been a tough eight years, in so many ways – these not the least. you are so right, mark – inspiration is no small thing. in fact, at the very worst of times, it becomes the only thing.

  • http://benjamind.com ben

    I watched it at home on CNN, all teary-eyed. We need this man to be the next president.

  • http://benjamind.com ben

    I watched it at home on CNN, all teary-eyed. We need this man to be the next president.

  • http://mama-tchou-tchou.blogspot.com/ Jenny

    I get inspired, emotional, pin-prickly, moved, etcetera, every time I hear him — and cried after a brief exchange of words with him in Iowa City, before the caucus kick-off, as my knees buckled. The remarkable thing being that while we spoke, I felt utterly calm and able to express what I’d wanted to express, able to take in what he was saying, too. I’ve shaken hands and spoken briefly with many people that I admire deeply, but NEVER had an experience like this one.

    In any case, I do think that we need somebody inspirational as president, because that is a big part of what a leader is meant to do: inspire causes, people, nations; get people to work towards a common goal or goals.

  • http://mama-tchou-tchou.blogspot.com/ Jenny

    I get inspired, emotional, pin-prickly, moved, etcetera, every time I hear him — and cried after a brief exchange of words with him in Iowa City, before the caucus kick-off, as my knees buckled. The remarkable thing being that while we spoke, I felt utterly calm and able to express what I’d wanted to express, able to take in what he was saying, too. I’ve shaken hands and spoken briefly with many people that I admire deeply, but NEVER had an experience like this one.

    In any case, I do think that we need somebody inspirational as president, because that is a big part of what a leader is meant to do: inspire causes, people, nations; get people to work towards a common goal or goals.

  • http://knightswhowrites.blogspot.com/ Jen

    Yes, we can.

  • http://knightswhowrites.blogspot.com/ Jen

    Yes, we can.