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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWho is the asshole on Deadline White House?
How DARE he chit-chat about Zelinski's acting and public speaking experience - as if those skills aren't ridiculously common among the MOST scummy politicians around the world.
Zelinski is making an impact due to his MORALITY and COURAGE
uponit7771
(90,225 posts)... stay in a war zone like he has
Earthrise
(15,501 posts)hlthe2b
(101,730 posts)Earthrise
(15,501 posts)calimary
(80,699 posts)First; I definitely understand your discomfort here. It can seem like a trivializing of Zelenskyys approach.
But - as someone who covered Hollywood for the AP for years, Ive gotta say the Ukrainians really couldnt have a better or shrewder public advocate than this guy.
A former comedian and actor who knows and understands his audience - whether its at some local nightclub full of rowdies and drunks or a world-wide forum speaking to leaders of countries. I swear - hes the new Great Communicator. Hes impressively skilled at appealing to the viewer and listener. His speech making is sympathetic and compelling. Hes REACHING people on a common, shared, human level. Hes connecting to everyone as an Everyman Hero. Hes got superb communications skills and he knows how to connect. And every time hes on camera dressed in a plain t-shirt or out in fatigues greeting the troops or visiting the wounded in their hospital beds, he wins their hearts - on THEIR level. Hes a HUGE part of that Ukrainian unity and fire-in-the-belly to fight the dreaded Russians.
You couldnt find a better man-of-the-people good guy if you auditioned every male lead in Hollywood.
I swear - he makes wearing a scruffy t-shirt to work a symbol of valor and heroism.
Hes Ukraines biggest and best and most ferocious secret weapon. And when you stand him up against a fancy-suited impeccably-groomed WAR CRIMINAL like Putin, the simple homespun humble Everyman is gonna win, every time.
Hes Fucking BRILLIANT.
Eliot Rosewater
(31,097 posts)monkeyman1
(5,109 posts)" LOOK WHERE THAT GOT US ? "
Greyhead
(36 posts)He was and is an asshole!
the first thing mentioned about Zelenskyy is that he graduated from law school...
calimary
(80,699 posts)They have to win audiences also. But theirs are on the bench and in the jury box. A skilled orator or inspiring speaker can move mountains.
when someone is identified as a "comedian" there is a tendency to view that person as someone who shouldn't be in politics and/or doesn't have what it takes to be a leader. Look at how we view trump and his "TV" personna, Dr. Oz, and any number of other personalities even Democratic candidates from the entertainment world.
Earthrise
(15,501 posts)I believe his ability to connect comes from lived experience and the kind of ability Obama had to be comfortable with the Queen of England and remember the names and life stories of the cooking staff at the White House. He is genuinely fascinated with and respectful of all (who aren't trying to destroy his people and his nation).
His knowledge of history must be exceptional to deliver the targeted addresses he gave to the House of Commons, U.S. Congress, and the Bundestag.
I'm watching him in "Servant of the People" on Netflix and I've read interviews from his associates that say he is exactly in real life as he is in the show. In other words, he was just himself on the show - he wasn't acting. The only "man of the people good guy" he can be is himself.
As you said, the asshole on the show was trivializing Zelinsky's character and skills and it pissed me WAY off.
The man's heart is being shredded over a rusty cheese grater - the loss of life in his country - now is not the time to discuss how his experience in the entertainment industry may or may not contribute to his ability to awaken the conscience of the world.
Evolve Dammit
(16,632 posts)Vadem
(2,596 posts)never practiced law! I guess he decided to do
comedy instead! LOL! He is brilliant!
wnylib
(21,146 posts)in common a skill with language and communicating with audiences.
Consider the writers who have law degrees, like John Grisham.
Comedians are often very insightful in their commentaries because of their intelligence and skill with words and word imagery. A comedian like Trevor Noah does not just do comedy; he opens people's minds to thinking about what is going on in the country and the world.
Barack Obama is not only a lawyer and politician, but also a good orator.
These skills overlap in various professions.
IA8IT
(5,538 posts)I had same negative feelings when he started the actor stuff
calimary
(80,699 posts)Id say Zelenskyys background on stage gave him PRIMO skills for relating to and connecting with viewers and listeners. Hes an inspiring, towering hero but as approachable as your next-door neighbor at the same time. His efforts on a nightclub stage have enabled him to step up on a world stage - at the exact moment a talent like his is desperately needed.
They used to call Princess Diana the Peoples Princess for her beloved common touch. Zelenskyy very compellingly qualifies as the Peoples President. And hes gonna hold that whole country together if he has to do it with his teeth. And all Ukrainians know it - as does the whole world. They couldnt have a more perfect leader for his embattled war-torn country. I cant say enough good things about him. Ive never seen a leader quite like him. Hes a real life David out there facing down the Russian Goliath.
Hell be nominated for a Nobel Peace prize, Ill bet, and hell win by acclamation.
Earthrise
(15,501 posts)and couldn't hear anything he said about Zelinski's courage.
Gore1FL
(21,034 posts)He has a lot of natural and developed skills. While facing this challenge, he draws on all of those skills.
As you state, without morality and courage, none of this is possible!
Evolve Dammit
(16,632 posts)yorkster
(1,421 posts)spoke of the Ukrainian surrogate "industry"? It was a distressing segment but that usage struck me as creepy, cold, etc. I missed the segment referenced here.
unfortunately.