Observations on oratory

[trof]

I don't like speeches that sound like speeches.
I don't like the raised, strained voice. I don't like false "rah-rah" enthusiasm.
Bill Clinton was a master at making his speeches sound like he and I were having a somewhat one-sided conversation.

trof's takes, in order of mellifluity, of the ones still standing:
1. Al Sharpton. OK, he's a preacher man, but he's enjoyable, even fun, to listen to. Guy does have a nice turn of phrase and a way with words. No chance for the nomination, but I like to listen to him.
2. John Edwards. As close to Clinton as any other white guy here. Calm, folksy, relaxed, sure of himself, and the pundits cannot box him in. Good on his feet.
3. Wesley Clark. Hit and miss. Sometimes good, sometimes strained.
4. Howard Dean. Also hit and miss. He's saying a lot of the things I want to hear, but delivery is spotty. I listened to a few of the right wing pundits on the radio today and they were all over him for last night's "performance". I gotta say I don't think he did himself any good. Why did he do that?
5. Dennis Kucinich. Small and a bit shrill. I know it's not his fault he's short, but, for good or ill, that resonates with the voters. Some of his ideas sound good (and do-able) to me and some sound good, but off the wall. ..."Yeah, great, but how are you ever gonna get this past congress AND pay for it?"
6. John Kerry. Stiff. The false enthusiasm. Better (somewhat) in town hall type venues than at stump speeches. I didn't like the thinly plagiarized "Come-back Kerry", a la Clinton's "The Come-back Kid". It's been done before. Trite now. He needs better writers/handlers.
7. Last, and certainly least, Holy Joe Lieberman. Where to start? An inside-the-beltway Howdy Doody with a yarmulke. Smilin' Joe. The guy leaves me cold. Sub-zero. Thought he was wrong for Gore's running mate and still don't think he's up to the job.

I know I took my life in my own hands by coming in here. Don't get your knickers in a twist. Read my bumper sticker. I'm STILL ABB, even Joe.

Comments?

[jpgray]

1. I wouldn't argue too much with this

This would be another really agonizing thing to rank for me.

[trof]

2. Things move fast in here.

Even having to go through the filters.