Daily Beast: Write-Your-Own-Obama Speech

[HopeOverFear]

I don't know anything about Benjamin Sarlin, but is this supposed to be a hit piece?

[Buzz Clik]

1. Who knows. Just some guy who thinks he's clever because he's discovered...

... that speeches tend to follow a pattern.

A fargin' genius, I tells ya.

[MADem]

2. It's true, actually. That is what he does. The speeches are still good.

During the campaign, someone would faint, and he'd say "Can we get a bottle of water over here? She's (it was always a she) gettin' some help, give her some air, sip a water...she'll be fine!!" (cheers)

This stuff is formulaic.

Not the first time someone's done this, either: http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/HowTo:Write_a_speech_for_George_W._Bush

There used to be a website where you could plug in a few goofy words, and the site would produce a Bush speech. It was funny.

[tomg]

3. I didn't see it as a hit piece in any way.

Funny and accurate.

[gauguin57]

4. I like the first comment under the piece ...

"This is the ultimate hack article. For JFK the line is a quote from a classical greek. Ditto for RFK.
For Bush, the line would be: Dur, unintelligible, dur, unintelligible, dur, dur, dur.
This speech helped saved lives; so shut up until you think of something interesting to say."

[Occam Bandage]

5. It seems Obama has a pretty good formula. I mean, look at these:

8. Both sides have a point.

9. Dismiss traditional battle lines as insufficiently nuanced. Find common ground.

11. Manage expectations.

12. That said, don't be afraid to dream big.

Isn't that how adults should handle political conflict?

[4lbs]

6. It's much better than the far-right thinking that has dominated for the past 3 decades.

1.) My side is the only side.

2.) Either you're with me, or you're against me.

3.) You want my help? I'll tell you what to do.

4.) Do what I say, or else!

5.) No, you can't have that, it's mine now!