Question: Can you name a politician that knows HOW TO USE ANGER in a good way?

[RiverStone]

There has been lots of debate today on John Kerry vs Chris Wallace. Would a more anger counter punch to CW's very annoying droning made for a better interview? Or would have an equally angry response against the Swift Boaters won John the presidency? All good questions, but thats not what I'm asking here.

We DUers can collectively rage against the BushCo machine; that rant feels pretty damn good. We are angery! Though how best to harness the rage politically is another question. Howard Dean's scream was unfairly characterized by the MSM; though it hurt him anyway.


My question is: Who are the best of the best politicians that you can think of, past or present, that USE ANGER EFFECTIVELY? Motivating but not alienating?


Off the top of my head, Paul Wellstone and Russ Feingold come to mind. There are many more. Of course, though not a politician in the traditional sense, Martin Luther King stands out as a master of sharing words with grace and anger, that inspired a generation.

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." MLK


So, who are your top political role models for using anger in a GOOD way? Someone we all can learn from...

[cali]

1. Yes.

Patrick Leahy uses anger very effectively. If you haven't seen him in action, you're missing something, and hey, he sure got under Cheney's skin.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

2. First thought was Murtha on the war ...

You have the feeling this guy's anger is genuine
& compels him to speak, even to the point of stumbling
over his words in frustration at the lies of the warmakers ...
Folks on the fence look at him & identify ...

[babylonsister]

3. I think Ted Kennedy uses it well, though that might be construed as

passion instead of anger.

[Justitia]

4. I loved watching Barbara Boxer take apart Condi Rice's bullshit & the SNL skit was hysterical! -eom

[trashcanistanista]

5. I liked Boxer's anger

when I saw her slam condi on the SPAN in the Senate even better! Condis reaction - priceless.

[txindy]

6. George Galloway.

Maybe he can give a seminar on constructive anger to American politicians.

[Lisa]

7. in Canada -- Tommy Douglas

He was a Baptist minister, so he could really throw in some fire and brimstone. He'd talk about sick folks going without health care, or not having enough food, or having their farms taken away. And then he'd point at the conservative parties in power, and at their supporters who would sit smugly in church -- even if he didn't always use the word "hypocrites", he would certainly make it clear. Then he would toss in a joke to make everyone laugh, and some suggestions about what had been done in the past, and calmly what could be done now to remedy the situation. And then he would get people stoked up all over again, by explaining that the status quo was blocking even these simple ideas, these little things that could make so much difference and were the decent way to proceed.

I met an elderly man yesterday who had worked for him in the 1950s, and that man still remembered what it was like to sit in the audience and listen as Tommy vented his rage, his determination, and his joy. He said that just thinking about it was enough to make him want to rush out and put out signs (though he's been through more election campaigns than he can count).

[porphyrian]

8. Good cop, bad cop guys...it's not hard. - n/t

[Punkingal]

9. Maxine Waters...

Saw her on a show with a Republican Congress Critter once, and when he got through spewing his right-wing BS, she didn't laugh and say something inane, like "I disagree with my friend" she said something to the effect of his comments being the most ridiculous thing she had ever heard. She was outstanding! She is always angry, and I love her!

[Hamlette]

10. Barney Frank, link to Maher here

(and I'd nominate Maher)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=NlyJmhwa1c0

Maher on think tanks

http://youtube.com/watch?v=NlyJmhwa1c0

[BlooInBloo]

11. Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?

An oldie, but a goodie.


EDIT: Hmmm... That was just the lawyer talking I think... My bad if so.

[hsher]

12. Bill Clinton

VERY effectively.

[bbgrunt]

13. Gore nt