Pizazz
I keep expecting Barack Obama to say something electric or wowser when he's interviewed, as he was yesterday by Pastor Rick Warren during yesterday's Saddleback Church civil forum. It's not that he lacks charm or feeling when he speaks, or that he fails to express his beliefs plainly or concisely. I guess I've just heard him speak so often that he holds no surprises. He can't not be careful. Not that I expect him to be cavalier. Not in this rancid predatory climate.
I know he'll probably make history when he delivers his big closing-night speech in Denver, which will happen a week from this coming Thursday. I guess I'm just easily bored because whenever he speaks off the cuff, he always seems to go for the bunt. What I'd like to hear him say, I suppose, is something Eric Rothian or Tom Stoppard-esque or early David Mamet-level. Zappers, zingers, sliders. As it is now I feel like I know what he's going to say before he says it, and it's always right across the plate. And more often slow than fast.
As for the content of yesterday's Saddleback discussion, I'm more or less with Zennie Abraham.
Posted by Jeffrey Wells on August 17, 2008 at 3:32 PM
comment #1
Chicago48 says ...
Hmm I didn't see it but I go with what you thought. I'm concerned that the American public will get it wrong again, as they have for the past 8 years -- not the Black or Hispanic American public, but the White public. They are so gullible and are satisfied with the status quo....and we all suffer because the majority white vote against their best interest. Not saying that Obama will be a great or even good President, nobody knows, but we KNOW where McCain stands. And besides, nobody wants to state it -- he's OLD.!!
Posted by Chicago48 at August 17, 2008 5:25 PM
comment #2
Movie Watcher says ...
What was the purpose of this "forum"? They said the same things, except it was in a church. Obama has to give a memorable speech in Denver. McCain couldn't even admit he fooled around on his first wife,and of course the crowd let it slide. What a purpose driven life.
Posted by Movie Watcher at August 17, 2008 6:43 PM
comment #3
Mgmax says ...
"Not in this rancid predatory climate."
See Frank Rich below.
Posted by Mgmax at August 17, 2008 6:59 PM
comment #4
Josh Massey says ...
Of course he'll give a memorable speech - because it will be prepared and rehearsed. His off-the-cuff oratory skills leave a lot to be desired, which is why I can't wait for the debates.
Posted by Josh Massey at August 17, 2008 7:03 PM
comment #5
D.Z. says ...
Josh: And those claims about WMDs weren't prepared?
Posted by D.Z. at August 17, 2008 7:35 PM
comment #6
SpinDozer says ...
'Of course he'll give a memorable speech - because it will be prepared and rehearsed.'
Yup, unlike all the other acceptance speeches given at conventions throughout history. Great Point. Here's an example of your hero's ability to answer a "tough" question under pressure. Best of luck in the debate!
Posted by SpinDozer at August 17, 2008 7:54 PM
comment #7
Josh Massey says ...
My hero? First of all, I would never be inane or blind enough to have a politician for a hero (although Reagan and Bobby Kennedy come close). Second, I'm not voting for McCain, and have never intended to.
Posted by Josh Massey at August 17, 2008 8:12 PM
comment #8
SpinDozer says ...
My veddy sincere apologies. You have obviously stated your preferance to former GOP'r Bob Barr, how silly of me to have concluded your anti-Obama posture was indicative of your non-partisan passion to GOP interests. L-O-effing-L.
Posted by SpinDozer at August 17, 2008 9:16 PM
comment #9
Marty Melville says ...
"Not in this rancid predatory climate.'
See Frank Rich below."
Yeah Frank, stop picking on Johnny, he was a P.O.W., in case ya didn't know.... (though you'd never know it from him... just too darn modest, I'd reckon).
Posted by Marty Melville at August 18, 2008 1:09 AM
comment #10
Josh says ...
obama without a teleprompter? not good
Posted by Josh at August 18, 2008 7:46 AM
comment #11
martindale says ...
That was a poor performance by Obama on Saturday. His answers were rambling, choppy, and he sounded too much like he was trying to please everyone.
Posted by martindale at August 18, 2008 9:36 AM
comment #12
Chapman Carruthers says ...
>>>My hero? First of all, I would never be inane or blind enough to have a politician for a hero (although Reagan and Bobby Kennedy come close).
Bobby Kennedy and REAGAN??? Could you find two politicians whose policies are more diametrically opposed?
Posted by Chapman Carruthers at August 18, 2008 11:21 AM