To suggest that Sen. Obama is not intelligent, underestimates him and that is not wise or healthy. He is clearly the best motivational speaker, capable of articulating his platform (such as it is) and delivering speeches that move his base.
We have not seen someone do that on the other side of the aisle since Reagan. Bush Sr. was an eloquent and articulate man, but not particularly inspiring. Certainly not in Reagan’s league. Clinton was an effective speaker, but moreso in town hall settings…his big speeches were not galvanizing, in my opinion. The current President Bush…well, public speaking and motivating and galvanizing…articulating ideas, …simply not his long suit.
Nobody ever got anywhere by continuing to underestimate the opposing side. It is unwise to do so. Give Sen. Obama his due. He has an outstanding ability to deliver prepared speeches. He appears natural and unforced. His pacing, style and demeanor are well orchestrated. He chooses powerful words and phrases that motivate and excite his base and he turns a phrase to maximum impact.
Sen. McCain does not. He is second best in terms of style, pacing, natural and/or unforced demeanor and ability to motivate.
Style points are a near lock to go to Sen. Obama throughout this campaign. Underestimating the value of that advantage, is likely to cause an ineffective response to it. That’s a mistake of epic proportions. I like Rick Moran and the attack on him here is not well founded. I don’t agree with all his conclusions, and I will offer up why in a following post…but, I respect what he has to say…and pay attention to it. So should the rest of us, including some of my favorite commenters…who are ordinarily know better.
