I can understand why the Prez fears Rush. The man is an incredibly talented broadcaster. Though I do not subscribe to his politics, to be as well informed on current affairs as he is, to be able to organise his thoughts so quickly and speak coherently on whatever subject is thrown at him would make Rush a formidable opponent for anybody.

Obama’s much acclaimed oratorial skill however is very much a myth. From here in Britain I did not see a lot of the election campaign but Obama’s public speaking is only inspiring in the same way as that of a motivational speaker. He has learned his technique well from a good drama teacher, he stands on his mark and says his words as someone once said when commenting on John Wayne’s acting ability, but Obama’s speeches are prewritten banalities read from an autocue. There is no spontenaity.

I saw Obama one in the election coverage trying to react to a question he had not been briefed on. For at least 20 seconds (almost eternity in a television interview) he sat looking at the camera with his mouth flapping open and closed like a codfish lying on the deck of a trawler.

Even an occasional radio performer like myself knows you just cannot afford to be caught like that.