Michael Gerson, who authored President George W. Bush’s first and second inaugural addresses, offered on Fox News this critique of President Obama’s speech:
It is pretty amazing that this man’s presence filled that extraordinary rhetorical stage, the main rhetorical stage in American life when he is just a few years from giving speeches on the floor of the Illinois State Legislature. He has an extraordinary presence when he delivers speeches. I thought thematically it had a lot of outreach, a lot of strengths. It was part of that great tradition of American inaugurals that says we find renewal by returning to the great values, the transcendent values of our nation including responsibility and care for one another…
The surprising thing about this speech, however, is its extraordinary moments, the speech was actually quite ordinary, from a literary perspective. There were too many raging storms and gathering clouds and other things that any writer could consider cliched. I do not understand, given Obama’s literary ear in so many past speeches, how some of these things got through into an inaugural address. I think it’s a mystery.
A Fox News voice I couldn’t immediately identify agreed, adding “I kept looking for the line that I thought was going to be engraved in granite…I found precious little.”
I think the speech was a masterpiece, largely because of its asymmetry and texture. It was by far the best inaugural address I've ever heard. I hope we can begin a new era where more substantive orations like Obama's become the norm.
#1 Posted by gordon, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 02:58 PM
It is amusing and more than pathetic that a man who wrote speeches for perhaps the worst president speaker in this person's memory should call Obama's inaugural "cliched". Cliches are by far better than speaking lies and empty rhetoric.
#2 Posted by Lee Anglin, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:22 PM
Hope this guy gets a job at the Gap. Clich would his opinion...no surprise there. Check the source.. Way to go Obama!!!
#3 Posted by Alice Magret Meikle, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:25 PM
Even Obama at his worst is better than Dubya at his best. He can speak well and pronounce "nuclear" correctly. This was a great speech.
#4 Posted by Lucy in Texas, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:30 PM
Sounds like someone's yearning for some good ol' fashioned high-falutin' obfuscation! After eight years of lies - some elaborately woven into speech language by Mr. Gerson and friends, some miscarried into the world directly from the lips of George W. - it must be so hard to process a speech like President Obama's. A speech from the heart, comprised of stirring and elegant language with a combination of inspirational rhetoric, harsh truths and an avowed will to take on the challenges ahead with self-awareness and whole-heartedness. I suppose, after all this time of deliberately evading the truth, it can only come naturally to Mr. Gerson and his cronies - sorry, colleagues - at Fox to miss the point by miles.
#5 Posted by lareigna, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:30 PM
Is is possible to view any speech as cliched.
With some speeches you have to work harder at it.
Bush's limited Imagery "mushroom clouds," "Freedom," "Justice," "Workin' hard" combined with his appalling delivery made sure his critics didn't have to work very hard.
#6 Posted by murph, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:31 PM
Hater....
#7 Posted by Melba, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:36 PM
And who says Americans have no sense of irony? Bush's speech writer saying that Obama's speech was "clichéd"???
#8 Posted by Alison, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:36 PM
I never heard a Bush speech that wasn't empty and dishonest. If this speechwriter, probably the same Bush scribe responsible for Sarah Palin's hateful drivel during the campaign, then that's definitely a good sign.
#9 Posted by Dolmance, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:37 PM
Speeches don't run a country. We need the proof of good governance....which is yet to come.
#10 Posted by Carlos Figeura, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:40 PM
I found the speech to be quite fitting for the gravity of the moment. I will concur that it was a stylistic diversion from the soaring oration that Obama is known for, but there was a beautiful simplicity to the thoughts expressed therein.
This was a speech not just for Americans, but one that captured attentions worldwide. The path before us is perilous, and Obama's address seemed, in my opinion, to be less of a speech, but the beginning of a long needed conversation. He called upon all people to recognize the duties inherent in our claim to this nation, the responsibility that we all bear and the fact that "change" is not in our future, but has already happened-and how we work within that new reality will define our tomorrow.
The hope that he has inspired in people has been decried as an hollow phenomenon, and while I can understand the basis of that logic, I ask this: is that hope not worthy in and of itself? For a nation of people, of all stripes, colors and beliefs who can only watch as their lives are cast upon the rocks, hope is the most valuable, tangible commodity they can possess. Where we go from here is yet to be written, but to walk down the street and recognize a sense of excitement in the faces of strangers is something that I find wonderful.
We have been charged with a monumental task, been provided an opportunity to build up what has been lost in a manner that makes us stronger as a people. I pray that we all accept that challenge.
Pax.
#11 Posted by Chrissie, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:42 PM
"because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."
#12 Posted by Tom Clement, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:42 PM
It was the kind of speech that gains by re-reading. It was subtle and authentic, qualities that may not have been readily apparent to Michael Gerson.
#13 Posted by Ruth Gutmann, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:44 PM
The blackman desires the history making moment . Its not about speech. Its not even about being a great leader. Lets see if the speech changes the attitude to work and produce.
Having Obama as president is like your parents owning a BMW but you have to use public transport.
#14 Posted by Carlos Figuera, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:49 PM
Gerson certainly is an authority on writing timeless and inspirational inaugural addresses. I must apologize for not being able to recall any lines from either of Gerson's GWB inaugurals. i'm sure there were some. it'll come to me. wait. wait....
#15 Posted by Rowell, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:49 PM
Coming from Michael Gerson, who wrote the inaugural addresses of the worst president in American history, the characterization of Barack Obama's inaugural address seems like some form of self-promotion -- or as if some faint memory of Gerson's ghostwriting would somehow exonerate the perversity of so much of what Bush actually did, or as if any quality of Barack Obama's address could disappoint the vast majority of Americans and indeed of the world's citizens who welcome the termination of the employment of Mr. Gerson's former boss. President Obama's address was a fine inaugural address. Small-minded caviling from Mr. Gerson only besmirches himself.
#16 Posted by Tribunus Plebis, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:51 PM
The question I have to ask is, why are any of these Bushies still even allowed anywhere near any kind of journalist (print/broadcast/interactive) and why are they even provided any kind of pulpit? After trillions of dollars down the plughole of debt, two failed wars, countless efforts to rape and pillage our constitution, jesus man, you guys ARE the cliche, the evil blood sucking villains from the movies. GTFO!
#17 Posted by myerman, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 03:59 PM
The long knives have just been drawn and we will cut deep.
I savor the day that we the people run our new king Berry out of town after he is exposed as the fraud and empty suit it is.
#18 Posted by Savor the Delight, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 04:02 PM
It says something about a man's power as a speaker, that when you appraise his speech, all you can compare it to is his own past speeches. He's so beyond anybody we've seen recently, that alone is his only real competition.
I will admit that the most stirring words he spoke to today were borrowed from George Washington, but if you're looking for words of his own worthy of carving onto a statue, these will do:
"We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake."
#19 Posted by Seth, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 04:35 PM
This speech, like all of Obama's speeches, are great because you can actually BELIEVE the cliches!
And Seth, I absolutely agree. The line about no longer needing to choose between safety and our ideals was EPIC! The TV I was watching panned to Bush as Obama talked about the rule of law... I like to think that Bush looked a little ashamed of himself, but that's probably a stretch.
#20 Posted by Lauren, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 04:46 PM
Gerson: "There were too many raging storms and gathering clouds and other things that any writer could consider cliched."
From GWB's First Inaugural Address: "Through much of the last century, America’s faith in freedom and democracy was a rock in a raging sea. Now it is a seed upon the wind, taking root in many nations."
From GWB's Second Inaugural Address: "For a half a century, America defended our own freedom by standing watch on distant borders. After the shipwreck of communism came years of relative quiet, years of repose, years of sabbatical—and then there came a day of fire."
"Seed upon the wind"? "Standing watch on distant borders"? Sheesh. Pot calling the kettle black. What a tool.
#21 Posted by David, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 05:15 PM
From GWB's First Inaugural Address (written by Gerson):
"Today, we affirm a new commitment to live out our nation’s promise through civility, courage, compassion and character. America, at its best, matches a commitment to principle with a concern for civility. A civil society demands from each of us good will and respect, fair dealing and forgiveness."
"Civility is not a tactic or a sentiment. It is the determined choice of trust over cynicism, of community over chaos. And this commitment, if we keep it, is a way to shared accomplishment."
"We will defend our allies and our interests. We will show purpose without arrogance. We will meet aggression and bad faith with resolve and strength. And to all nations, we will speak for the values that gave our nation birth."
"I will live and lead by these principles: to advance my convictions with civility, to pursue the public interest with courage, to speak for greater justice and compassion, to call for responsibility and try to live it as well. In all these ways, I will bring the values of our history to the care of our times."
Epic Failure Gerson... E-P-I-C.
#22 Posted by David, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 05:25 PM
The best part of the Obama speech was the numerous times he stuck his finger in bushs eye.
#23 Posted by Jilli, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 05:26 PM
Ah, but he wrote it himself, didn't he? So now he hear the voice of a redundant speechwriter.
#24 Posted by Sir, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 05:30 PM
And perhaps the President used cliche because he understood his primary audience, all Americans, and his secondary audience, the rest of the world. This is a nuance, audience analysis and needs, I would not expect someone associated with the previous administration to understand. For them everything was fear and more fear.
#25 Posted by Johnjlws, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 05:49 PM
I cannot believe that the man who wrote those amazingly pathetic and uninspiring speeches for George Bush could even begin to critique anything that Obama wrote. The only speech that I remember Bush giving was the one after 9-11.
#26 Posted by Candy, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 05:51 PM
"I savor the day that we the people run our new king Berry out of town after he is exposed as the fraud and empty suit it is."
How long can you "savor" as it will need to be a very, very long time? (Oh, and a little thing, I think it's "Barry," but you may be too ignorant to read.)
#27 Posted by Savor The Next 8 Years, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 05:57 PM
Gerson has learned to say to Fox News what he believes Fox News would like him to say, whether it has any relation to what be believes or even whether he knows what he believes. His speeches have the same core level dishonesty, The President's words seemed authentic, challenging, uplifting, and preeminently, honest. A fine start.
#28 Posted by Lonnie B, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 06:15 PM
I've always felt sorry for Michael Gerson. Imagine working your way up the career ladder to the point where you're a speech writer for the President of the United States...
And then being told you can't use any words that are longer than 2 syllables because your boss is a functional illiterate!
#29 Posted by J Weider, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 06:20 PM
Want to engrave something in granite? How about:
"we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals."
#30 Posted by James Andre, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 06:38 PM
It Was FOX - they were sort of fishing for something bad to say. They started off with Judith Miller, and when she didn't hate the speech they cut her off quickly. The FOX commentary seemed especially weak and cowardly this morning. They were just grasping at straws trying to find something to hate.
#31 Posted by Jim, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 06:57 PM
Cliched speech, Mr. Gerson? How about "You're either for us or against us"? How about "Dead or alive"? How about "Bring it on"?
At long last we now have a President capable of speaking intelligently and articulately to us and to the whole world about every major challenge we face. I am jubilant and hopeful at the same time. HBO told me what I wanted to hear, which is that our Constitution is again paramount and that we will no longer tolerate bumbling leadership.
#32 Posted by Carol, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 07:22 PM
BHO not HBO
#33 Posted by Carol, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 07:28 PM
Bush speech writer? Fox? Criticizing something about a Democrat? Clearly this is an opinion worthy of a news article...
#34 Posted by mark, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 08:14 PM
Gotta love the Rethuglicans, sore losers to the end.
#35 Posted by AMB, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 08:18 PM
"Offensively mediocre" is the best description of Gerson's speechwriting. Truly, this fellow wouldn't recognize an effective speech if he fell over it on the way to his own hamhandedly symmetrical, comically over-alliterative work.
#36 Posted by Still gets paid for it, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 08:44 PM
President Bush had a speech writer?
#37 Posted by W HUNTER, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 09:31 PM
Gerson is, unfortunately, well known for being windy and defensive to a fault about the real Bush. It was easy for him to script a scurrilous president. Why be confounded in crafting words for a many with no respect for the Constitution or for telling the truth to the people who elected Bush. He didn't care. Speechwriters are not hauled into the Hague. But his reputation is flaccid to an extent that viagra-for-speechwriters won'[t cure.
#38 Posted by melvin cheeser, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 09:35 PM
WE have spent billions upon billions in stimulus payments and bail out bucks. We need to invest in improving these technologies and making them more mainstream. There could be no better investment than to invest in America becoming energy independent. With the current technology and average electric rates it would only cost the equivalent of 60 cents per gallon to charge and drive an electric car. Advances on longer range/ faster charging batteries are coming along at a rapid pace. Oil is finite. We are using oil globally at the rate of 2 X faster than new oil is being discovered. This past year the high cost of fuel brought our economy to it's knee. OPEC is continuing to cut production and will do so until they achieve their goal of 80-100. per barrel. We really need to wake up and smell the coffee as a nation and utilize everything in our power to promote energy independence. Jeff Wilson has a really good new book out called The Manhattan Project of 2009 Energy Independence Now.
#39 Posted by Aaron, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 09:48 PM
I watched Obama's speech and read it again. Obama's whole speech was like a Mozart opera in that like Mozart's operas it did not have the big ba ng so to speak but every note put together was perfect and required so that the sum of the opera was a masterpiece.
Just like Obama's speech as a whole was much greater than the sum of it's parts much like a perfectly written essay that is a prescription for moving this country forward based on where we are and have been in the past
#40 Posted by KQuark, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 09:49 PM
What is this guy talking about? I thought the speech set exactly the right tone. No soaring rhetoric - just the plain facts to sober up America. Compared to anything this guy has written, it was perfect
#41 Posted by Dave, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 11:31 PM
He just isn't used to all of those diagramed sentences and whatnot.
#42 Posted by Firenze, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 11:37 PM
Cliched?
Does everyone remember President Bush's second inaugural address --the one in which he used "freedom" so many times that pundits were obliged to wonder aloud whether the address was the beginning of some new, grand, global initiative to deliver liberty to all?
Gerson's words today serve the same purpose as those he penned for Mr. Bush four years ago: to fill a few minutes of air time, nothing more, nothing less.
#43 Posted by Joe C from Austin, CJR on Tue 20 Jan 2009 at 11:49 PM
Well, at the risk of offering myself up for cyber crucifixion here, I have to say that I was, unfortunately, disappointed. I've been looking forward to the speech for weeks (and travelled to DC to witness it firsthand), but I just heard too much of the same rhetoric of the last eight years in this speech. Obama obviously delivers it 1000 times better than Bush ever could, but in listening to the actual language and substance, it's largely the same exact message as Bush's freedom-at-all-costs, unapologetic-American-way-of-life rabble-rousing. I'm actually frightened of what I might find in comparing Barrack's speech to some of Dubya's. And for the cynics in the group, yes, I had this exact reaction before hearing the same thing from Jon Stewart. I hope I'm wrong, but to me it just sounded like the same thing in a different (albeit much more inspiring) voice.
#44 Posted by JohnTC, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 12:11 AM
Gerson needs to get a life!
Such petty comments from a guy with his background.
Exactly the kind of childish acts Obama said we need to rid of!
#45 Posted by Jim, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 12:38 AM
Wooowww.... I love how some of the people here are hating on our new president so badly!
Where were all of you when our former "president' was spending all of our money and destroying our economy... where were your comments then?
#46 Posted by Melba, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 01:40 AM
Unfortunate mixing of metaphors such as (1) rolling back the specter of a warming planet, (2) tasting the bitter swill and emerging from that dark chapter, and (3)road that unfolds.
#47 Posted by Ernesto, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 04:21 AM
It was the best speech that I can ever remember hearing...LIVE. Otherwise I would have to include Churchill, MLK,rendered before my time. Remember that this was an inauguration speech given on a day of Celebration and renewal. Tuesday was meant to be a day to commemorate a peaceful transfer of power, parades and parties lasting into the early morning hours of today. Is it possible the speech was constructed so that each of us could draw our own conclusions as to what President OBAMA meant. I am sure the world will find out in the next thirtydays what the new administration's ideals and policies will be.
#48 Posted by W SMITH, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 08:28 AM
Hmmm... and the opinion of a Bush speech writer matters? I'm sorry, but when you need to phonetically spell words for him so he pronounces them correctly, something they had to do for Palin, too, you lose the right to criticize others.
I felt that the speech was masterful in both content and execution. With the mess that has been left behind by Bush and his companions, there was a lot that needed to be covered. President Obama covered them all. I especially enjoyed the line to those countries that may disagree with us, or rule their countries with an iron fist. He said that we will have an open hand if they will just unclench that fist.
Great speech by a great human being. There was something for everyone, and many parts of the speech could be interpreted differently by each person listening. Bravo Mr. President!!!
#49 Posted by Chris, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 08:35 AM
These Repubs. still don't GET IT. America has moved beyond the 15 second sound bite and the empty rhetoric of 'W' and the rest of the Neo-Cons. Obama's Inaugural Address asked the people to FINALLY see the nation with a GROWN-UP'S clear eye and to "set aside childish things..." I thought it was JUST what America needed to hear after 8 LONG, INTERMINABLE years of one infantile act after another. FINALLY this country may be ready to GROW UP and begin the hard work ahead. I for one, can't WAIT to get started.
#50 Posted by Mary K Ojeda, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 09:27 AM
Of course this is an analysis from a speechwriter that was challenged to write all of his bosses speeches with one syllable words.
#51 Posted by SDindependent, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 09:56 AM
LIBERAL VITRIOL AND HATE continues with the corrupt hussein obama calling for suffering and sacrifice - EPIC - and I hope you liberal antiAmericans sacrifice for your prez, cuz the REAL AMERICANS have sacrificed for the welfare set and are done with that noise. REAL AMERICANS are going to do the LIBERAL VITRIOL AND HATE for the sacrifice as begged by the fool prez elect
#52 Posted by ANDY & BARNEY, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 01:16 PM
How's that, Andy and Barney???
#53 Posted by gordon, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 05:42 PM
I have listened to presidential inaugurations for over 60 years now. I wasn't impressed with Obama's speech at all.. It contained excellent rhetoric but the content was certainly not fulfilling. The central theme seemed to be the idea that Obama has fanned all through the campaign. Though not couched in these exact words it goes something like this. The world's a mess-we can change it-yes we can. I've heard this so many times yet there is a hollowness to it because there was nothing defining and eminently challenging about his speech.
I am not impressed with the readership of this blog either when it seiously overlooks the very real accomplishments of the Bush Presidency, and belittles and demeans the man. This is not to say that he never made serious mistakes. Honestly though these were not anywhere as poorly conceived and executed as those that occurred during Jefferson, Monroe, or even Harry Truman's eras.
One of the issues that needed to be addressed is that it has become increasingly apparent that till recently our youth preferred not to do hard work, but left that to illegal immigrants. Obama mentioned that we needed to roll up our sleeves and go to work, but didn't mention this glaring problem. This was just one of the reasons for the labor crisis in this Country. Another is the vast tide of abortions that killed over 45 million Americans over the last 45 years-this was another issue he missed. There were no great stirring words like "Ask not what your Country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your Country." He didn't speak to the accomplishments of the past administration and say that they were good but needed more dedication and a fresh approach that would galvanize us to action. Obama's speech, from what I heard of it was indeed hackneyed and full of cliches.
I expected to hear him say something to the effect that despite the best efforts of the past we are at a crisis which has brought fear into many hearts. I was hoping to hear him say something like FDR had said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." This Country has a challenge before it. We need to take advantage of every bit of diversity in this Country, and combine our efforts to rebuild the American Spirit, finding ways to tighten our belts and keep on working to let others know that we haven't given up hope, but not hoping in everything to be better bye and bye. Instead, I expected him to say that we will find ways to kindle afresh the ingenuity and inventiveness of our forefathers, shoring up the weak points, and rebuilding the waste places to multiply the productivity of the Nation and bail out the Country that way. That is what I was hoping to hear, but there was no talk of everyone taking a pay cut so that companies could remain solvent. We don't need to rebuild the Coutry from the ground up, just just repair and streamline things so we can do more with less self serving methods.
For crying out loud, I've been in the service of God and Man, rebuilding lives for most of the last 50 years. My Grandmother and Grandfather put out tables on the sidewalk to feed the hungry during the Great Depression and over the years I've opened my home to help homeless people put their lives in order, helped found a rescue mission, helped put together the national, state and local food banks under Jimmy Carter, etc.,etc.. This was not to encourage laziness but to find out how to genuinely help and encourage people get their lives together so they no longer needed the services. The building bureaucracy has since made people dependent on these things. I know that Obama was a CO, but so was I and yes, there are a lot of us old fogeys out here that could brainstorm and figure out a way to jumpstart the economy. We may be old but we haven't forgotten how to get things done.
I'm on Social Security now and don't know if it's going to continue to be there tomorrow. Instead, I've chosen to r
#54 Posted by Robert Christopulos, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 05:49 PM
You Libraltards are in the hot seat now. Everything the Great One promised in his campaign is already changing. It'll be interesting if you'll butcher the great one like you did Bush. It'll be fun to watch. Palin 2012!
#55 Posted by Tim, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 05:58 PM
You Libraltards are in the hot seat now. Everything the Great One promised in his campaign is already changing. It'll be interesting if you'll butcher the great one like you did Bush. It'll be fun to watch. Palin 2012!
#56 Posted by Tim, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 06:02 PM
What does it matter what he said? He is a politician, he lies. We will see what you all say about him. I give it 1 year before you turn against him.
Once a politician always a politician.
#57 Posted by cmoore, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 08:29 PM
I don't understand the hatred... The bitter, bitter people. He complimented Obama many times, and in comparing this speech to others Obama has given, said that this one was more cliched than the others. Big hairy deal!
For so many of you to freak out like this and use this opportunity to get one last spittle filled outburst in about how bad Bush was is uncalled for. Try to enjoy the moment and relax knowing that the guy you wanted was sworn into office.
#58 Posted by Bruce, CJR on Wed 21 Jan 2009 at 11:40 PM
First, Robert Christopulos, you being on Social Security is the best argument for discontinuing it that I've ever heard. That you would talk of sacrifice in one breath and in the next praise Curious George Bush and hallucinate that he'd had achieved anything but war & debt in his term - Bobby, you are actually too stupid to live. So go live with Tim, the Conservatard. As for Gerson, he should know about cliches. He is one.
#59 Posted by Maralago, CJR on Thu 22 Jan 2009 at 02:37 PM
bush and obama?
tricycle and limo
#60 Posted by madjid, CJR on Sat 31 Jan 2009 at 09:39 AM
This is a discussion on speech writing, is it not?
Gerson's mouth piece was a borderline dyslexic. Listening to GWBush wrestle with the English language for eight years was alternately entertaining, amusing, and perversely painful at the same time...in other words, considering who was "performing" the speeches, Gerson is a more than capable craftsman...Bush's post 9/11 State of the Union address made him come across like Winston Churchill...no small accomplishment for Gerson, given the raw material he had to work with.
Jon Favreau, age 27 (not the actor) is President Obama's head writer...and Obama is a highly verbal, and highly skilled orator. So rest assured, Obama may have contributed to the content of his inaugural address, but he did NOT WRITE IT! The last speech O wrote in total was his 2004 address to the DNC.
Gerson pretty accurately and fairly critiqued the speech, pointing out its literary strengths and weaknesses in the context of the stage on which it was performed.. Ideology has nothing to do with the discussion.
#61 Posted by Plunk88, CJR on Fri 13 Feb 2009 at 07:56 AM
I find it very annoying to hear the President of the United States saying "ta" instead of "to". I did NOT send my kids "ta" school! I sent them "TO" school. This may be very picayune, but I truly think this should be brought to to President Obama's attention.
Sincerely,
Marty Ford
#62 Posted by Marty Ford, CJR on Thu 19 Feb 2009 at 09:28 PM
i think obama rockkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#63 Posted by bri, CJR on Sun 22 Feb 2009 at 06:24 PM
Dear Maralago,
I haven't revisited this posting area since January.
Are you satisfied with the socialistic, bureacracy that is taking over the Country even as I write these words? I hope that the future goes a great deal better than the last 4 months. I certainly pray for Obama. There are a lot of things that happened under the Democratically controlled Congress of the last 4 years of the Bush Adminitration that you may not have known of. The seeds are coming to fruition now under Obama's Administration.
I remember John Kennedy's stirring call to action and taken it to heart. I've erred at times, but do not apologize for the accomplishments I've made. Almost all of these have been without any form of government assistence other than tax breaks afforded to any NPO. As for receiving Social Security, I'm 68 years old! Maybe you'll live long enough to receive a payback on the efforts you've put into keeping the Country afloat.
In the intervening months since I wrote, I've continued to call on people to get on the ball and work. I've continued to help people who genuinely need help. Basically it's the old saw about teaching people to fish and then providing them with an opportunity to work using those skills.
I do the things I do with no other government assistence and will continue to work for the welfare of others till I die. I speak to you using my real name, yet you hide behind a nom de plume. My accomplishments are all over the internet and documented over 50 years over half the world. Where are yours?
It is true that I don't like the President, or what he is doing. That is my right as an American! Even so, I'll continue to do my part to ensure the success of the individual, and to help keep this great land under one flag-The Stars and Stripes, under a Constitutional Government as a Republic and to work for a strong, well educated electorate. Further, working to ensure the safety, and well being of the people under my sphere of influence.
Again, my accomplishments are there for anyone to see. Where are yours?
#64 Posted by Robert Christopulos, CJR on Sat 23 May 2009 at 11:22 AM