Sunday, October 19, 2008
Obama's Eloquence
Much has been made of Barack Obama's eloquence in this election and most of the conversation has centered around whether or not his speaking abilities actually point to anything substantial within him as a candidiate. Certainly, being able to speak well does not denote competance as a president. Many people that I've spoken to about Obama, even those who are planning on voting for him, have mentioned their fear that he may be all talk. He has a very useful ability to make himself and his policies sound not only appealing but unquestionable. Who wouldn't want 95% of the country to have lower taxes? Who doesn't want to improve our education system? In my opinion, he makes it oh so hard to disagree. But will these supremely eloquent speeches bring about the real change that has been promised? While I personally don't share these fears I can understand why the media's (and his opponents) portrayal of his eloquence has made some weary of his true intentions and capabilities. But the fact that McCain has expressed his own opinions about this particular issue leads me to believe that this fear my be unfounded. Because McCain is no where near Obama's level in terms of speech-making it would make perfect sense for him to discredit his opponent in terms of one of his greatest characteristics. Making Obama's eloquence is a way to distract from the fact that McCain really can't measure up in that department. Clearly, this issue has been picked up by the press and political pundits and has now manifested itself in the voters minds as a potential problem instead of a beneficial trait (which I believe it is). It's indicative of the political environment that we live in where nearly every positive aspect is turned into a detriment. Why can't we recognize talent and superiority without attacking it?
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2 comments:
My main concern with Obama's eloquence is that it is, in some sense, quite distracting. Many times when I ask supporters of Obama why they support him, they say because he is such a confident and inspirational speaker. Many of my peers are completely unaware of his policies or actual plans for our future, and simply like him because he is such a strong speaker who plans on changing this country. How he plans to change this country, they often times do not know.
Of course, when I think of strong and influential speakers, I think of Hitler. Though I am extremely far from equating Obama to Hitler, I can't help but mention how people followed Hitler because of his strength in speech and how he gave the Germans hope and confidence to get out of their economic crisis.
Perhaps that mention of Hitler was somewhat irrelevant, but ultimately, I just feel that a great speaker does not necessarily mean a great leader. People find comfort and security in such eloquent speakers, but we should not be so quick to do so, and I find that many Americans are. We must be more wary and try hard not to get so distracted.
I totally agree that the ability to give speeches and convince people with words does not denote governing capability. However, I think that it is those supporters of Obama, and not Obama himself, who should be blamed for their inability to look beyond words and learn about policy. If someone doesn't know enough to make a decision, that is hardly the fault of the candidate whose eloquence is simply an aspect of his political character.
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