American Orators

Perhaps my post the other day, when I called Obama “a giant among the pygmies” of recent presidential candidates, was poorly stated. No need to add a fifth head to Mount Rushmore just yet. :)

But I will say, that among all nationally-recognized politicians of my era (including Reagan, the Bushes, the Clintons, etc.) Obama’s oratorical skills leave them in the dust, and the man is well worth listening to, even if you disagree with his policies, if only as a matter of historical interest.

If any of us had had the chance to see and hear any of these great American orators, speaking in their own time, on the issues of their time, we would jump at the chance:

  • Robert F. Kennedy
  • Martin Luther King
  • Huey Long
  • William Jennings Bryan
  • Stephen Douglas
  • Daniel Webster
  • Henry Clay

    • Obviously, none of these men were elected President.

    Trackbacks & Pings

    1. Unpartisan.com Political News and Blog Aggregator on 22 Jan 2008 at 2:54 am

      Obama Echoes King’s Message…

      At Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s church, senator carefully draws comparisons to his own campaign….

    2. Hot Air » Blog Archive » Daschle: Billy Jeff acting unpresidential by attacking Obama on 22 Jan 2008 at 3:00 pm

      […] terms of his legislative achievements, certainly, but in terms of his historical significance and rhetorical skill. He has a mystique all his own and the media’s not going to puncture it unless they’re […]

    Comments

    1. Pigilito wrote:

      Nice to see Jennings on your list. I understand his “Cross of gold” speech at the Chicago convention was top notch. I recall reading that his wife coached him from the front rows.

      You can listen to the speech here: http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5354/
      (Jennings is the speaker but it was made some 25 years later).

      Posted 21 Jan 2008 at 9:11 pm

    2. Grim wrote:

      Those men seem to have believed in their principles. I see no evidence that Obama does more than articulate them. A man who is genuinely interested in justice normally wouldn’t join the Chicago political machine; or use his law degree to represent landlords v. the urban poor.

      The power of Dr. King’s oratory, as with the others’, was that it pointed the way to a thing truly believed. Lacking that heart, the finest words are empty. I see no reason to believe he will be remembered at all.

      Posted 22 Jan 2008 at 2:02 am

    3. Stephen wrote:

      or use his law degree to represent landlords v. the urban poor.

      Have you been listening to Rush Limbaugh again?

      The “voting present” and “part-time state senator” stuff is annoying, but at least has some basis in something.

      Oh wait .. I guess you’ve merely been listening to Hillary Clinton … same thing.

      Posted 22 Jan 2008 at 8:00 am

    4. Grim wrote:

      Well, I was listening to the debate. Once upon a time, that was considered an honorable way to become informed about political matters.

      Posted 22 Jan 2008 at 5:21 pm

    5. Stephen wrote:

      Sorry, Grim,

      I omitted the smilies from my comment. It was intended to be light-hearted, not snarky.

      Posted 22 Jan 2008 at 5:39 pm

    6. Grim wrote:

      No offense taken. To a certain degree, you’re perfectly right; although this particular charge appears to be an accurate claim by her, according to what I’ve seen so far. Let me know if you hear otherwise.

      Posted 22 Jan 2008 at 7:38 pm

    7. The Unabrewer wrote:

      I’d rather have a chat with Ben Franklin over a few pints than hear a speech by any of those guys.

      Was that an option?

      Posted 22 Jan 2008 at 8:58 pm

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