Here’s an idea: ban political speechwriters. If a politician wants to say something, let them say it in their own words. If they want to address the American people, let them write their own speech. Look at it this way – if your doctor had to hire a writer to explain your diagnosis, you wouldn’t be really confident the doctor knew what he/she was talking about, would you? So why do we put up with it from the President?
I personally think being articulate about the issues that their constituents care about is a non-negotiable prerequisite for being a political representative of those constituents. Isn’t that what they’re there for, after all?
GWB, get out that pencil. Let’s see what you can really do.
Common sense. Too bad it’s on such short supply these days.
Oh yeah. Where do I send money?
It sure sounds good (esp. with someone like GWB, who always has that startled fawn look in front of the cameras).
On the other hand …
– GWB is, from what I have heard, much more articulate in person, in small groups or one-on-one. If so, that’s probably a more useful skill than being able to make a public speech.
– The ability to make stirring public speeches has been given much greater prominence, to perhaps over-emphasis, during the media age — since radio, and certainly since TV. Sure, Lincoln and Douglas had their debates, but we’ve had plenty of pre-broadcast presidents who were, from what we can read, not great speakers. And certainly we’ve had great, or articulate, or glib speakers since then who were not exactly great presidents.
I’m kinda playing devil’s advocate here, because the idea is certainly appealing. I’m just not sure it’s going to do what it is you’re looking for.
Dave, I understand what you’re saying. I’m not saying that the ability to write clearly and persuasively is even the most important aspect of being president. But all I’m saying is, we demand basic literacy from middle school teachers – we should demand the same from the President of the United States.
hear, hear.
Yeah, Dave has a point, but still. It would be nice if the people in positions of power would speak for themselves. More truthful, somehow. But they are too busy kissing babies, etc. to sit down and try to articulate on their own.
Perhaps the whole “staff” aspect of politics is somewhat frightening to me. We’re not voting for a person, we’re voting for a mini-corporation. But we never see more than the figurehead.
Ginger, great point about the “mini-corporation.” I never thought of it in quite those terms, but you’re right.
Why stop at the President anyway? EVERY politician should stand on his own writing. So to speak.