Since mine is but a small voice among millions, I'll not attempt to grind through a bullet point analysis of Bush's speech here. In a nutshell it was a good, solid effort, nothing extraordinary. The finger wagging over social security and the similar figurative gesture regards the Osama phone calls were highlights, but I’m skeptical on his border and energy initiatives. What I find more interesting are the non-verbals. Obligatory clapping tells us nothing, but it’s hard to hide other physical reactions. I noticed many vacant or discouraged eyes in the audience, even on the republican side.
Perhaps the constant clamor of “culture of corruption” or “Iraq war lies”, or perhaps the actual floundering conditions on the ground has made a dent in his ability to inspire people. Reagan had a way of bypassing that clamor and talking straight to the people, Bush is less effective in that department.
But on the plus side for Bush, his presidential demeanor hasn't changed. Kerry was in attendance for comparison, and there’s no denying he gives the impression of being a droll pessimist, fair or not. I think the American people instinctively gravitate towards the optimist, and Bush works the crowd like he enjoys it.
Past presidents seem to fit this thesis. Clinton is Clinton. Dubya’s father was the opposite, and failed despite Desert Storm. Reagan had two terms of pure Teflon appeal. Carter came across as the reserved intellectual and got booted. Nixon made too many enemies and had too few loyal friends.
Americans know a leader must possess more than just gravitas. In the end, a successful big guy must non-verbally convey a genuine positive spirit--an undying optimism in the face of adversity. Although not as good as some others, Bush has consistently made the effort.
4 comments:
It wasnt one of his most spectacular speeches of all time but it looks like Our President is alot more comfortable in his own skin and talking to the American people. What I like is a quote from Zell Miller "He is the same man Monday morning as when he went to bed Sunday night"
All in all it was a good speech.
He did seem noticeably more at ease, yet he can't seem to bring any fraction of the opposing 50 percent into his corner.
But I'm beginning to think nobody can bridge the 50/50 split. Opinions on the left are hard-wired based on social issues, and if a politician doesn't come down on the right side they become evil, no matter what.
I wish he'd be more forceful about enforcing laws against illegal immigration. However, I did like him accurately portraying Democrats as defeatists.
I'm skeptical about any real border plans ever being enacted. During the past 25 years both parties have allowed illegals to stream in with only band-aid responses. There's simply too much pressure from lobbyists, small business, and the Mexican govt to mount anything more than symbollic efforts.
Of course that will change when the next attack occurs and it's discovered they came in across that very same border.
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