GREAT COMMUNICATORS
Why Our Presidents Must Be Able to Speak
Debates matter. Off-script meets with the public and the press matter. It’s the only way we have to find out how a candidate speaks when he doesn’t have a prepared speech and the luxury of a teleprompter to make him or her sound smart. Even with prepared speeches, the way a talk is given matters in how it is received. We, the audience, can’t help it. Think of the impact Steve Jobs had whenever he presented new technology. People couldn’t wait to get to an Apple store and buy whatever he presented.
Some Great Communicators
No one can forget hearing JFK say, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Inspiring and a call to action that sadly appears to be forgotten in the victim-culture we live in now. But still great. Reagan spoke in front of the Berlin Wall, calling out, “Mr. Gorbachev—tear down this wall,” ushering in the fall of communism. Dwight Eisenhower said, “We the people, elect leaders not to rule but to serve.” I wish that was happening now. Even William Henry Harrison is quoted as saying, “"There is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power." Those in power need to listen to this and heed it.
Why do communications matter? Because the whole world listens to these speakers. What they say, misstate or fail to say can lead to war, peace or mediation. Even private conversations between world leaders can change history. When someone damages their reputation on the world stage, commits America to something ridiculous or otherwise “messes up, it can have dire effects. Look at the mess Biden has made of things with Israel. We’re either their ally or we’re not. But his conflicting actions have empowered Hamas and their protestors and endangered the lives of American Jews.
It goes without saying that even someone who is usually a good speaker can flub it, with results that go beyond what anyone might expect. I heard that kids justified pushing for oral sex because “It isn’t sex.” Thank you, President Clinton.
The Harris Problem
A huge part of the President’s job is speaking with foreign leaders. Every word matters, and it’s tough, given that often, you’re using a translator. But you need to be clear and represent our strength as a nation. When Trump spoke with Iran and Russia, it was clear he would brook no aggressive action…and none was taken by either nation. Not until goofball Biden got into it did either country stop taking us seriously. A nation should not be loved by other nations; it should be feared, yet trusted by allies. It should take clear positions that advance OUR interests, not theirs. Trump, a gifted negotiator, understood and understands that. Reagan was a master at it. But Biden, and even Harris when she made some foreign trips, made us look indecisive and weak. The result has been alliances between countries who were our enemies and are now more dangerous, including people we hoped would remain our allies. This cannot stand. Speech is simply too important to trust to someone who doesn’t understand that every word matters.
Harris has always needed a script. While some people can form cogent sentences at will, even when she has a topic, she can’t stay on it. Nor does she ever seem to have a clear point she wants to make. Word salad, usually referring to a hebephrenic schizophrenic, is a nice way to describe her vocal utterances. She hired child actors to listen to her incoherent speech about NASA…and even then, it was “much ado about nothing.” She might have had more success as an actor on Seinfeld, a show about nothing.
The link attached has just one compilation of the idiocy she presents when she speaks, even though she is clearly not an idiot. Even if you want her to win, you should be scared. She could easily talk our enemies into war with us. Women, famously, have to do more than men to succeed at the highest levels, but she isn’t even meeting the lowest standard. The infamous “cackle” doesn’t help. It serves to invalidate even the most meaningful statement she makes.
Imagine, cacklin’ Kamala meeting with Putin. Though not at his best anymore, Putin would take her down in a heartbeat. She doesn’t understand the way to present the power of our nation. She has no idea how to do it. She is already dismissed by many leaders, except for those who see an opportunity to manipulate her.
The only way she can really defend herself against this charge is to speak freely, openly and without help as often as possible. Only then, can we determine if she can go up against the great speakers of the world without damaging our standing or risking war. Yes, it is that serious.
Our Choices
Yes, Trump can wax less eloquently; he got elected the first time in part by going down and dirty with Dems, who have done it to nice Reps for years. We liked seeing him coin names for people that were simply too apt. But when he has to do something important, he has the gift of great communication. He connects with people, which means, you can see him strengthening alliances, as he did with Australia and also, through the Abraham Accords. He can also be tough, as he was with Mexico and Russia. Ignore his personality and perhaps vulgar habits. None of that is important in picking our next leader. What matters is actions…and speech. Kamala can’t do it. She’s terrified of debating or speaking off the cuff. Trump can go out any day of the week, anywhere, and inspire people. What do you really want in a leader? Vague promises she has no ability to act on?
Your vote matters. Vote wisely.
Well said. I have often thought that Putin, Xi and the rest have trouble falling asleep at night because they can’t stop laughing at the leadership of this country. And you’re right about Israel. Just exactly where does the administration stand? Talk about an incoherent stance. Do we or do we not stand with our only ally and the only democracy in the Middle East? Seems pretty clear to me where we should be. Imagine if when all the protests against Israel started in this country if Brandon had stood in front of the podium and said with no uncertainty that we stand with our ally. I wonder if the protests may have toned down or even stopped? Especially since it’s abundantly clear the protesters have no flippin’ idea what they were talking about.