Thursday, August 28, 2008

While we're on the subject of speeches, a fella gave a pretty good speech exactly 45 years ago. It's worth a listen.

Labels: Politics

8:03 PM

3 Comments:

I love your political postings that discuss politics as theatre. It truly is great theatre but it's also exciting to see candidates who can reach out to my generation. I started voting eight years ago for the President and while I've always voted for a Democrat, I've never believed in a candidate. Now I have one I can believe in. Plus, Barack's people just seem more savvy. I think McCain needs younger blood in his campaign.

By  Hollie Nell, at 12:14 AM  

"To be an actor kinda says to the world, I have nothing to say...and I want to become hugely famous because I can say things that other people think of."
Jerry Seinfeld

These 'speech' posts have been great Alex, but do you think the politicians get too much credit sometimes, as opposed to their speechwriters?

By  wcdixon, at 2:22 PM  

Politicians hire speechwriters to say what they already mean. MLK and Obama actually write their own speeches -- no doubt with help. But even if Kennedy had Sorenson write all his speeches, he already intended to "bear any burden, fight any foe," etc. He just needed someone to make it memorable. Check out Peggy Noonan's book for how it all works. Reagan was Reagan before she started writing for him.

By  Alex Epstein, at 3:29 PM  

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