Typically, when asked about the oratory talent of Senator Barak Obama, those supporting or working for any of the presidential hopefuls running against him will tell you, “running for President of the United States is not a speechmaking contest.” This answer is one of shallow convenience, desperate fear and hurried, self defense. The race to lead this nation, in this election, and particularly in today’s hyper, multi-layered media environment, is all about speechmaking, and anyone who thinks otherwise is lacking a keen grasp for the obvious. Words, and delivery of those words, move people to action and empowers leaders.
In the American democratic system of government, a deliberate, controversial and slow policy making process, that purposely hinders the ability of any one individual or interest to dictate, speechmaking is the most powerful tool any American president, or candidate for that office, can possess. History shows that inspiration, hope, confidence and trust move the American electorate. It is a fact, that our system of government generously rewards those who can rally a nation behind a common vision, despite the political realities of that vision being realized, or when.
The theme of this year’s election is CHANGE. The potential for this change is there. Given our system, change will be the reward for the candidate who inspires us, gives us hope, bolsters confidence in this country’s leadership, rebuilds broken trust and rallies us around the great potential of not only how we see ourselves, but how we are seen by the world. These are achieved through the power of words. Our next President will have that potential, and the overwhelming support and admiration of the American people.
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