Obama: Tedious, Boring, Failing

Michael Wolff (of Vanity Fair) on Barack Obama at Newser.com:
The guy just doesn’t know what to say. He can’t connect. Emotions are here, he’s over there. He can’t get the words to match the situation.This began, I’d argue, from the first moment. He punted on the inaugural. Everybody ran around like crazy trying to praise it because if Barack Obama couldn’t give a speech then what? But now, at week 11, we’re face-to-face with the reality, the man can’t talk worth a damn. . . .
He’s cold; he’s prickly; he’s uncomfortable; he’s not funny; and he’s getting awfully tedious. He thinks it’s all about him. That we want him for himself—that he doesn’t have to seduce, charm, surprise, show some skin.
It’s instructive and humorous to remember that Carter ran a brilliant campaign that succeeded largely because his voice was new. Simple, direct, basic, human. And then, of course, he turned into a sad-sack twit.
What happens when you move into the White House?
Well, shit, of course.
The true secret of the power of language is in quickness. Barack Obama can’t keep up. He evidently needs too much preparation. And then there’s the organization. He’s undoubtedly got too many people debating what he should say.
That’s the other secret of language: You’ve got to just go for it. Can’t think too much about it. It’s like hitting the ball.
And then there’s knowing who you want to be—which is different than knowing who you are. You’re on the stage. You’re acting. You’ve got to make yourself believable, cleverly make yourself up as you go along.
This guy is leaden and this show is in trouble.

We Said It First

Communication consultant and pollster Frank Luntz has been on several TV networks saying that Obama's remarks feel short and noting that Obama never looked directly at the TV audience, spoke too long and, for the first time appeared in front of eight American flags while still refusing to wear the falg on his lapel.
But we already said that here and here - and we said it on this blog before Frank Luntz. In fact, we said much of it moments after the speech ended.
So, maybe Frank's been reading our blog. If so, we don't mind him borrowing from us. Just give us credit, Frank!

Flagging

As far as I know, yesterday marked the first time that Barack Obama chose to give a speech in front of American flags instead of talking with bannered slogans and/or adoring fans behind him.
Obama walked onto a bare stage adorned only with American flags - eight behind him; four on each side.
So, the man who refuses to wear the flag on his lapel is only to happy to share the stage with eight big, bright flags - especially when he finds himself in a jam.

Speak Softly, But . . .

Obama came to the podium last night and knocked Hillary off the airwaves to deliver his victory speech.
Barack went ahead and talked for forty-seven minutes. Forty-seven minutes.
Hey, maybe he was paying homage to Fidel Castro who resigned yesterday. Or maybe he was giving one last wave to Bill Clinton who has always been known for undisciplined, long-winded speeches. Whatever . . .
On the other side of the political spectrum McCain delivered brief victory remarks and managed to slip in some good zingers. For example:
I will work hard to make sure Americans aren't deceived by an eloquent but empty call for change. . .
I have never lived a day, in good times or bad, that I haven’t been proud of the privilege [of being an American]. Don't tell me what we can't do. Don't tell me we can’t make our country stronger and the world safer. We can. We must. And when I'm President we will.
I'm also struck every time I hear McCain say "I have been an imperfect servant of my country." Sometimes, Big Mac's soft-spoken demeanor and gentle command can be every bit as compelling as the most lavish oratory.