Blurring The Outline – Covering Up All The Details
Via Hot Air, from The Hill:
Analysis: Obama speech to Congress unlikely to be game changer
President Barack Obama’s address to Congress on healthcare reform was short on specifics and long on ideas he and his advisers had already floated this year.
The historic speech left some liberals wanting more details and conservatives emboldened to torpedo the president’s top domestic priority….
Still, while the speech once again illustrated the president’s extraordinary oratory skills, it was not a game changer and appears to leave the president with the same quandary: Healthcare has become the pinnacle legislative issue of his first term, but has divided his party in Congress and run into almost universal GOP opposition. Polls suggest Americans are not convinced reform will help their lives and it is unclear whether the legislation Obama seeks will reach his desk….
As he as done throughout 2009, Obama is largely deferring to lawmakers on the details. His address drew laughs from Republicans when he said some details still needed to be worked out.
I recommend the full article at The Hill as well as Ed Morrissey’s analysis at Hot Air as I only want to focus on a couple of things:
First of all, it is time to stop calling everything Obama does historic! Bill Clinton gave a speech on health care when he was President. Why was Obama’s speech historic? The word is so overused it has become hackneyed and laughable.
Second, I am sick to death of the meme of lauding Obama’s oratory skills. I was rushed last night in putting up the last post I did on critiquing his speech. I also had some telephone calls during the speech I had to take so I only saw some brief clips of him on mute–but here’s my opinion!
Obama’s facial expressions range from angry to nose-in-the-air to sly humor. He is condescending to his audience and tells obvious lies and at times contradicts himself within a speech. He does not connect with his audience–there is a remoteness as if TOTUS really is between you and him. His real persona is hidden.
Again, I think the most important medium to consider is the speaker himself. My questions from last night:
Who is he? What does he think of his audience? What does he think of himself? What does he think of his message?
My answers:
If your integrity has been already shot to bits because of innumerable broken promises, then you really should quit talking and starting acting to rebuild it. You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time. If enough people are on to you, then you might as well not waste your time.
If you consistently condescend to your audience or berate them or lecture them, then you really should quit talking and start pointing that finger at yourself and ask yourself why you have such contempt for those to whom you speak.
If you continually indicate your commitment to yourself and your agenda over the well-being of anyone else and a belief in your inherent superiority, then you really should quit talking and get a clue that no one is really that impressed with you.
If your message is lengthy and tedious and full of lies designed to obscure reality, then you really should quit talking, and learn that truth is more important than power.
In the dictionary under The Inflated Style, it says See: Barack Obama.
George Orwell: “Politics and the English Language”.
The inflated style itself is a kind of euphemism. A mass of Latin words falls upon the facts like soft snow, blurring the outline and covering up all the details. The great enemy of clear language is insincerity. When there is a gap between one’s real and one’s declared aims, one turns as it were instinctively to long words and exhausted idioms, like a cuttlefish spurting out ink.
As JustMary quoted in a comment this morning:
“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.”
Proverbs 18:17
Crossposted in a modified format to RedState Member Diaries.
__________
H/T: Hot Air, The Hill, http://www.orwell.ru/, JustMary.
[1]
I think the last two quotes, INC’s followed by JM’s, are the best summation of what Obama attempts to do with these Congressional “summits.”
I truly believe that Obama has no “content or substance” to his character, and must rely more on superficial “style” and “oration” to get beyond the starting gates where anyone would even want to listen to him.
He has created this skin-thin image of himself, as a savior of sorts, to the American people. Thus far it has served him well enough to float him into office. But, the real work is in the legislation he must craft and then present to the people. His greatness will then stand on how much he is willing to heed the people and be both flexible to their needs and strong to stand by his own convictions.
It’s all a balancing act, whose foundation rests on the fulcrum of Obama’s own values and standards.
In the Tao, a leader is described as someone who leads by walking behind the people, like a shepard, safeguarding them, but allowing them freedom of their own passage. In the end the touch of such a leader’s guidance is so slight of hand that the people praise themselves for their achievements rather than garnishing, bowing and scraping before someone calling himself “The One.”
[2]
This post is so good, it borders on historic and monumental. INC, I am a huge fan of your commentary.
In plain language, you have captured the essence of Obama and the reasons he comes across not as an eloquent dynamic leader, but rather as an empty suit.
Congratulations and thanks for being here.
[3]
What mullet said ~~~ DITTO
[4]
My thoughts on the speech last night. I think it didn’t do any good. Obama’s combative and defiant stance only served to harden each side in their beliefs. If that is the case, things stay right where they are right now and that isn’t good. Game changer? Maybe a slight bump in the polls temporarily. Joe Wilson’s response following Obama’s indirect attack on Sarah Palin of calling her a liar and then saying illegal immigrants would not get healthcare (yeah, RIGHT!) may have been a blessing in disguise. People were probably so bored with the speech that this finally may have perked everyone up. Seems like NBC certainly is trying to manufacture anger on the left with what Wilson said to their dear leader. That is a sign of desperation to try to turn this thing around. From what I gather, everyone on the conservative right for the most part is thrilled that a GOP congressman actually fought back. It may have not been in the right place but I think Wilson accurately portrayed what the majority of Americans feel right now. They have finally had enough of Obama/Pelosi/Reid. During the speech I monitored the Daily Kos speechblog and they were happy at times with the speech and livid at other times of the speech. I think Obama and the Dem Congress realize that this thing is lost and are going to go with the Cargill strategy. Let the GOP kill the bill with their blanket opposition and try to lay the blame on them. I don’t think a bill even gets out of the House based on the current count of 44 Blue Dog Dems against the current bill and 57 Progressive Dems stating publicly they will torpedo any bill that doesn’t have a public option. What even makes a bill more unlikely is that they know the bill will die in the Senate if it has a public option. With many Blue Dogs already having the Cap and Trade millstone hung around their necks, they can’t afford to have this one hung on them as well. That would be suicide. The only worry I have is in regard to McCain, Snowe and some of the other RINOs in congress providing Dems with political cover. The GOP already has this won. They don’t have to do anything but be united in blanket opposition to Obamacare. If they do, they will have monster gains next fall in Congress. No legislation is going to pass unless the GOP gives the Dems cover. The GOP has public opinion solidly on their side. The Dems want the GOP to give them an out. Bipartisan means help the Dems win or save their butt.
[5]
INC, I agree with JanZam. Very good post and right on point.
[6]
Unfortunately, the media is going to do everything in its power to prop Obama up and discredit his opposition. The CNN Opinion Research poll indicates the deceitful lengths MSM will go to try to convince the public that “The One” and his programs are every bit as wonderful as members of MSM believe them to be.
Notice how the word “torpedo,” which, in my mind, has some negative connotations is used to describe what Obama’s opponents’ tactics.
If you’re going to “torpedo” something you need a navy. Being in the navy requires courage and bravery. That pretty much limits the GOP Navy to Palin, DeMint, Bachmann and the Cheneys. With that small a crew, all they need is a mini sub or maybe Todd’s fishing boat and the Palin family arsenal.
The key is convincing voters how dishonest and untrustworthy MSM is.
[7]
PALIN/WILSON IN 2012 ~!!!!
[8]
I sure RAS is in the field today getting a more appropriate sample, suspect tomorrow we’ll see numbers that are roughly 50/50 on HC and about the same on the speech having any effect.
[9]
Cant wait to listen to RUSH today. I bet he’s all over the Wilson story. I still dont know why Wilson apologized.
[10]
RAS 48/51% (-8)
[11]
President Obama “Lies” on Abortion Funding During Health Care Reform Speech
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
September 10, 2009
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — During his health care reform speech last night, President Barack Obama faced one member of Congress who said he told a “lie” about one section of the government-run health care plan. Now, pro-life advocates are calling Obama on the carpet for misrepresenting the abortion funding in the current bills.
In his address to a joint session of Congress last night, Obama said “One more misunderstanding I want to clear up — under our plan, no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions.”
But Douglas Johnson, the legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee, says federal dollars will definitely pay for abortions under HR 3200 and the Kennedy bill in the Senate.
“Barack Obama needs to learn that the mere repetition of a verbal formula does not change reality,” he told LifeNews.com late Thursday.
[12]
Pro-Life Democrat Promises Again: No Abortion Funding Ban, No Health Care Bill
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
September 10, 2009
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The leader of the caucus of pro-life Democrats in the House is repeating the promise he made over the summer. If the pro-abortion Democratic leaders fail to include language to prevent abortion funding in the government-run health care bill, he and his colleagues will block the legislation.
That’s the promise coming from Rep. Bart Stupak, a Michigan Democrat who has long been at the forefront of pro-life efforts.
“What I’ve told the speaker and the leadership and the administration is first of all you have to give us that vote,” Stupak told CBN News about the desire for an amendment to stop the abortion funding.
“If you don’t give us the vote, everything is off the table,” he said.
[13]
Didn’t change this mind:
http://www.cantonrep.com/government/x837458080/Boccieri-says-Obama-speech-did-not-change-his-opinions
-via Artist
[14]
“I still dont know why Wilson apologized.”
—
He was asked to apparently by GOP leadership.
[15]
Polling conducted over the past two nights shows that 44% of voters currently favor the health care reform [LINK] proposed by the President and Congressional Democrats. Fifty-three percent (53%) are opposed.
[16]
Who is he?
Mussolini. Only with a mousey chin.
[17]
I hope you are right in your analysis Phoenix! I also agree with you that Obama didn’t put any salve on the HC polarization with his angry, punitive words, making this less of game changer than, as you put it, just a “hardening” of existing feelings.
Well said…..
[18]
15 more minutes!
[19]
After being asked to apologize Wilson should have said NO! and then quit the GOP.
The opposition to Obama needs to worry about party less and worry more about whats right. I am SICK to death of people saying their sorry after standing up for what they think is right.
I guess all I am asking is for politicians to be less political.
Is that too much to ask?
The country is so split right now, we don’t need leadership, we need a divorce.
Sorry about the rant. Just need to vent.
[20]
“The country is so split right now”
WHAT HAPPENED TO HOPE AND CHANGE?????
[21]
They took all my change and I lost all hope of getting is back.
[22]
Jan, I had my son read that essay of Orwell’s last year.
mullet and ip, thank you!
[23]
#19 From what I saw, he is standing firm on the comment, just apologizing for the venue. I’m with you though, I wish he had said “I learned what was appropriate treatment of a Prez from the Dems treatment of Bush!”
Here’s the quote I read:
“This evening I let my emotions get the best of me,” he said in a statement. “While I disagree with the president’s statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility.”
[24]
I love the imagery of that Orwell quote, it’s one of my favorites.
[25]
Does anyone believe he wrote that statement? If the GOP had insisted he read it on video, it would have been the equivalent of a hostage tape.
%$&# John McCain and the horse he rode in on.
I hope folks will voice their support to Wilson, and contribute to him, since the Dems/state-run media along with the spineless RINOs and GOP leadership are trying to demonize and ruin him.
[26]
INC rocks with another well researched and well presented post
INC, the pride of BeJohnGalt!
[27]
Apologizing was likely wise politics, I don’t know that I could have if it was me though. If I were him or any of the gop in that room I would have said what wilson did and then walked out of the chamber. When asked why I would have simply said I don’t need to waste my time listening to a pack of lies, the president has already established he doesn’t want to hear what I or my colleagues, or a majority of the American public have to say, and really he doesn’t need or want my vote let him pass this destructive garbage on his own, I will have no part in it.
[28]
The Orwell image is incredibly descriptive of deceptive words.
And that statement reads as if it were written by a PR attorney!
[29]
The marxist doesn’t know how to deal with challenge or adversity.
Thus he is responding like the cheap thug he is.
Expect a heavy play of the race card soon.
[30]
Thanks, MFG.
KH, I would have walked out as well. I couldn’t have stayed for someone who is lying and ripping up the Constitution as he is. It’s past time to call a spade a spade.
[31]
phineas, he was made by the NE Leftist academia elite and the Chicago machine.
[32]
Yes, he was made, and–like most things manufactured by liberals–quite shabbily. He is coming apart like a two-dollar suitcase.
Thanks for fixing the link, INC!
[33]
Greetings, Patriots!
[34]
You’re welcome, phin.
durman: FREEDOM!
[35]
Wilson’s apology was only for the outburst in that particular venue. He did not back off on his belief that Obama was lying about illegal aliens, and he did not apologize for what he said. As Rush said, Wilson was the only one in that hall last night who was telling the truth.
Even Lindsey Graham was supportive of Wilson. Huh?
Yep. He was interviewed on Fox and said he would enthusiastically work for Joe Wilson’s reelection. Lindsey actually sounded pretty pi$$ed off at Obama’s partisanship. Too much to ask, I suppose, for him to fight the dems.
[36]
AND THE NEXT DAY…..
HYPOCRITE & LIAR
[37]
FREEDOM!!
Indeed!
“…Tyrants fall and every foe! Liberty in every blow! Let us do…or DIE!”
[38]
Greetings!
[39]
Love reading everyone’s comments here…
“Once more, unto the breach, dear friends…”
[40]
#27 KH – you are correct about practicing good politics. I would have LOVED to see him walk out in the middle!!! Hey, if 50K plus people can live in the dream land of hope and change, I can at least fantasize about rainbows of intelligence!
[41]
“John Stossel is moving to FNC.”
-HD\FedupArtist
[42]
I guess it’s only appropriate to call people liars if you’re standing behind the podium!
[43]
That’s a great one liner the GOP should have used last night and this morning TLS.
[44]
I sent it over to Drudge as a headline suggestion
[45]
“WHAT HAPPENED TO HOPE AND CHANGE?????”
Eph – It is now
DISPAIR AND SCREW-UPS”
[46]
“John Stossel is moving to FNC.”
When will Lou Dobbs be joining him?
[47]
Via Hot Air VDH skewers the speech:
Last Night Didn’t Quite Do It
Integrity:
Substance:
Style:
Blurring the Outline – Covering Up the Details:
[48]
Steyn skewers the speech:
On to the Next Speech
Style:
Setting:
[49]
Integrity:
Obama Poisoning the Well
Also:
Why Obama Misleads on Abortion Coverage
The Fiscal Trigger Nonsense
[50]
El Rushbo gets the last word, master wordsmith and speaker that he is: