That’s right; it’s finally time for a political post.
I’m not focusing on any specific platform or endorsing a particular candidate. I am, however, noticing major differences in communication strategies among the two remaining democratic candidates, Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Regardless of what one thinks of either of these individuals, there’s no denying that both are skilled orators. Clinton was on the debate team at Wellesley while Obama is an exceptional rhetorician and best-selling author. Both know how to speak, sway and communicate effectively. However, they’re delivery techniques are drastically different. While critics of Senator Clinton claim she comes off as harsh and abrasive, Obama’s critics are turned off by his repetitive and idealistic messages of ‘hope,’ ‘unity’ and change.’ They claim they need a lot more than an enthusiastic ‘yes we can,’ to win their vote.
The media had a field day with the recent claims of Obama’s friend and pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, most notably that the United States caused 9/11, created the AIDS virus and distributes illegal drugs. Obviously, Obama’s PR team had some major damage control on their hands.
In a speech said to be one of the most pivotal of his campaign, Obama managed to deliver a winner. He might not have gained any votes, but he didn’t lose any either. Carefully and eloquently constructed, it began with personal background in regards to racial issues in America, followed by the condemnation of his pastor’s comments and the interweaving of his usual messages of hope, unity and equality with new statements defending his heritage and race. While the speech was obviously written with the purpose to clean up Wright’s mess, he wasn’t the main focus.
The underlying message was the damaging effects of the racial divide still present in this country. And while he somewhat ‘pulled a Hillary’ by incorporating the personal story of a supporter named Ashley; Obama managed to sound incredibly genuine. He didn’t look at his notes; he spoke about her as if he actually knew her personally and focused on only her story, not three or four blurbs about struggling blue-collar workers and single moms who can’t afford health care. It’s a perfect example of a debate tactic that Obama mastered, but unfortunately generates eye-rolls for Hillary.
Watch the speech and let me know what you think...
I’m not focusing on any specific platform or endorsing a particular candidate. I am, however, noticing major differences in communication strategies among the two remaining democratic candidates, Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Regardless of what one thinks of either of these individuals, there’s no denying that both are skilled orators. Clinton was on the debate team at Wellesley while Obama is an exceptional rhetorician and best-selling author. Both know how to speak, sway and communicate effectively. However, they’re delivery techniques are drastically different. While critics of Senator Clinton claim she comes off as harsh and abrasive, Obama’s critics are turned off by his repetitive and idealistic messages of ‘hope,’ ‘unity’ and change.’ They claim they need a lot more than an enthusiastic ‘yes we can,’ to win their vote.
The media had a field day with the recent claims of Obama’s friend and pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, most notably that the United States caused 9/11, created the AIDS virus and distributes illegal drugs. Obviously, Obama’s PR team had some major damage control on their hands.
In a speech said to be one of the most pivotal of his campaign, Obama managed to deliver a winner. He might not have gained any votes, but he didn’t lose any either. Carefully and eloquently constructed, it began with personal background in regards to racial issues in America, followed by the condemnation of his pastor’s comments and the interweaving of his usual messages of hope, unity and equality with new statements defending his heritage and race. While the speech was obviously written with the purpose to clean up Wright’s mess, he wasn’t the main focus.
The underlying message was the damaging effects of the racial divide still present in this country. And while he somewhat ‘pulled a Hillary’ by incorporating the personal story of a supporter named Ashley; Obama managed to sound incredibly genuine. He didn’t look at his notes; he spoke about her as if he actually knew her personally and focused on only her story, not three or four blurbs about struggling blue-collar workers and single moms who can’t afford health care. It’s a perfect example of a debate tactic that Obama mastered, but unfortunately generates eye-rolls for Hillary.
Watch the speech and let me know what you think...
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