Barack Obama and the Power of Language

Words matter.

More than any candidate in recent memory, Barack Obama has used the power of rhetoric to ascend to political prominence, prompting his opponents to discount the importance of oratory.

The power of political rhetoric has its limits. As I point out in today's Politico, no one knew that better than the politician to whom Barack Obama is so often compared -- a young senator whose words inspired a nation and a generation.

But Kennedy also appreciated the limits of rhetoric. He liked to quote from Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part I," in which Owen Glendower boasts that he can "call spirits from the vasty deep" and Hotspur replies that he can, too, and "so can any man; but will they come when you do call for them?" Anyone can speak well, in other words, but do the words lead to deeds?

Those spirits have come from the vasty deep at Obama's summons, but having established their power, Obama is now in danger of their turning on him. The toxic language of Jeremiah Wright, his pastor and friend, threatens to blot out the unifying beacon that the Illinois senator has been striving to become.

Obama will shortly step to the podium to deliver a speech that his campaign aides have been careful to note he worked late into the night writing himself. (This is almost certainly true as far as it goes -- but to say that he was writing it himself does not mean that he did not have the aides of his three talented speechwriters. As I note in my forthcoming book, White House Ghosts: Presidents and Their Speechwriters, the last successful presidential candidate who wrote his own speeches was -- wait for it -- Bill Clinton.)

This morning's speech is the critical moment of the Democratic campaign: Failure could trigger the kind of political collapse for which the Clintonites have been waiting and about which they have been warning. Can Obama's words overcome and defuse Wright's? Stay tuned.

Update: For more on the stakes facing Obama this morning, see my thoughts at Robert Emmet.

Comments

[RumiSouth]

When we look back from November, this brouhaha will have a whole new look to us. That silly "Obama-is-­a-clost-Mu­slim" meme? It died a lonely death last weekend, thanks to three thousand repetitions of "Obama's pastor" on the Clinton Noise Network.

[PioneerKing]

It won't be enough. The events leading up to Sen. Obama's speech today are tantamount to the straw that broke the camel’s back. These events are all that were needed to allow hesitant delegates to back away from Sen. Obama and back Sen. Clinton. Sen. Obama’s presidential campaign has peaked, the shining beacon of his political capital has been tarnished and the long term out look for his future in politics has diminished.
RALPH NADER 2008

[abellofgrace]

There is nothing like ignorant people refusing to see the truth of a matter. No matter what is said or done, it is not good enough to those who have decided to remain ignorant. Putting aside your right to vote for the candidate you choose to vote for, it does not excuse ignorance. So imo, it is why we cannot move forward . Racism is something that have been swept under the rug for, well, ever. The situation with Rev. Wright happened for a reason. The only way to deal with fear is to face it head on.
I realize what Rev. Wright said disturbed some people and why it was so offensive to not only white people but some black people as well. The truth of this sensitive matter is what it is..... the truth.
There are some white people who see black people as racist and some black people that see white people as racist. God did not intend for this to be. I just wish we could move on from this disease.
Yes, it is a disease, in order for a disease to be cured, it must first be diagnosed. For some it is an embarrassing ex-po-se'. An explication of Rev. Wright's words were inevitable. His speech this morning hopefully was a presription to all to start the long and painful process of healing racism. It will take you...yeah, that's right, YOU no matter who you are, to help us heal.

[themodernleader]

Obama's speech was from the heart. His ideas reflected the facts. His convictions superseded political consideration. His values reflected the values of democratic people. His ideas affirmed a belief in the sense of fair play, jusitce and common sense of Americans. It was a courageous speech. There is much risk in drawing attention to racial issues in the heat of a closely contested campaign.
The supporters of the present terrible decline of the American Republic gave Obama no other recourse than to address head on the demigoguery implied by the incessant airing of provocative, inflammatory remarks of his supporters and associates. His balanced assessment of the issues was risky, prescient, profound, informative and the mark of great leadership.
We Americans are attracted to leaders of candor, conviction, and honesty. He is the first candidate in our life time who refuses to simply tell us what we want to hear or to pander to our fears of the past or present or future. Instead, he asks us to think anew and to strive towards becoming a better citizen while uniying towards a new direction of acheivement and growth as individuals, groups and organizations. . That is a powerful message. If we are wise we will elect hm to lead us out of the jaws of disaster and decline. Such a new direction will witness the renewal of the middle class with new confidence, competence and opportunity.

[MikePS65]

Brilliant speech, but as we see here, it will make no difference to the Hillary supporters and conservatives (the lines are getting blurrier and blurrier between the two) who have already decided that they're not voting for Obama under any circumstances. The conservatives I understand - they're generally a frightened and easily cowed lot, and not particularly moved by a message that doesn't include references to the flag or the monsters that are trying to get us. The Hillary Dems, on the other hand, should take a look at themselves in the mirror and ask themselves what they have against someone who's trying to unify the American people (if you listen to HIS words and consider HIS actions) and raise the national discussion instead of keeping it in the sewer, where it has predictably landed.

For those of you that suggest he's too darned well-spoken and upbeat, I'm wondering: shouldn't we want an articulate, positive person as President? Should we vote for Hillary, and then sit back for four years of another inarticulate and confused President in the form of John McCain, since Hillary is the unelectable embodiment of partisan division and as such will not get one single Republican vote? There's a great plan.

Obama is the only hope for this country - only an Obama presidency can redeem the US in the eyes of the world, and only an Obama presidency can restore public faith in our political process.

[AceInTheHole]

I'm noticing that everytime the Hillary supporters have an opportunity to SHOW SOME CLASS, THEY SEEM TO ALWAYS CHOOSE TO SHOW THEMSELVES TO BE CLASSLESS. I guess that's why Daily Cos made them PERSONA NON GRATA, a few days ago. And another thing , when have you ever heard of a candidate of one party be so desperate and have his/her surrogetes solicit the bogus votes of the opposing party in a primary (Texas & Ohio) race. WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THESE SO CALLED DEMOCRATS WHO ARE WILLING TO SLEEP WTH THE ENEMY, IN ORDER TO TRY TO WIN, WHERE IS THEIR INTEGRITY HIDING ? Is this the type of leadership that America is willing to settle for? We may as well try to ressurect Mayor Daley of Chicago and let him run the country at least he has experience and was the best at this type of politics.

[cynara]

So, Robert, what do you think? Was the speech powerful and moving enough to overcome and defuse Wright's words? Of did he fail. (P.S. In my opinion, he passed this hurdle with flying colors, it was an incredible speech that clearly established that a) he's a Christian b) he will not throw his pastor under the train c) he can distance himself from harsh rhetoric with which he does not agree. )

[AceInTheHole]

TODAY WE WITNESS A PRESIDENT OBAMA PICKING UP A 3 AM PHONE CALL!

[CeeCee]

There isn't a speech in the world that will pay your mortgage, your debts, make your life better. So enough with the speeches and ttell us what you are going to acrually DO to solve the country's problems.

And isn't all this revival of Bobby Kennedy and MLK GOING BACKWARDS??? Precisely the criticism made against Clinton. What a bunch of hypocrites.

[MikePS65]

You Hillary supporters are so angry...

[AceInTheHole]

I can't say that what you just said about Bobby Kennedy and MLK should be consided to be close to BLASPHEMY, especialy if you consider yourself to be a Progressive and not a knucke dragger, But if it is'nt, it is at the minimun a digraceful and lower than snail crap comment on two of America's greatest leaders. And you should be ashame for making it, and if you are not ashamed, I'm ashamed for you!

[McCanMcSane]

Nice guy Obama. Throws his white grandmother overboard saying he heard her say racist things and then says he never heard Rev. Wright say a racist thing about anybody while talking with him. Hey Obama America has heard Rev. Wright say all kinds of racist things. You need to apologize to your grandmother. Choosing your own grandmother over a racist so-called Reverend. Shameful.

[McCanMcSane]

This is what Obama will do. Throw overboard hard working working class white people like his grandmother for racists like Rev. Wright. Why disparage your grandmother in front of all America after she sacrificed her all to raise you and give you a great education. Shame on you.

Only libruls would think it was honorable what you did to your grandmother.

[zbig]

McCain's worse. I saw him evade a woman's questions and when she kept asking, McCain brushed her aside. And when she said he lost her vote, he said Good! So McCanMcSane, good luck with your candidate who sows dissent, divisiveness, all in the pursuit of power, with no concern for the truth. You keep spouting lies, McCanMcSane. Don't you know it's a sin to bear false witness against thy neighbor?

"I can no more disown" means Obama respects and loves his grandmother. I guess they didn't teach that in the hate school where you're from.

[efranklin]

"... I can no more disown him (Wright) than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother – a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.

These people are a part of me. And they are a part of America, this country that I love ..."

Honesty and candor evidently doesn't mean much to someone who prefers to focus on the most offensive sound bites they can get their hands on ad infinitum. Race is a complex issue. Your comment aptly illustrates that it is not easily processed by the simple-minded.

[LeeScho]

Is that the code of racism: never expose it in your own family? Isn't that how it is passed on from one generation to the next? Obama's grandmother held racist sentiments, she was not a racist and certainly not a bigot. Yet, as reprehensible as bigotry is, there are non-bigoted people in every culture who love family members who are bigots. Obama loved and still loves his grandmother. The only thing overboard here is your characterization.

I am an African-American with many white friends who have said some horrendously racist things without realizing it. Our friendship demanded that I point it out to them. Sometimes they disagreed that it was racist; at other times they were mortified at what they had unwittingly implied. Most racists, of whatever culture or color, are not evil people. They just unwittingly speak and act from a subconscious prejudice that they deny and are abhorred by when it surfaces.

But that does not include you. You know exactly what you do. Stating that Obama will throw working middle class white people overboard is about as bigoted as it gets. The proof is in the fact that Obama cannot throw working middle class white folk overboard without already having drowned their numbers multiple times over in the working middle class black and Hispanic people of this nation. And if he has done that, where is the racism?

[SamanthaJaneSalem]

"I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother - a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.

"These people are a part of me. And they are a part of America, this country that I love."

*

This was an example of how we love people and feel connected to them even though they are not perfect. And to disown them because they are flawed would be the cruel thing to do. Not many kids have to hear racist things about the race they are from their own grandmother-- and Obama has shown charity and forgiveness and acknowledged his grandmother's goodness. Nice guy, indeed.

[McCanMcSane]

He insulted his grandmother. I would never do that. She is family. Rev. Wright is not. Obama chose to be with Wright. AND he had the nerve to say she said racist things and Rev. Wright never said racist things when he was around. I don't believe that. Obama shows poor judgement and his words are not believeable.

[LeeScho]

Right here, right now, cite one racist thing that Reverend Wright said.

[McCanMcSane]

No, I'm gonna make you buy his racist tapes so you will be supporting the racism that you so love and I hate!

[cblcar]

He is so toast.

[zbig]

Yup cblcar, he's the bread of life.

[AreYouFibbing]

The snake oil salesman strikes again. Why is it that he waited until the controversy over his spiritual mentor got Obama in hot water with the electorate? It might have meant something before, but now it just looks like a hail mary pass to me. And to compare this speech to MLK's "I Have A Dream" speech someone mentioned on msnbc earlier today, is weak and not credible.

[zbig]

Note AreYouFibbing that Obama was targetting his speech to people who are open-minded and can be reached. You don't belong to this category thus you didn't 'get' the speech (though most probably you didn't even listen or read the transcript).

[enoughalready]

And a child shall lead them-

The bi-racial child raised in a white grandmother's home learned there are two America's. He aptly understood the pain of blacks and whites and all races in what has happened over decades of racial discord. I can not tell you how proud I am to say that I am a supporter of Barack Obama's. I think today we saw the true uniter of all times. Our country in it's entirety saw the man's soul. I believe we can make progress as Americans united to solve our problems. Obama will be that uniter.

These are historic words that should and will resonate for decades to come. This is our start, folks. I intend to give him the chance to show us the way. Bobby Kennedy influenced my life with his coming together with MLK to change our country - I think both would be so proud of what was said today.

It's time for us all to move forward.

Obama 2008

[maggieb]

Did Mr Opportunist have a problem with the Pastor talking in a derogatory way about white woman, one of whom gave him birth? Now that is fascinating. He cannot be anything but a weasel because it isobvious that Jeremiah Wright had a problem with "Hillary, aint know what is is to be called a N****, she aint know what is like to struggle." This bi-racial man sold his mother down the stream, what will he do to you?

[zbig]

He will swim with me upstream and try to save people like you from turning this country into the most debt-ridden, hated nation.

[mustbedreaming]

I think in the end after people have had a while to think about all that Obama has said, it will come down to answering the question of why he stayed in a church for 20+ years that had a preacher who said such awful things, even if it was only occasionally. I think Hamas supporters rationalize their support by saying that Hamas does important social service work. Obama cannot disown the Reverend Wright even though he is not a relative, and most other adults would choose a church, mosque or synagogue more in line with their views. I for one have left a place of worship after 10 years because I was hearing things that I disagreed with, even though that place of worship does other things that are very good. In the absence of a long legislative record, I am very uncomfortable with Obama's judgement because of this issue.

[sky2evan]

"Uncomfortable" because of an "absence of a long legislative record"? You wouldn't be saying that if you had actually looked at the Library of Congress records at http://thomas.loc.gov.

In this current 110th Congress (07-08), Clinton has authored and successfully passed 15 pieces of legislation, while the "less experienced" Obama has authored and passed 17 pieces (22 if you count 5 identical amendments to maintain oversight on different spending bills, which is evidently something he cares about).

Please explain how, in a Democratic majority Congress, the Senator with 6 years of Senate experience and "35 years of experience" total, manages to author and successfully pass fewer pieces of her own legislation than a 2 year Senator. For somebody (as well as many of her supporters who just believe everything she says) who accused Obama of lacking "substance" and could only deliver speeches, she actually delivers less herself.

And if you look at what kind of legislation they author and pass, it's also pretty telling where Clinton's emphases are and who has more "substance". Obama has amendments on lobbyist disclosure, safety in genetic testing, accountability for military contractors, energy, and 4 on education, while Clinton on all counts, 0. Clinton has 2 bills related to immigration, Obama, 0. Even where they share issues, the emphasis is different. Clinton supports giving transportation money to survivors of deceased veterans so that they can attend their burials, while Obama supports expedited review of surviving vets who were wrongfully discharged and suffered a loss of benefits. Lastly, Clinton has 3-5 fluffy, "style" bills, while Obama has 2. I put the fluffy bills at the end, but I also consider telling Hamas to give up its Israeli prisoners, and asking a German library to open up its Holocaust Archives (ironic, given that the Clintons' Library won't open up their own), fairly fluffy and most likely AIPAC influenced.


Clinton authored and passed:

S.RES.92 : A resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of soldiers of Israel held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah.
S.RES.141 : A resolution urging all member countries of the International Commission of the International Tracing Service who have yet to ratify the May 2006 amendments to the 1955 Bonn Accords to expedite the ratification process to allow for open access to the Holocaust archives located at Bad Arolsen, Germany.
S.AMDT.2108 to H.R.1585 To require a report on the planning and implementation of the policy of the United States toward Darfur.
S.AMDT.2222 to H.R.1585 To prevent nuclear terrorism, and for other purposes.

S.AMDT.4300 to S.CON.RES.70 To provide for a reserve fund for legislation to establish a program, including medical monitoring and treatment, addressing the adverse health impacts linked to the September 11, 2001, attacks.
S.AMDT.2917 to H.R.1585 To extend and enhance the authority for temporary lodging expenses for members of the Armed Forces in areas subject to a major disaster declaration or for installations experiencing a sudden increase in personnel levels.
S.AMDT.2047 to H.R.1585 To specify additional individuals eligible to transportation for survivors of deceased members of the Armed Forces to attend their burial ceremonies.
S.AMDT.666 to H.R.1591 To link award fees under Department of Homeland Security contracts to successful acquisition outcomes under such contracts.

S.AMDT.2474 to H.R.2638 To ensure that the Federal Protective Service has adequate personnel.
S.AMDT.2438 to H.R.2638 To require the Comptroller General to conduct a study on shared border management.

S.AMDT.4361 to S.CON.RES.70 To increase funding for the Department of Agriculture by $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2009 to provide public access to information about the sources of foods distributed through the school lunch program and other nutrition programs under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture.

S.CON.RES.27 : A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "National Purple Heart Recognition Day".
S.RES.222 : A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
S.RES.21 : A resolution recognizing the uncommon valor of Wesley Autrey of New York, New York
S.AMDT.2823 to H.R.3074 To require a report on plans to alleviate congestion and flight delays in the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia Airspace.

Obama authored and passed:

S.AMDT.2692 to H.R.2764 To require a comprehensive nuclear threat reduction and security plan.

S.AMDT.3073 to H.R.1585 To provide for transparency and accountability in military and security contracting.

S.AMDT.1041 to S.1082 To improve the safety and efficacy of genetic tests.

S.AMDT.4114 to S.2663 To require the Comptroller General of the United States conduct a study and report on the effectiveness of authorities relating to the safety of imported consumer products.

S.AMDT.4113 to S.2663 To clarify and expand requirements with respect to information in recall notices.

S.AMDT.41 to S.1 To require lobbyists to disclose the candidates, leadership PACs, or political parties for whom they collect or arrange contributions, and the aggregate amount of the contributions collected or arranged.

S.AMDT.599 to S.CON.RES.21 To add $200 million for Function 270 (Energy) for the demonstration and monitoring of carbon capture and sequestration technology by the Department of Energy.

S.AMDT.524 to S.CON.RES.21 To provide $100 million for the Summer Term Education Program supporting summer learning opportunities for low-income students in the early grades to lessen summer learning losses that contribute to the achievement gaps separating low-income students from their middle-class peers.
S.AMDT.905 to S.761 To require the Director of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education to establish a program to recruit and provide mentors for women and underrepresented minorities who are interested in careers in mathematics, science, and engineering.
S.AMDT.923 to S.761 To expand the pipeline of individuals entering the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to support United States innovation and competitiveness.
S.AMDT.924 to S.761 To establish summer term education programs.

S.AMDT.2519 to H.R.2638, S.AMDT.2658 to H.R.2642, S.AMDT.2799 to H.R.3074, S.AMDT.3137 to H.R.3222, S.AMDT.3234 to H.R.3093, S.AMDT.3331 to H.R.3043: To provide that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to enter into a contract in an amount greater than $5,000,000 or to award a grant in excess of such amount unless the prospective contractor or grantee makes certain certifications regarding Federal tax liability.

S.AMDT.3078 to H.R.1585 Relating to administrative separations of members of the Armed Forces for personality disorder.
S.AMDT.2588 to H.R.976 To provide certain employment protections for family members who are caring for members of the Armed Forces recovering from illnesses and injuries incurred on active duty.
S.AMDT.4330 to S.CON.RES.70 To provide an additional $5 million to the military departments' respective Boards for Correction of Military Records to expedite review of cases in which service members with combat-related psychological injuries (such as PTSD) or closed head injuries (such as TBIs) were administered discharges for personality disorders or other discharges resulting in a loss of benefits or care and seek a correction of records or upgraded discharge.

S.RES.133 : A resolution celebrating the life of Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson.
S.RES.268 : A resolution designating July 12, 2007, as "National Summer Learning Day".

[misspeach2008]

I both read and listened to Obama's speech. I read it first and was really impressed. Less so when I listened. Maybe I was expecting a fiery speech and was disappointed that it felt more like someone reading a teleprompter. Not the level of oratory from someone who has been likened to Martin Luther King and the Kennedy brothers. I was so prepared to get swept up after I read it. This might have been better posted somewhere. I liked what I read better.

[jaycasey]

I just watched his speech. It was fantastic. This guy is definately presidential!