Presidential Rhetoric

Obama's Rhetorical Inspirations: Presidents, Poets, and Hobbits

Aaron Zelinsky | Posted 03.27.2009 | Politics


Aaron Zelinsky

Here are the ten sources behind the most memorable lines of Obama's address.

Why Smart Talkers Lose Debates and How Obama Can Beat McCain Anyway

Joseph Romm | Posted 10.24.2008 | Politics


Joseph Romm

Debates are won by the candidate who presents the most compelling and persuasive character. If I can convince you I'm an honest, straight talker, you'll believe what else I say. If I can't, you won't.

Confident Optimism in Foreign Policy

Robert Schlesinger | Posted 06.18.2008 | Politics


Robert Schlesinger

There are two fundamental schools of thought on foreign policy: suppose the Israelis launch a preemptive attack against Iran -- what does the United States do?

Both Made History, But One of Them Had to Win

Anne-Marie Slaughter | Posted 06.14.2008 | Politics


Anne-Marie Slaughter

The nastiness of Obama's supporters' reactions to Hillary even in victory is another version of the politics he wants to end.