Great rhetoric and great leadership often go hand in hand.
“ ... and that a government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Abraham Lincoln – 1863.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Martin Luther King Jr. – 1963.
“Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask why you have to flush twice to get rid of your poo.” Donald J. Trump – 2023 (paraphrased).
Rhetoric is the art of using words effectively, but rhetoric needs purpose – healing a divided nation, trying to end racial inequality, OK. But entertaining unenlightened supporters? Not so much.
“I’m better looking than Kamala.” This is an effective use of words?
Dude, you’re 78 years old. As a fellow septuagenarian, the best we can hope for is to be better looking than an avocado four weeks past ripe.
The former president has, at times, actually used words effectively. He often declares that he is “smart, really smart.” This is effective and revealing because unless your IQ is that of an intellectually challenged walnut, you know that smart people never tell you they are smart – they show you. Steve Jobs never had to tell anyone he was smart.
America has produced many great orators who were also great leaders. The former president will not be on either list.
Kevin Devine
Durango
