Style over Substance

I don’t usually watch any political speech as I can’t stand watching most politicians talk. Actually, I can't stand listening anyone lie to me while he's smiling. And I can better understand what they are saying by reading the speech without being distracted by their personality or lack thereof. (Bush actually had some excellent speeches, if you read them. I’m sure he had help writing them. I just couldn't stand watching him talk. Too bad he couldn't hire someone else to give them.) But once and awhile I do watch and last night was one of those times. Even though I think Obama is wrong on every issue, he is entertaining to watch, at least for awhile.

I’ve noticed he has two basic styles of speaking formally. (He has a third informal style during press conferences or debates. When he's unrehearsed, he is not sure of himself, speaks quietly and hesitantly.) One style was on display at his nomination acceptance speech and at the inauguration. A very formal, almost preacher-style. Last night was his other style, down-home, informal, but still rehearsed. I think he’s addressing two different audiences. At the inauguration he was addressing all Americans, and even all the world. So he uses his more sophisticated, ethnic-neutral (as in white), voice. Last night, he was addressing his buddies on the left, and the Americans he’s trying to take with him over the cliff (his black voice). Last night I thought he was running for something again, or selling something.

That's exactly what he was doing. After saying how great things were going to be after his plan takes hold (lie #1), he began rattling off a list of what was to blame for the mess. Oil imports, health care, individual debt, short-sighted bankers, the transfer of wealth to the wealthy, regulations that were gutted for the sake of quick profits, bad loans, yada, yada, yada. In other words, Capitalism. He didn't use the word, but he was all around it. Not one mention of the Federal government involvement in the mix.

Then, just before he dropped the other shoe, he actually said he didn't believe in bigger government. This just before he started to list the big three leftist agendas of the 21st century: carbon less energy (windmills and solar panels), health care reform (another $600B), and education (yeah state run education is really working well). He tied all three to the stimulus deal. This is the left's big chance. Not since FDR have they had an opportunity to take over like this. FDR set the ground work, Obama is about to seal the deal.

I don't know what's going to come out of this, but we'll never be the same again. Things may seem to be all right again someday, but it will be a mirage. Over 230 years ago, England wanted us to become part of Europe. They're about to get their wish.

Left Coast Capitalist