Much More Than Race: What Makes a Great Speech Great

Noted scholar, author and framing guru, George Lakoff has posted a great analysis of Barack Obama's speech last week, "A More Perfect Union".

Lakoff notes the heavy challenges that Obama had to overcome in drafting and delivering the speech and analyzes its success.

Lakoff correctly reminds his readers that
people vote primarily on the basis of character and how he would govern: on values, authenticity, trust, and identity, and only secondarily on fine policy details.
This fact is a key element of Obama's popularity especially among conservatives who may disagree with many of his policy positions.

Voters value honesty and authenticity very highly, which is one reason why I think that Hillary has hurt herself by exaggerating her foreign policy experience.

The Lakoff article is a little long, but I encourage folks to take a few minutes and read what he has to say.

George Lakoff: Much More Than Race: What Makes a Great Speech Great


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