Michael Gerson, Bush’s former speechwriter had strong words to dismiss Jim Webb’s Democratic response:
The Democratic response by Virginia Sen. James Webb was also memorable, in a different way. Whenever a politician puts out to the media that he has thrown away the speechwriters’ draft and written the remarks himself (as Webb did), it is often a sign of approaching mediocrity. This was worse.
At first this seems like mere professional jealousy. If politicians began to write their own speeches, and do it well, folks like Gerson would be out on the street.
But Gerson attempts to justify his criticism:
Senator Webb made liberal use of clichés: the middle class is “the backbone” of the country, which is losing its “place at the table.” I am not even sure there is a literary term for a mixed metaphor that crosses two clichés.
The problem being one of style vs. substance. Gerson judges the craft of the language Webb uses in the speech. He misses the craft of its political rhetoric. For instance, he calls Webb’s argument illogical because he disagrees with the words he uses to describe two clearly different policies:
And Senator Webb’s logic was as incoherent as his language (the two are often related). No “precipitous withdrawal”—but retreat “in short order.” Fight the war on terror vigorously—except where the terrorists have chosen to fight it.
The problem with speechwriters is that they read, write and hear too many speeches. The average voter consumes political rhetoric through ads and 24-hour talk shows. Very few political speeches reach anything like a wide audience. So the speechwriter doesn’t won’t use any old, boring language in the big, important speech, they want to be recognized for their craft.
Webb’s goals are different. His reputation doesn’t hinge on his craft at language. His goals revolve around delivery, clear communication and powerful argument. Webb’s speech succeeded in most of these fronts. His delivery was clear, if wooden and his argument hit directly at the President.
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