Hear hear bsharporflat!

My impressions of rhetoric come from what I know of Socrates. It's a handy knack for short-cutting meaningful dialogue. It's useful, but I'd say those who simply want to feel good in the present (ie-most of the American populace) are asking for pain later in life. Some would argue that's how we got into a war in Iraq...but I digress.

I like Obama's manner, which is just about the only thing a person can judge in a politician on campaign. Their campaigns are designed around the knack of rhetoric with the intention of garnering support first and nurturing intelligent insight later.

My two bits anyway. Take care all.