...and specifics.

Wasn't rhetoric once noble? Wasn't it once a heart-stirring means of conveying real vision? Not always, but sometimes? Maybe it's happening again. Who knows?

When we clamor for "specifics," we're begging to be lied to. Same Latin root as "specious," I believe.

The art of rhetoric, originally part of the "trivium" of liberal arts, is no longer taught, is no longer "on the test", and is no longer valued. Indeed, as you suggest, the word itself has taken on a negative connotation.

Rhetoric- the word itself has taken on a negative connotation.

Good, it deserves the negative connotation. Many people say they like Obama because they WANT to feel inspired. "I could listen to that man speak all day." Brrr..scary...tantamount to drug addiction. People want to feel good without doing anything. Let a pill or a speech do it for them. I'm not convinced a lot of good can come from that.

If I vote for Obama it will be in spite of his rhetorical gifts, not because of them.

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.

Leadership requires inspiration. Management requires planning. Never the 'twain shall meet.

Leadership requires inspiration. Management requires planning. Never the 'twain shall meet.

Not even with a Bill and Hillary combo? maybe you sold me back on them ;-). Not that Bill has been very inspirational of late. Quite the contrary. And I am still quite undecided.