Can Obama Talk Smart to Dumbed-Down America?

Can Barack raise level of discourse without losing his audience?

By Lev Weinstein, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 24, 2008 10:33 AM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama’s trip to the DNC podium is expected to be the "rhetorical blockbuster of the summer," writes Sam Anderson in New York. But is the senator up to using his oratorical sophistication to expand his popularity among Americans hooked on a junk-food diet of low-brow stump speeches? Can a "Clinton-style natural who flaunts the artifice of his speeches and refuses to strategically hide his intelligence" score with an audience ambivalent about exactly those qualities?"

Obama is an eye of eloquence in the storm of American campaigning usually geared to the comprehension—and attention span—of a typical eighth grader. He can raise the level of discourse—but can't single-handedly change American anti-intellectualism or our impatience with long talks, writes Anderson. Nothing will test the mettle of his rhetorical gifts more than the DNC, where he “has to prove he’s not a talker by talking better than he ever has before.”

Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks at the United States Conference of Mayors in Miami Saturday, June 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during a luncheon at The Unites States Conference of Mayors 76th Annual Meeting in Miami Saturday, June 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Hans Deryk)

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., smiles after talking with the media in front of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Fla., Friday, June 20, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., talks with women during a round table discussion at the Flying Star Cafe facility in Albuquerque, N.M., Monday, June 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Can Barack raise level of discourse without losing his audience?

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Obama Dominates All 4 Races

Dem hopeful tops Clinton in Wash., Nebraska, Louisiana, Virgin Islands

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Obama, Edwards adjust strategy, take aim at lead candidate

Democrats Lead the Way in Voter Registration

Obama's 2008 effort gives party an edge in 2010 Senate races

Obama's Lobbyist Ban Haunting Him

He's losing good people for hard-to-fill administration spots

Nate Silver: Win the Cities, Win America

Fast-growing urban demographic handed Obama election victory

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • Obama 2008 • Democratic presidential candidates • presidential candidates • Election 2008 • DNC

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Obama Dominates All 4 Races

Dem hopeful tops Clinton in Wash., Nebraska, Louisiana, Virgin Islands

Hillary's Lead Forces Hopefuls to Get Tough

Obama, Edwards adjust strategy, take aim at lead candidate

Democrats Lead the Way in Voter Registration

Obama's 2008 effort gives party an edge in 2010 Senate races

Obama's Lobbyist Ban Haunting Him

He's losing good people for hard-to-fill administration spots

Nate Silver: Win the Cities, Win America

Fast-growing urban demographic handed Obama election victory

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