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Change: Obama, Blair, Bush and Cameron
Have I mentioned how cool it is to have a US President who feels like one of us? IT literate, a bit geeky, smart, likes a good debate, enjoys being challenged on ideas, etc. It's cool, isn't it? Thing is? He's just another political leader. Who am I talking about here:
Yup, you're right. It's Tony Blair. And Barack Obama. Worse? Watch this ((via):
Scary, innit? Reminded me of something though. From a few years back, while Blair was still in office, while Cameron was still trying to build his 'brand'. I know, I know, he's still trying to build his brand, but still:
President Obama sir? I really hope I'm wrong on this one. Please don't turn into another Tony Blair.
Relatively obscure politician with a legal background, went to an expensive school and a top university, came out of nowhere while in opposition, good line in rhetoric and appealing to a broad church, very capable and intelligent wife, young family, wins on a landslide with the wishes of the nation having mobilised a massive national effort seeing record membership for his party. Promising change.
Yup, you're right. It's Tony Blair. And Barack Obama. Worse? Watch this ((via):
Scary, innit? Reminded me of something though. From a few years back, while Blair was still in office, while Cameron was still trying to build his 'brand'. I know, I know, he's still trying to build his brand, but still:
President Obama sir? I really hope I'm wrong on this one. Please don't turn into another Tony Blair.
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Also, as for the words, what do they even mean? Obama - I'm sure - is good to write for, because he delivers his speeches well. But beyond that it's simple strategy. Confident body language. Strong tone of voice, making it sound like you have the courage of your convictions, even if you don't believe (or in Dubya's case necessarily understand) in what you're saying.
And the words - economy's in trouble, most people know we're in a recession/depression. Are they meant to say "Nooo, it's all going swimmingly, I don't want to alter this lovely, lovely situation at all"? They'll use the words "hope" and "change", they'll throw in patriotism and maybe religion too, because they're all familiar and comforting things.
...that said, I'm mildly encouraged right now. Four days in (it is 4 now, right?), and Guantanamo's closing, the rendition and torture is officially being stopped, he's lifted the ban on funding abortion abroad and he's also stopped the stem cell testing ban. Oh, and he's been allowed to keep his Blackberry.
*waves a little flag*
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It's a very good point, and there is no reason to believe he will be different. But hope is quite nice, even if it is naive or mis-placed.
Keep an eye on him (http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/)
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Difference between Bush and Obama: Obama is a confident, highly competent orator (and may in time grow to be one of the great orators). When Obama says something, he says it with conviction and it sounds as if he's (a) read and (b) understood what's coming out of his mouth.
The speech was nothing unexpected. The issues that need to be addressed didn't change overnight, unlike the administration.
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