The power of oratory
Sitting in the Members’ tea room yesterday, a group of us were discussing who could fill the House of Commons today with the power of his or her oratory.
Well before my time, Enoch Powell could do so. Michael Foot was clearly remarkable, as was Tony Benn in his own way. The most outstanding current orator is undoubtedly William Hague who again dissected the European non-Constitution Constitution so brilliantly yesterday. Also, some of Tony Blair’s speeches in the chamber were very memorable performances.
The power of Barack Obama’s oratory is exceptional. He is a brilliant wordsmith, being able to inspire with the power of language. People respond to a sense of hope and optimism – something that David Cameron has also brilliantly captured.
There is little difference in policy terms between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. But somehow I suspect that if he does emerge as a Presidential candidate, and wins, it will be because he has been able to breathe life into the over used word ‘change,’ creating a sense of excitement which powerfully touches the emotions.
As a footnote, poor old Gordon Brown – no orator he - must feel that nothing is going right. He must be ruing the day he declined the opportunity to meet Barack Obama.