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January 21, 2009
Brothers and sisters! I have not seen the future!
Oratory! Amazing on the ears, isn't it? Wonderful!
Though, of course, it's a skill, not a virtue.
It's a skill which Hitler used to great effect in his rise to power.
And it was a skill well-used by Tony Blair before he became Prime Minister.
Both men acquired intoxicating popularity through their words.
And Barack Obama undoubtedly has that skill. He's brilliant at it. Grown men weep; and even hardened politicos can't help but bask a little in the dream.
(And all this, despite his speech writer being a mere 27 years old.)
Once in power, however, politics is not about grandiose visions; indeed, such is their value, they can probably be found on special offer, at Morrisons. 'Swallow one grandiose vision - and get another one free!'
Instead, politics is about what happens; about 'events, dear boy, events,' as MacMillan once said. And we are not in control of these things.
And here's the knobbly problem, for those who would be king. Realising we are not in control is not an acceptable vision - for a 27 year old or for anyone else. No orator seeking power is going to declare: 'Brothers and sisters, I have seen the future! And we are not in control!'
It's not acceptable - but it is true.
Unlike oratory. Which is a skill - but not a virtue.
Posted by Mr Bojangles at January 21, 2009 11:21 AM