Where has Obama's inspiring oratory gone?By Michael Gerson
Along with President Obama's declining public standing has come adeclining rhetorical reputation. There is, of course, a relationshipbetween the two. Even Ronald Reagan seemed a less-than-greatcommunicator after the 1981-82 recession, with his job approval ratingin the 30s. And few would be criticizing Obama's speeches ifunemployment were at 6 percent. Success is the best eloquence.
') ;// -->But Obama's rhetorical challenge runs deeper than the recession. Inthe most unexpected development of his presidency, what was onceuniversally recognized as Obama's greatest political strength -- hisoratory -- now seems a serious weakness.
The swift rise of Barack Obama was primarily a literary phenomenon.His accomplishments did not come on the Senate floor; they came atBarnes & Noble. His two autobiographies, along with his 2004 speech