Reply #: The sentiment of the day and the super-patriotic mainstream press classifed any who denounced

[Lefty-Taylor]

the war as essentially America-haters in the fall of 2002 when Obama spoke up. That's why so few politicians stepped up and spoke against the war. For that alone, Obama took a risk of being vilified and, consequently, marginalized. He has continually spoken out against the war in this campaign. Clinton has not been consistent at all about this.

As for your speech and acting instruction that you mention, I can relate. I've done both as well and am currently a college professor who teaches students writing and presentation skills (I hesitate going into this but you mentioned it first). Obama may not have MLK- or Jesse Jackson-type abilities but he's sure better than any other candidate still in the race. He certainly hits a lot of the right notes and connects with people on both an intellectual and visceral level (and I'm skeptical of style over substance; just stating what seems to be true).