Beto has a great name, a pretty wife, and a pretty nice house too, if you got a glimpse of the decor. Life is good. And he’s got charisma, a conscience, and cash. He’s Kennedyesque. Tall, fit, and toothy. Plus,… Read More »Beto’s Boo Boos
When I turned on the TV that Saturday just as Bishop Curry began to speak, the cameras were turning their ever-watchful eyes on the dignitaries in the front pews. The Queen seemed to be uncomfortable, and Prince Charles and Camilla… Read More »Give it Smoothness
William Henry Herndon was a law partner and biographer of President Abraham Lincoln. They were a study in contrasts, opposites in temperament. Despite a poetic streak, Lincoln’s mind was logical, and he longed for the day when “reason, cold, calculating,… Read More »A Little Taste of Abraham on the Stump: Substance and style from a master communicator
There was the “Clinton thumb”–which most likely originated with John F. Kennedy. Nixon’s “V for victory” at the helicopter door. Although he used it a few times before 1974. And the “Dole pen”–a prop he carried in his right hand.… Read More »Political Gesture du Jour
When a possum is threatened, he contracts into a ball, while bears do the opposite. They stand on their hind legs to make themselves look bigger. Chameleons change color and remain perfectly still, while peacocks expand their tail-feathers to assert their dominance.… Read More »On playing possum and peacock preening
I just met a client, a young woman new to the work force and recently hired by a consulting firm, who had studied oratory and debating in high school. I don’t think I’ve ever had a client with similar experience… Read More »Stand still when you speak