The Speeches

I have been studiously avoiding coverage of the convention, both of the traditional and the blogospheric variety. I just do not think it is a very interesting event, and certainly not worth the attention, time, and money that is expended on it.

Of course, I feel a particular apathy toward rhetoric of almost all kinds, whether friendly or hostile to the positions I advocate. There is a certain lowest common denominator factor to most of it that turns me off. I do not like the feeling that I am being manipulated, and that is essentially the point of much or most rhetoric.

On the other hand, lots of people do like rhetoric and can become very inspired or enthused when it is done correctly. And it seems that Barack Obama does it quite correctly. Good for him, and good for us, as it seems he could make an excellent senator in the best tradition of that institution.