Because I had other things to watch Saturday night, I missed the Saddleback Civil Forum questioning of our presidential candidates (men in speedos vs. politicians - no contest). In the interest of being a more"informed" voter (albeit one whose mind is already made up), I did go online to find a transcript of the forum.
Why a transcript, and not a video? I simply cannot stand to listen to Sen. Obama speak without a script. As someone who has done a fair amount of public speaking, I'm familiar with the tendency to fill the time you need to think with "verbal pauses". Those little words - um, and, you know, ah, I mean and the like - serve as a verbal bookmark as your mind races to come up with your next statement. They also make the speaker appear unintelligent and indecisive. It's a fault that is easily corrected, given a bit of practice; I'm astounded that Obama's handlers have not yet dealt with it.
If nothing else, his verbal pauses could be the basis for a nifty, if short, drinking game for college students.
The contrast between the two men is evident in the transcript, not only in their views on issues but in their personalities. Read and judge for yourselves - who is more fit to lead?
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