The Town Hall Debate: In Praise of Complete Sentences

David Ignatius
Washington Post

Is it “presidential” to speak in clear sentences that have a beginning, a middle and an end? If so, we heard a very presidential Barack Obama in tonight’s debate -- a man who was fluid and precise in explaining his policies and in critiquing those of his opponent.

John McCain, in contrast, seemed stiff and uncomfortable, explaining himself in sentence fragments and jokes and gests that didn’t quite register. He looked awkward whether he was standing or sitting, and his speech was that of a man who wants to chide his opponent and assert his own fitness for office -- but can’t explain himself or his policies in clear language that forms complete sentences and paragraphs -- or even complete thoughts.

Or am I being elitist, in arguing that case for coherence? I hope not, but George Bush’s political success made us all wonder if the American people actually prefer someone who butchers his grammar and speaks in sentence fragments. What helped Bush, I think was that his botched diction seemed a relief in contrast to the high-minded prep-school tones of his rivals in 2000 and 2004, Al Gore and John Kerry.

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