Rhetoric is what shapes history, if not truth.

whoever approaches his goal dances

Parables release the adrenaline of urgency into our bloodstream.

If we do not touch the heart, we will soon weary the ear.

In this era of public survival through continuous storytelling, people want someone who might surprise them.

Talk about presidents taking the country hither and yon is part of the foam of presidential elections.

The art of oratory was considered part of the equipment of a statesman.

He uses the nice old words so rich in tradition to be sure I know he means it.

It is useful to remember that no matter where we turn, there is rarely any shortage of elevated ideals to accompany the resort to violence.

Republicans know well that a change of rhetorical pace is necessary. But efforts by their leaders to damp down the bellicosity of newly elected Tea Party types is running into the fact that the Tea Partiers have only the high volume setting on their amplifiers, just like Palin. They're like a couple having a fight at a funeral; politely sotto voce, then suddenly bursting out fortissimo with their plaints and accusations.