A Non-Policy Comparison of Presidential-ness

I just watched President Bush give a press conference, followed immediately by Barack Obama delivering a speech on foreign policy. The contrast between the two is staggering.

Mr. Bush's press conference consisted of him rambling from topic to topic, never spending more than three minutes on any one idea, and leaning lazily against the podium so much that the camera actually had to follow him by moving laterally. His cavalier attitude, both in stance and speech, certainly does not give off an aura of even being vaguely presidential. His responses to reporter's questions were barely on topic. When asked to suggest when the economy might turnaround, he responded "I'm not an economist! Look at all these reporters, saying recession this, recession that, as if they were all economists!". What?

When asked if oil companies had fully explored the millions of acres they have under contract now, rather than opening up even more offshore drilling, Mr. Bush responded "You know, you don't have to drill on top of a reef anymore. They can drill, uh, horizontally. Like in Alaska, you can have one pad, and drill horizontally. We have the technology." What?

He also blamed the economy's woes on trade - specifically, with Columbia. Because Columbia is the lynch pin of the American economy. His complaint was that Columbia was placing a tariff on imported American goods while America did not on imported Columbian goods. Or as he put in, "You can buy stuff from Columbia duty free, but they're charging more for American goods. That's not fair. I don't understand that." What this man doesn't understand could fill the Pacific ocean.

It was then that he revealed he's 62 years old. This person is 62 years old and is on a podium, giving a press conference as the acting President of the United States of America, and he's blustering on, hardly answering questions some times and utterly failing to address them at others. He's exhibiting a shocking lack of knowledge or understanding about how the world works at any level, and he's leaning like a drunk. It was shameful. The only time I've seen an old person act like that is when he's three quarts drunk at a shady bar. Mr. Bush was acting like a damn fool.

Barack Obama, on the other hand, gave a thirty-minute speech while standing straight-backed, spoke clearly and intelligently, even inspirationally at time. It is true that he was giving a pre-written speech, but Mr. Bush could not hold a candle to Senator Obama in terms of acting presidential. When I listen to Senator Obama give a speech, or take questions from an audience, or debate another politician, I see someone who would hold the office of President with respect and dignity, and would be a role model citizen. I, yes I know it's trite, but I see hope. When I see Mr. Bush, I am embarrassed. I am just plain ashamed of him.