Unscripted Candidate (Kerry) a Hit With Audiences

[kskiska]

Insiders Say Kerry's Off-the-Cuff Remarks Show Progress in Connecting to Voters

KETCHUM, Idaho, Aug. 17 -- As John F. Kerry's well-rehearsed speech on the economy in Carson, Calif., reached a crescendo last week, revved-up supporters began a chant familiar to those who fought for the rights of migrant workers in the state.

"Si se puede! Si se puede!" the crowd intoned in Spanish, a phrase that means "yes, we can."

Not missing a beat, the Massachusetts senator responded: "Si se puede! Si se puede!"

Then he launched into impromptu riff incorporating some of the Spanish phrases he knows: "I need your help," Kerry said as the audience roared. "Bush has broken a promise to all the Latinos."

(snip)

It can be a risk for candidates to deviate too far from prepared remarks and engage in an unscripted give-and-take with an audience. "Unless you have a particularly skilled candidate, that sort of thing is fraught with potential for them to say something unhelpful or create news you don't want," said Democratic strategist Doug Schoen, who advised Bill Clinton. "The fact that he's willing to take that chance is a sign he's more comfortable and his advisers are more comfortable with it."

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9534-2004Aug17.html

[Cha]

1. Si se puede!

Yes we can!

[Rose Siding]

6. It's familiar to me

The people want to help.

"I need your help," Kerry said as the audience roared.

It's a good step.

[TahitiNut]

7. Carpe puede!

"Grab your can"? :evilgrin:

[sonias]

2. Adelante con Kerry!

Sonia

[progressivebydesign]

3. Not to diss the WP reporters.. but...

.. ANYONE can talk off the cuff like that. Normal people can do that. Are they so brainwashed by Bush's limited thought processes that they forget John Kerry is an intelligent, articulate, man? Are they forgetting the basic premise of successful public speaking? That is.. have a speech.. memorize it. Understand what you are trying to say. Then set the speech aside and say what you mean. John does not have to read from cue cards... he KNOWS what he wants to say, and can say it.

I've seen numerous comments from people that, based on the media's piss-poor portrayal of Kerry's speaking style, expected him to be stiff and awful; It was quite the opposite. He is wowing the crowds, and is a good speaker.

[w13rd0]

4. You said...

"Are they so brainwashed by Bush's limited thought processes that they forget John Kerry is an intelligent, articulate, man?"

Yes, they are!

[alittlelark]

5. The thing is, * can't!

Kerry can.

[DaveSZ]

8. The threat is the media

They can do to Kerry what they did to Dean if given the chance.

[Demoiselle]

9. Be of good cheer....

I never thought I'd see a friendly puff piece about Kerry in the WaPo!
Could it be they sense the tide turning?

[tlcandie]

15. Reminds me of an old song that had the lyrics of something

like.. if we can, can...yes, we can...

:think:

[DBoon]

10. Why not?

Being able to connect with off-the-cuff banter is what makes a great leader.

Don't we deserve a great leader.

[Kool Kitty]

11. We sure do, DBoon, we sure do!!!

[eridani]

12. Hey, Dem_Strategist--spread this meme:

Kerry is not afraid of the American people, and Bush is.

[DeepModem Mom]

13. A nice piece from the WP -- and a great headline -- nt

[leftchick]

14. Any contrast to chimpy*s strictly rehearsed speeches....

and "loyalty pledged" audiences? I can not get the link to work...
:(

[BlueCollar]

16. El pueblo unido

jamas sera vencido...

(The people united, will never be defeated)

[democracy eh]

17. SPOOOON!!!!!

now wouldn't that be a funny off the cuff remark for Kerry to make.

[democracy eh]

18. Cuchara!!!!

if in Spanish