The new Cicero

30 November 2008 | 21:54 - By Stefano Boscutti

Barack Obama's speeches are much admired and endlessly analysed.  But Charlotte Higgins says one of their most interesting aspects is the enormous debt they owe to the oratory of the Romans.

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Here's the thing: to understand the next four years of American politics, you are going to need to understand something of the politics of ancient Greece and Rome.  There have been many controversial aspects to this presidential election, but one thing is uncontroversial: that Obama's skill as an orator has been one of the most important factors - perhaps the most important factor - in his victory.  The sheer numbers of people who have heard him speak live set him apart from his rivals - and, indeed, recall the politics of ancient Athens, where the public speech given to ordinary voters was the motor of politics, and where the art of rhetoric matured alongside democracy.  Don't believe me?  Check out your weekly YouTube address from the President Elect.  (Yes, the props are getting more Presidential and the office more oval by the week.)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/26/barack-obama-usa1
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=XblF3z-ST0Y

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About this Blog

New New Media looks at how our mediascape is exploding to bits. How the latest technology and the internet are changing the way we live, work and play. How the latest media is shaping us all.

Stefano Boscutti is an executive creative director and strategist. He's like a better looking version of Todd Sampson. He also has an abiding faith that stories and wordplay (and not powerpoint presentations) will change the world.

 
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