In our time political speech and writing are largely the defense of the indefensible.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
A little tough talk in the midst of a campaign or as part of a presidential debate cannot obscure a record of 30 years of being on the wrong side of defense issues.
When politicians seek to restrict political speech, it is invariably to protect their own incumbency and avoid having to defend their policies in the marketplace of ideas.
There's been very little writing about speech impediments, even though it's this huge psychological barrier.
Their is no defense against criticism except obscurity.
At least in the West, politicians, corporations and media moguls can no longer take for granted their power to control the public discourse - and have it go unchallenged.
Today's public figures can no longer write their own speeches or books, and there is some evidence that they can't read them either.
Politicians are better liars than writers.
You can't defend the indefensible - anything you say sounds self-serving and hypocritical.
I always believe writing is an indispensable part of one's political armoury.
I never think that anything I'm writing is bluntly political in any way. I'm not going for commentary.