Form over substance

Pundits constantly laud President Obama for his speaking ability. Chris Matthews became nearly orgasmic after an Obama speech during the primaries.

"I have to tell you, you know, it's part of reporting this case, this election, the feeling most people get when they hear Barack Obama's speech. My, I felt this thrill going up my leg. I mean, I don't have that too often."

Public speaking experts even utilize Obama speeches as teaching tools. I stumbled on one Business week article written last year entitled How to Inspire People Like Obama. The column lists four Obama speech delivery techniques that you can use to become a more persuasive speaker. These include holding out hope, using rhetorical devices and confident body language.

I will grudgingly admit the president can deliver a speech, although I find the way he chops up phrases annoying.

But when we cut through all of the superfluous speaking techniques and get to the heart of the matter, the words flowing out of the President's mouth often don't mean anything at all.

Take this for instance. Obama delivered a speech in California yesterday and momentarily channeled Harry Truman - "the buck stops here." Commentators fawned over Obama, praising him for taking responsibility.

But look at what he actually said.

"I know Washington's all in a tizzy and everybody's pointing fingers at each other saying it's all their fault, the Democrats' fault, the Republicans' fault. Listen, I'll take responsibility. I'm the president." *Insert cheers here* Then he continued, "We didn't draft these contracts. We've got a lot on our plate…"

So is he responsible or not?

Maybe he wasn't actually channeling Truman - more like Dennis the Menace.

People gobble up the form that is Barak Obama. But where is the substance?