David Axelrod on Health Care - Hardball 'Uh, uh, ... uh, uh, uh...'

[tomm2thumbs]

Run time: 09:26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXaLSEd_FA8   Posted on YouTube: July 22, 2009 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: July 23, 2009 By DU Member: tomm2thumbs Views on DU: 1770

 

David Axelrod acts as spokesperson for the health care proposals being worked on by Congress & the Administration. Unfortunately, as spokesperson, he has a terrible habit (hopefully breakable) of dropping a few 'uhs' along the way. It definitely gets in the way of delivering a clean, clear message on health care and leaves a less-than-stellar impression in my view.

It may not seem important, but when he drops over a hundred and ten of them in one interview, I think it diminishes credibility to the message, imho.

Yes, I'm a dolt for counting but it was a slow night. Is there a secret anyone knows out there to breaking this habit - something that they teach folks who speak in public that might help work this out? Curious.

[Uzybone]

1. I see lack of seriousness is not limited to the RW

really? Counting the amount of times a political operative said "uh" on a cable news shitfest of a show?

[liberalmike27]

11. Well

I think Axelrod is a good spokesman, for what he ends up saying. But some people seem uncomfortable with the space in time often needed to think of the proper thing to say. I think when you go on enough of these shows, with several people willing to fill your blank space, and start filling it with their own words, you probably get to where you put little fillers in.

But, it is kind of annoying. A lot of people do it, and especially in an interview of this importance, people need to try and practice speaking and allow for the time to think, without adding Uh. That said, I don't really think it has anything to do with credibility, just the ravages of age, slowing down the speech centers a bit, and people compensating for it.

I like Axelrod, he seems like a pretty good spokesman.

Generally, I think everyone in the whole administration needs to stop tiptoeing, and read some speeches of FDR. We need to be hearing talk of 'economic royalists' and the sort or rhetoric we need to get to the core of the problem. It may not make the rich TV hosts happy, as they are ER's, but it will make a lot of voters happy hearing them called out-that is, assuming the media will even cover speeches if this starts happening.

[Stellar]

2. Not very interesting

to the reader either. It didn't really bother me. Sorry.

[foginthemorn]

3. umm.. bad hair day?

[emulatorloo]

4. Please, get real! THANKS! EOM

[swilton]

5. I would rather have him drop a few oohs and uhs

and say something with substance rather than rattle on like a Chatty-Cathy and say absolutely nothing like I see so many talking heads do. I am a substance over format kind of gal who believes one of the problems with our news media (as well as our national elections, for that matter) is emphasis upon image and appearance rather than knowledge of the subject matter. I can name any number of male and female suits (political candidates or broadcasters) who absolutely know nothing about what they are talking about. :hi:

[subterranean]

6. I didn't think it was that noticeable, except near the end.

I like how he pointed out that rationing takes place in America now, except it's done by the health insurance companies.

[TheEuclideanOne]

7. Who posted this, Rush Limbaugh?

Seriousy, I hear this crap from the right about Obama, where they count the uhs and umms. It is an idiotic argument unless it is really excessive and noticeable. I really did not find that to be the case here. It was essentially somebody answering questions who did not have a pre-rehearsed speech to deliver and was answering questions thoughtfully. How do you break this habit? Simple, you just spit out a bunch of talking points that you have delivered a million times and say nothing substantive, but say it well.

[Piewhacket]

8. Alas, I saw him and agree. However, he seemed tired and not well prepared.

[GillesDeleuze]

9. NATIONAL POLICY SPEAKING CHAMP HERE

its easy.

1. fill up a super soaker
2. have someone ask you a policy question
3. give an extemporaneous answer
4. if there is an uh, um, or awkward pause or wording, questioner begins shooting ice cold water
5. continue spraying water until speaker recovers
6. repeat

[tomm2thumbs]

10. sounds very 'Tony Robbins' - I like it

he tells the story of breaking someone's vicious cycle of depression using a splash of water during conversation. Sometimes the unusual solution is the best.