The Bully Pulpit

http://www.c-span.org/guide/congress/glossary/bullypul.htm ^ | July 28,2004 | myself

[AmericanMade1776]

I keep hearing the term "bully pulpit" thrown around by Democrats at the Convention. From c-span, I get this definition of "bully pulpit":

This term stems from President Theodore Roosevelt's reference to the White House as a "bully pulpit," meaning a terrific platform from which to persuasively advocate an agenda. Roosevelt often used the word "bully" as an adjective meaning superb/wonderful. Roosevelt also had political affiliation with the Progressive Party, nicknamed the "Bull Moose" party. It got the moniker when Roosevelt ran for President as its candidate in 1912, after declaring himself as "fit as a bull moose."

But when I hear Democratic Party Chariman Terry McAuliffe , or U.S. Sen. Jon Corzine, D-N.J use the term "bully pulpit", it seems they are inferring that the office of the President is run by a bully, or at the very least, they want their listeners to think the Presidency is run by a bully.

[AmericanMade1776]

George Bush has had the bully pulpit for three years ...," Democratic Party Chairman Terry McAuliffe said. "This is our time. This is the time millions of people are going to tune in, and they're going to take a real serious look at us."

Firing up those seated in the New Jersey section, Corzine(U.S. Sen D-N.J) added, "They may have the bully pulpit, but we have the congregation."