[Soul Seeker]

Frum is a former speech writer and that needs to be remembered whenever he remarks about those currently encharged with the duties. He has a bias, and wasn't he one of the ones that didn't like the Inaugural if I remember correctly even though the vast majority admitted it was historic? I suspect because he didn't write it.

Just want to put that out there. I DO think there is merit to attempting to construct a NEW "fireside chat" but not because Frum is making waves.

The trouble is how you go about it. I'm not certain Americans are going to sit around the radio anymore for a briefing from the president at a designated time, nor is TV the answer. How do you update it to appeal in this age? That would be an interesting idea to brainstorm about it.

[Prime Choice]

I DO think there is merit to attempting to construct a NEW "fireside chat" but not because Frum is making waves.

I agree. Personally, I prefer listening to Bush's radio addresses when I can. He just seems more relaxed.

The trouble is how you go about it. I'm not certain Americans are going to sit around the radio anymore

My wife and I do. She works on making jewelry and I do my coding or work on a parody while we listen. And yup, we have a fireplace.   :o)

[McGavin999]

He doesn't have to do a fireside chat. Bush is good at anidotes. All he has to do is throw in a couple of "You know what our troops did the other day? They brought water to a village that had never had clean drinking water ever" or something funny that happened between soldiers and Iraqis, just a few of those each time he talks, change them up enough so people look forward to the little stories. He can keep the rest of the speech the same, but salt them with stories of what the troops are accomplishing.

Just have one of the speech writers reading the CENTCOM website and you'll find tons of hearwarming stories.

The media won't tell them, President Bush should tell them because people would love to hear them.