Our Sophist-in-Chief

Commentary Magazine ^ | July 2nd, 2009 | Peter Wehner

[Jbny]

While I realize my efforts to decode Barack Obama may turn into a never-ending task, I want to focus on another of his rhetorical habit: his ceaseless attempts to portray himself as America's philosopher-king, the person standing not only above country but above politics itself. Obama is, he would have us believe, uniquely able to transcend old, tired, and rutted debates, to think anew, and to bring a fresh, creative approach to the problems of our time. He alone inhabits the upper world.

On the stimulus package, Obama accused the bill's critics of employing "phony arguments and petty politics." Speaking to House Democrats at a retreat in Williamsburg, Virginia earlier this year, he criticized Republicans for having "come to the table with the same tired arguments and worn ideas" that helped cause the current economic crisis. And in a radio address, Obama continued to criticize Republicans for pushing what he called "tired old theories."

[B.O. Plenty]

Note to General Petreaus:

Lead by example as demonstrated elsewhere, sir....

[NMEwithin]

[Salvey]

Note to General Petreaus: Lead by example as demonstrated elsewhere, sir....

Can you say "Honduras"? Can you say "Chile"?

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

sophist

1542, earlier sophister (c.1380), from L. sophista, sophistes, from Gk. sophistes, from sophizesthai "to become wise or learned," from sophos "wise, clever," of unknown origin. Gk. sophistes came to mean "one who gives intellectual instruction for pay," and, contrasted with "philosopher," it became a term of contempt. Ancient sophists were famous for their clever, specious arguments.

[RobinMasters]