Tuesday, January 2, 2007

Ford funeral

NBC newsman Tom Brokaw was the best of the eulogists speaking at the funeral of President Gerald R. Ford.

Not only was his delivery excellent, but Brokaw also followed the advice of many writing and oratory teachers: He offered specifics, not just generalities. Brokaw shared a story of a slap-happy newsman who wore a chicken head to a Ford speech (and, much to Ford's delight, upstaged him) and sketched with words a portrait of Ford relaxing with a pipe. Both brought a sense of humanity to a mere mortal who is quickly being canonized by the press and public.

Bush Sr. offered the worst speech, but he does get high marks for the service's most surreal moment: Doing an imitation of Dana Carvey imitating George Bush. Bizarre.

No comments: