The Case Against Speeches

Ezra's right, but this is going to happen the day after flying pigs start winning presidential elections. Part of the problem is that since the President is the head of state as well as the head of government, delivering pointless formal addresses is actually part of the job.

Comments

the President is the head of state as well as the head of government

I don't understand. What's the difference between the two?

Posted by Freddie | May 25, 2007 1:45 PM

I don't understand. What's the difference between the two?

Head of government relates to his control over the federal bureaucracies and policy-making systems.

Head of state is his unofficial role as figurehead and personification of the US federal government, or if overseas, the US as a nation. This is where the speeches come in.

The US president is like the Queen of England and the Prime Minister rolled into one.

Posted by Ben | May 25, 2007 1:54 PM

delivering pointless formal addresses is actually part of the job.

For example, making a few appropriate remarks at the dedication of a cemetary . . .

Posted by rea | May 25, 2007 4:18 PM

The President's role as head of state is official, not unofficial.

Posted by Ben Cronin | May 25, 2007 5:16 PM