[Skunk]

Originally posted by The Hierophant: Public speaking is a really tough job, especially when done in a presidential context. Bush isn't amazingly eloquent, but then most people arn't. Despite what you may think of his policies and actions as a president, cut him a little bit of slack when it comes to his speaking abilities. No degree of preparedness or 'professionalism' can dispell instinctual nerves when you are put on the podium in front of millions (and in some cases billions) of viewers. It aint easy, and he makes a good go of it.

But it is an integral part of the job - a prerequisite for anyone seeking the position. A president that can't think in public is like a trial lawyer that can't think under the pressure of the jury's gaze or actor that gets stage fright every time a camera is pointed at him.

If he can't think on his feet in public, he isn't up to the job.