Bush Seemed "On" Tonight

I'm not going to comment on the content of Bush' speech, tonight. I'll leave that to bloggers (and the press). Instead, I would like to comment specifically on Bush's presentation style.

Okay, so it wasn't the Reagan Challenger Speech. ... But (aside from the "false start" that some networks aired) he did seem relaxed and comfortable tonight -- more so than he's seemed since his first term (that's a long time to be uncomfortable).

Speaking of which, for some reason, I've recently seen a few clips of Bush from the 2000 campaign. He was much better then. He may not have been polished -- but he was more real.

This seems a bit counterintuitive; You would think that a politician would become a better communicator with experience. But I think the opposite is often true of presidents: The stress takes a toll on them. They start to realize that every word they say will be parsed, and that has to really be hard on your confidence.

In any event, Bush's speech tonight seemed to be a bit of a return to the old Bush. Too often, his speeches feel like he's just going through the motions. Tonight, it seemed like a real conversation.

Maybe he's finally getting his groove back?

Do you agree? Email me your thoughts at MLewis@CampaignLeadership.com.

(Remember, I'm talking about his style -- not the substance).