But also for its celebration of the spoken word, when the future looks as perfect as the turn of a phrase. For all their way with words, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton were mesmerizing only for their ability to stirringly say nothing. The pickings, however, have been slim. But speech elevated to an art form is unheard of these days, scared into exile by the fact that there may be nothing left to say.
Superstar statesmen are out, corporate bigwigs and last night's Hollywood celebrities are in.
Better not imagine Jack. You can also always depend on the topically famous. Erin Brockovich, the utility-busting lawyer made famous by a movie of the same name, will be the featured speaker at Jones International University next week. Of course, since Jones is the first entirely online university, Brockovich's address will be a webcast followed by a chat session with graduates. Bartlett's editors are not likely to call for front-row seats at those speeches.