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Obama: great at one-upping, less good at collaboration (video examples)

#1 · November 23, 2020, 8:41 pm

Obama is an extremely good speaker.

Unlikely, he sometimes resorts to one-upping, value-taking sarcasm.

See this example:

Obama: We could so much more if Republicans (...) at least agree with me with for things you said you were for before I was for 'em

This is great to get a lot of applause from those who already like you and agree with you.
But for actually getting things done it's rather poor.

It angers Republicans, making them even less likely o want to work with him
It cements in people's minds that Republicans would everything to stop Obama: that's a power-down position to be in, when one group of people blocks you no matter what
It cements in Republicans' minds that they are against Obama: it's the wrong thread to expand. he spins it into a cool speech, but the frame is still that of a victim, who is blocked no matter what. Play it down instead, say you trust you can find an agreement

Ins short: do some bridge-talking instead of "bridges are broken" kind of tak.

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