Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 November 1908 — Running For the Presidency. [ARTICLE]

Running For the Presidency.

Strictly speaking, it is not so much running as talking that is demanded of a presidential nominee as campaigns go in these days. The ambitious boy who has been told that among the good things that may happen if be takes care of himself Is his elevation to the highest office in the land can make no mistake if be goes into training for the talking end of it A candidate must not only talk, but impress and be able to “think on his feet.” If voters don’t hear what they want from the platform they ask for it. “Running” is very much like an examination grilling. Oratory does not count for so much in these days as it did formerly. Voters ask to be shown how the problems of government they are interested in are to be worked out Ttye candidate who is best at explaining may lose at the polls, but if be has been personally weak under fire he may rarely expect another chance. And the talking is a big contract. It not only calls for happy speech, but immense lung power and voice endurance. The electorate is spread over a wide territory, and doubtful states and doubtful sections require the next thing to a house to house canvass. Bo the schoolboy must not stop with preparing for the presidency, but prepare to talk for it. and talk long and hard.