The New York Times, they like to kid
From James McKinley Jr.’s front-page story in the New York Times, “Castro Is ?Stable,? but His Illness Presents Puzzle“: News that Mr. Castro had relinquished power for the first time in his 47-year rule prompted expressions of concern from leftist leaders in Latin America and set off immediate celebration among Cuban exiles in Miami. The ...
From James McKinley Jr.'s front-page story in the New York Times, "Castro Is ?Stable,? but His Illness Presents Puzzle": News that Mr. Castro had relinquished power for the first time in his 47-year rule prompted expressions of concern from leftist leaders in Latin America and set off immediate celebration among Cuban exiles in Miami. The transfer also set off intense speculation about Cuba?s future. Ra?l Castro, who has acted as defense minister for decades, made no public appearances. He is 75 years old and seems to lack the charisma, political skill and rhetorical brilliance of his brother. (emphasis added) I'll concede that Fidel Castro must possess some charisma and ample amounts of political skill -- he's the longest-serving leader in the world, after all. Since when, however, does the capacity to give six-hour speeches imply "rhetorical brilliance"? There are many words that can be used to describe Castro's rhetorical style -- and "brilliance" is nowhere close to the top of that list.
From James McKinley Jr.’s front-page story in the New York Times, “Castro Is ?Stable,? but His Illness Presents Puzzle“:
News that Mr. Castro had relinquished power for the first time in his 47-year rule prompted expressions of concern from leftist leaders in Latin America and set off immediate celebration among Cuban exiles in Miami. The transfer also set off intense speculation about Cuba?s future. Ra?l Castro, who has acted as defense minister for decades, made no public appearances. He is 75 years old and seems to lack the charisma, political skill and rhetorical brilliance of his brother. (emphasis added)
I’ll concede that Fidel Castro must possess some charisma and ample amounts of political skill — he’s the longest-serving leader in the world, after all. Since when, however, does the capacity to give six-hour speeches imply “rhetorical brilliance”? There are many words that can be used to describe Castro’s rhetorical style — and “brilliance” is nowhere close to the top of that list.
Daniel W. Drezner is a professor of international politics at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and co-host of the Space the Nation podcast. Twitter: @dandrezner
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