How did we get such a pack of poor talkers? I'm watching the Democratic candidates' forum right now, and it's really annoying how poor the oratory skills of our potential leaders are. I also find it wrankling when the moderator asks a question and the candidate, rather than answering the question -- or even attempting to -- launches into a tangent of semi-related political mumbojumbo. It would be so much easier to watch if they would devote at least 15 seconds to answering the question, and then launching into whatever sound-bytes they think will hit. I don't like it when people don't follow basic communications protocols.

Watching the people speak, Dean looks strong. He's the voice of reason, and the one who's proposing real solutions. For instance, on the worker question, he talks about how unions and the people who want to be unionized, need to organize and grow stronger, and that this is the way to protect workers, by allowing them to protect themselves. He also suggests bolseting social security by extending payroll taxes to cover income above $80,000, which it currently does now. Kucinich rants, lashing out at the others, looking mean, hunted. Kerry launches into a class-war tirade -- and a good one; good applause -- but none of them propose anything real.

Sharpton is a rare gem. He's unlikely to contend, but the man can speak. He makes everyone else look bad, and we need more people with his skills on our side.

Lieberman is such a weenie, it's ridiculous. He won't re-appoint Ashcroft; shocking. His quote on vouchers, "This is an experiment. Try it for a few years. Keep it to the poor children. Don't take any money out of the public school budget. See what we learn." Right Joe, experiment on a class of poor students. That's a talking point you want to promote.

Edwards is Clintonesque, mustering comforting personal tones, family connections, a smooth demeanor and delightful drawl. You can see why people still go gaga for him, in spite of being nowhere in the polls. Doesn't seem like the year to seduce the voters, but any idiot can see he's got a bright future.