It can be said that one of politicians’ most common bonds is their liking to talk. We, the public, are used to that as it generally goes with the territory of politics. They are putting their thoughts out in the open for public scrutiny. We can process their verbiage allowing acceptance, rejection or indifference.

Along comes George W. Bush as president, and we have a leader who does not resemble the typical, communicative politician, the kind with whom we are familiar.

This is a president who appears sparingly on TV, seldom conducts a news conference, and when the microphone is put to him, his response is either two words or two sentences. Furthermore, when he is on camera, he seems uncomfortable, as if wishing to return to his hideout.

Aside from decisions he and his administration have made during these 3 1/2 years, his weak communicative style leads us to believe how sensitive and suspicious this “leadership” is. Other than Condoleezza Rice, no one in this administration is letting us know what is going on. Presiding over almost 300 million people demands that we are kept informed. Most of us would like to hear about political developments from the president himself, with specifics as necessary.

Bring on the candidate – John Kerry will certainly do – who has the courage and desire to put his face center stage and just talk to us. That would be so refreshing.

Norm Gellatly, Auburn

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