In these dark days, the quality of leadership has been largely missing in action on both sides of the Atlantic. But not entirely. Focusing on the rhetoric, rather than the politics, allow me to point out two speeches last week that were excellent but rare examples of politicians who seized the moment, cutting through the fog … More Rhetoric and leadership in troubled times: lessons from Washington and Edinburgh

Watching the Brexit/Remain debate from here in France is a depressing affair for anyone looking for lofty oratory. Given how existentially important the referendum is for the future of the British nation, and indeed the whole of Europe, it’s remarkable how petty the main keynote speeches have been so far. Last week’s “debate” between Prime … More Brexit vs Remain: Where oh where is the powerful oratory, worthy of what’s at stake?