Andrew Dickens Afternoons

It’s 2008 and former US Secretary of State Colin Powell – a Republican – had just endorsed Barack Obama for the presidency. I can remember Powell being interviewed where he was challenged on the notion that Obama’s positive rhetoric was all very well and good, but ultimately wouldn’t add up to much. Essentially, the criticism was about style over substance. Powell’s response has always stuck with me and it popped into my head again this with the images of Jacinda Ardern and baby Neve at the UN General Assembly.“Don’t underestimate the power of positive rhetoric”. It’s such an obvious truth, but it’s a reality of the human condition that we sometimes need repeated reminders of simple notions. The power of positive rhetoric. How depressing it would’ve been to have heard some of Obama’s stirring, articulate, graceful 2008 campaign speeches and been failed to be moved. To not comprehend the significance of the man who’d soon become the first African American President. To not appreciate the seeds that would be pl