The Language and Legacy of Presidential Speechwriting

Jon Favreau, President Barack Obama's former Director of Speechwriting, gave an inside account of the craft of campaign and presidential speechwriting. Moderated by Harvard Kennedy School professor and CNN correspondent, David Gergen, the Forum provided a detailed account of the conception and ideas behind many of Obama's pivotal speeches and a deeper perspective into the President's personality.

[@kristinajensen1545]

The Apprentice became the Magician. Favreau's mastery of words sets the touchstone for excellence. "Learning the voice" is highly under-rated and Favreau nails it. Interesting view. Thanks.

[@San47di]

I've really appreciated his "honest" summation of President Obama as a person. Many of the things he said about him is what I've assumed or suspected. It is nice to have my personal opinions confirmed. :-)

[@hydrazine19]

My goodness. I’ve heard Favreau speak elsewhere, and he’s good, but Gergen asked some very good questions to give perspective. Wonderful chat!

[@opinionatedFan]

That was freaking awesome!!! I'm looking forward to when he writes a book and/or screenplay about his time working with Obama. They will be studying this guy a hundred years from now.

[@graceellenhanna100]

I figure you’ve kept up with him in recent years?

[@TonyMureithi]

Jon Favreau...all time best speech writer! Mind reader!

[@onelovecandy]

Brilliant. Thanks for uploading.

[@OcapeOcape-rp3hn]

Thank you God bless

[@proudunapologeticliberal2026]

Thanks for uploading 👍👍

[@fratdawgg23]

Very interesting. Thx for posting! Cheers

[@jeanniefrank9133]

Please write a book about your life. You r really Hot and intelligent.

[@jbyanx]

Great Interview 👍

[@TDC_TheDocumentaryChannel]

This was wonderful, but the volume levels are way too low when Favreau and Gergen are talking, but then it gets really loud during the Obama speeches.

[@Lilichic_Wambui]

amazing.very handsome to

[@AWWx2]

Well worth viewing all the way through. I don't think we have heard the last of good writing from John.

[@nazgetnet]

Just Brilliant! I wonder what Trump's speechwriter interview would look like.

[@virginiamiller4890]

look how young Jon F. is. So cute!!!

[@kmjvt11]

Donald Trump. Where is your girth certificate.

[@shaunh1986]

FIT!!

[@martinwirts9077]

David Gergen..., also a "Bohemian Grove" attendee...Nice!? ;-)

[@sophiecarney8922]

he's fine as hellllllll 😂

[@RachelLynneJones]

I came here looking for this comment-- I wholeheartedly agree, wow.

[@ingakarlsson3137]

Your dream come true

[@wullebulle123]

because he's the speechwriter

[@CaliforniaGirl-qk5kq]

So it was not Obama, but his speech writers that excited the crowds?

[@johnnieltucker9364]

Obama was a speech writer also.Everybody need help in every walk of life.

[@apope06]

Jon was a great speechwriter for the 2008 campaign, but sadly-Obama's speeches as President haven't been very memorable. I suppose the only one was the Tuscon Arizona funeral speech. Kennedy's Sorenson set a very high bar.

[@KnowTrentTimoy]

apope06 Fortunately that is one opinion that merits very little recognition or acknowledgement.

[@wambuinjuguna2667]

This is incredible. Jon really bring out the world of a speechwriter and the beauty in the reward

[@ephraimmaruma5452]

@apope06 do you still believe that? Or you were never a fan!

[@ingakarlsson3137]

Johan you make fun of yourself thank you God

[@ingakarlsson3137]

Google good luck for your book Gohan

[@jaguarlycanthropy8366]

What do you mean like how Hitler's speech writer should have been President instead of Hitler? #LetsPlayLogic

[@ingakarlsson3137]

Pray my son maybe God forgives you

[@jeanniefrank9133]

John you are not only handsome but intelligent.

[@teddylabis6969]

Trump is the best president ever.

[@hrh4961]

And I'm the queen of Romania on alternate weekends.

[@Belinda204]

trump is not even a bad president. He horrible.

[@teddylabis6969]

@@Belinda204 NO, U

[@bubbyu77]

Actually once Trump is ejected from the White House people will see that he is a horrible person. Something is seriously wrong with all of the Trumps.

[@teddylabis6969]

@@bubbyu77 no, u