One could argue that former President George W. Bush’s use of the English language was at times cartoonish, even Geraldo-esque, with such comments as “evil-doers” and “the axis of evil.” He was roundly criticized on a daily basis for what many considered overly-simple thoughts. Simple, as it pertained to Bush, was a negative. Clear, definitive statements were frowned upon by the New York Times and repeated by much of the media.

President Obama on the other hand, has exactly the opposite approach; he is universally praised as being an exceptional orator, able to turn a phrase that melts audiences with emotion and intellect. But can you recall any famous Obama phrases? Do your prefer directness, such as Bush’s “root out terrorists,” or Obama’s decidedly vague, overly-vanilla “overseas contingency operations”?

Bold and unequivocal statements with simple, crisp messages are seldom uttered by Obama. Instead, heavily poll-tested phrases are strategically placed together much like a snappy jingle for a television commercial where you find yourself humming along but cannot recall the message. Was it Coke or Pepsi? Hope or change? Phrases like “economic equality” and “economic justice” contain familiar, even comforting words, but their meaning is loath to the audience even as they nod in lemming-like agreement to what “sounds” correct.

In the anomaly that was this past presidential election, word spread quickly of Obama’s speeches and rallies. People fainted as he spoke of hope and change. But what else did he really say? Was it what he said that moved crowds, or what people thought he said?

During the campaign Obama was able to get away with flowery rhetoric, hyperbole and cleverly-worded phrases. He was a fresh face, a blank canvas, and each listener was able to paint their hope for change upon the words of this new candidate.

Having won election, his words are more closely scrutinized. No longer able to use a lack of a resume, remarkably, as an asset, Obama can now be studied. When he says he does not want to own a car company even as his administration absorbs Chrysler, the words seem familiar, the cadence reminiscent of the campaign. But his actions belie his words.

When Obama says he has no interest in running a bank, even as his administration takes over financial institutions, we see words at odds with deeds. When Obama speaks of his health care reform bill and what it does and does not contain, one does not so easily get distracted, realizing instead that there is no Obama bill, only variations being written by others.

Promises, however colorful, speeches, however well-delivered, must ultimately be less effective when people can see, finally, actions that do not in any way subscribe to promises made.

Shortly before the election, Obama spoke yet again to a large, enthusiastic crowd thirsty for change. He made a remarkably clear, decisive statement that now, upon reflection, one wonders how it was so well received.

“We are just five days away from fundamentally transforming the United States of America.”