Why - The Bully Pulpit?

For those unfamiliar with the term "Bully Pulpit," I'd like to elaborate on its meaning.

The term was coined by President Theodore Roosevelt. He used it to describe how he wanted to employ the President’s office and prestige, to take his case directly to the people.

“Bully,” as used by Roosevelt, means something first-rate, something of excellence. Today, of course, the word is far more likely to mean someone who likes to push weaker folks around.

Ironically, the term “Bully Pulpit” doesn’t describe someone who pushes other people around, but one who uses their position to lead others in a new direction. It is rule by clarity of purpose, force of moral suasion, and the power of ideas. Inherent in the exercise of such leadership is the duty to communicate those ideas. That’s where the “pulpit” comes in.

It’s why I find the term “Bully Pulpit” so clearly linked with the craft of speech writing. It’s much like peanut butter and jelly. You can certainly have one without the other, but they undoubtedly compliment each other.

Thus we have - The Bully Pulpit!

Learn more at Wikipedia.

From The Bully Pulpit - Tom