Defining a “literary president”
It has been widely proclaimed that we now have a literary president. Is it because President Obama has written books, and he reads a lot(he is considered well read)? According to this article from the Chicago Tribune website, it appears there are several reasons for President Obama being more literary than others:
It is also true that writers themselves dig Obama. Many scribes elbowed one another out of the way to praise him, even before his election; the fealty came from the likes of Toni Morrison, Jonathan Safran Foer, Rick Moody and Jane Smiley. They regard him as one of their own, as a man who knows his way around a metaphor.
Of course, being a literary president begs the question: What does it mean?
Does being "literary" make you a good leader or, ultimately, a good human being? Some of our most popular fictional creations would argue otherwise. Novels, plays and films are aswarm with characters who are refined, erudite, well-bred and well-read—and nasty pieces of business. Doctors Faustus and Frankenstein come to mind, as does Thomas Harris’ exquisitely creepy creation, the elegant Hannibal Lecter. Trust me: Lecter has read more than Obama and Bush combined. And I don’t think we
want him anywhere near the Oval Office.
I don’t think we should read too much into the "literary president" title that has been bestowed on President Obama. I’m happy that he is so well read, can write a novel or two, and can speak with such eloquence and grace. Maybe I’ll revisit this issue 4 years from now and see if any connections can be made.
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