Tele-Impromptu

 Of all the criticisms currently laid against politicians, "He uses a teleprompter!" is, I think, the most ridiculous.

Every president since Kennedy has used a teleprompter (or similar early technology) when delivering a speech, especially if it is being televised. Most politicians have used one at least since the 1970s. Before that, they read from paper scripts or notes. Abraham Lincoln didn't deliver the Gettysburg Address "off the cuff"--he read it from the back of the envelope on which he had written it on the way to the event.

The criticism is related, I guess, to the idea that a politician should be able to articulate complicated programs or responses to multi-level questions without the aid of notes and on the spur of the moment. The slightest hesitation in formulating an answer leads to the cry, "He can't speak without a teleprompter!" But even the most skilled of orators cannot do that--nor should they. 

Taking a moment to put your thoughts into coherent sentences should be encouraged. Without that, you get the sort of "word salad" for which President Trump is rightly criticized--because he doesn't give himself the opportunity to think before he speaks. I guess he thinks that makes him look weak or unintelligent. But it doesn't...it makes him look like he has considered the question before he answers it.

One more thing: There's nothing wrong with "Let me get back to you on that," as the response to a question you aren't prepared for--so long as you actually do get back to the questioner with an answer within a reasonable period of time (and, depending on the question, a reasonable period can be as long as 24 hours). And "I don't know" is an equally acceptable answer--again, if you research and find an answer in a reasonable time. No one can know everything--though we often seem to expect our elected officials and prospective elected official to do just that, and without the aid of notes or expert advice.

Think about it: What's something you do everyday in your job? Can you explain it to someone else without taking, say, 10 seconds to put your thoughts in order? Why would you expect a politician to explain, for example, a health-care plan in a few words on a moment's notice?