President Reagan's Speech on the 40th Anniversary of D-Day

President Ronald Reagan's Address commemorating the 40th Anniversary of D-Day at Normandy June 6, 1984 is one of the greatest speeches by one of the greatest orators of the 20th century.  Regardless of one's political views, can anyone deny, as demonstrated in this speech, that Reagan spoke with a warmth, sincerity and humanity virtually absent in our political leaders?  Certainly his oratory dwarfs that of his successors, Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. President Obama has proven to be fine speaker and if you know me or read this blog, you will be surprised to know that I actually think President Obama gives very good nonpolitical speeches (few though they are).  If you doubt it, go watch at his speech at Tuscon after the Gabby Giffords shooting, or his speech at Ft. Hood following the shooting there, or his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2011.   

But after watching the "Great Communicator," even Obama comes off as flat, even hollow.  I'm not trying to slight President Obama.  I just think Reagan was that good. He was so warm and genuine, it was hard not to like him.  If that sounds like partisan kool-aid Reagan worship, go watch his speeches, and recall he carried 44 states when elected, and 49 states upon reelection.  Think we'll ever see that again?  The point here is there are few people on Earth who could deliver a speech equal to the occasion of honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who landed on Normandy June 6, 1944. But Reagan did.