• A little coherence and evidence of intellectual activity from the presidential candidates -- is that too much to ask?

David Ignatius, columnist for the Washington Post, noted the following about this week's presidential debate in Nashville:

Is it “presidential” to speak in clear sentences that have a beginning, a middle and an end? If so, we heard a very presidential Barack Obama in tonight’s debate -- a man who was fluid and precise in explaining his policies and in critiquing those of his opponent.

John McCain, in contrast, seemed stiff and uncomfortable, explaining himself in sentence fragments and jokes and gests that didn’t quite register. He looked awkward whether he was standing or sitting, and his speech was that of a man who wants to chide his opponent and assert his own fitness for office -- but can’t explain himself or his policies in clear language that forms complete sentences and paragraphs -- or even complete thoughts.

Or am I being elitist, in arguing that case for coherence?

I, for one, don't think it's elitist. Well, maybe it is. So what's wrong with that. Some of us still value coherence and think it's a sign of intellect.

And speaking of intellect, see also David Brooks' column in the New York Times today.

And, while we're talking English, watch Kitty Burns Florey (Slate) try to diagram Sarah Palin's sentences -- and fail.

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At the request of my publisher, I need to let you know about the publication of my latest book, The Writing Wright.

This is a book of essays, quotations and snippets about writing, the language, journalism and the writing life. The book is illustrated with some of my pen and ink drawings.

You can order this book from Amazon or download it as an e-book from Booklocker.com.

The bound copy from Amazon is $10. The e-book is $9.

You can find out more about the book at JPROF,
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