The Waning Influence of Political Speeches in Modern Campaigns

By Ben Rhodes
May 21, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET

When was the last time you heard a speech that inspired hope for the future? In California, speeches have taken a backseat in the gubernatorial campaign. The focus has shifted to scandals, constant advertisements, heated debates, and the pursuit of viral moments rather than heartfelt speeches.

The result is a paradox where you feel informed yet clueless about the candidates. There’s Steve Hilton, a British-born Fox News personality who criticizes big government while promoting California. Tom Steyer, a billionaire investor, champions a progressive agenda. Xavier Becerra, with extensive government experience, is either seen as qualified or unsuitable. Katie Porter is both praised and criticized for her assertiveness. But where do these candidates intend to lead, and what are their reasons?

The last Californian to reach the pinnacle of American politics did so through a speech. In 1964, Ronald Reagan, an out-of-work actor recently let go by General Electric, delivered a nationally televised address titled “A Time for Choosing.” His speech blended conservatism with common sense, religious faith, and patriotic nostalgia. This propelled him to the governor’s office and eventually the White House. Decades later, Barack Obama, then a state senator, achieved similar success with his speech at the Democratic National Convention, uniting liberalism and multiracial solidarity as a formula for change.

Reagan and Obama managed to lead their parties out of political obscurity. Democrats today should remember that their journey from the 2004 setback to the 2008 win involved more than policy proposals. It was storytelling about American identity that paved the way.

The essence of democracy lies in the interaction between movements and power, culture and politics. Reflect on the Reagan revolution or the Obama coalition without the speeches that defined them. Consider the cultural conflicts minus Pat Buchanan’s language of grievance, the civil rights movement without Martin Luther King Jr.’s oratory, or abolitionism without Frederick Douglass’s moral clarity. History demonstrates that American speech influences, mobilizes, and reshapes the nation.

Recently, technology has changed how we consume information. Radio favored straightforward explanation while television highlighted charisma. The internet, however, introduces endless competition for attention. Social media sorts people into polarized groups. Political speech now comes in brief bites meant to motivate or provoke. Storytelling has diminished, supplanted by viral moments and images. With artificial intelligence, humans are no longer essential in sustaining this feedback loop.