Quote: “Let us argue with each other then. By all means, let us argue.” John McCain at Columbia’s commencement.Figure of Speech: diacope (di-AH-co-pee), the doubler.
George W. Bush may help John McCain become the next president — not because Bush supports the senator, but because a lot of voters who are sick of Bush’s coded speech will find McCain’s old-fashioned eloquence refreshing.
Take the diacope (“divide”), a figure that repeats a word or phrase with a few words in between. McCain uses it to emphasize “let us argue” while building an irresistible rhythm.
Figaro is a great believer in argument (see the exciting update on his book!), and he loves McCain’s eloquent paean for it. We can’t wait to argue against him in the months to come.
Snappy Answer: “First, step down from that podium.”