Vidal Gore — Eighteen Seventy [2336]

Ingersoll has set me afire. It is now a half-hour since Ingersoll stopped speaking, yet the demonstration for Blaine continues. Although I am immune—allergic to political oratory—I have never heard such a performance, nor has anyone else. I cannot recall a line of what he said—only the tone, the fierce exultation. How primitive we are at best. — Vidal Gore, Eighteen Seventy, 2336

Note

The transformation of the speaker’s emotional state illustrates the power of oratory and its ability to ignite passion, showing how one can become captivated despite initial reservations.