In this episode, we discuss the art of presidential speechwriting with Cody Keenan, who served 8 years in the Obama White House. Author of the New York Times bestselling book “Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America," Cody shares his insights on writing an effective speech, the challenges facing the Obama administration in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, and the collaborative relationship with the president on some of his most notable addresses.

We also analyze speeches by then-Senator John F. Kennedy and then-Vice President Richard Nixon delivered during two back-to-back presidential campaign stops in Troy's iconic Monument Square on September 29 and 30, 1960.

Our earlier episode with former Rensselaer County Democratic Committee chairman Tom Wade reflecting on President Obama's visit to Troy is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our official website.

Notes:

• https://codykeenan.com/
• Interview: Former Troy mayor Mark Pattison (Part 1 / Part 2)
• https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/video/President-Obama-Speaks-to-Hudson-Valley-Community-College
• https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2009/09/22/a-day-well-spent
• Times Union: When John F. Kennedy campaigned in the Capital Region

Credits:

Produced, edited, and hosted by John Salka
Theme music by Steven J. Goldman, Four Legs Records

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