Word: mountebanking
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Dates: during 1905-1905
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...current belief, he said, that in the field of American politics public speaking has been wholly supplanted by the newspapers. It is indeed true that at present the press, especially since it is entirely independent. and to a great extent a substitute for the old time orator and political mountebank, does exert a tremendous influence. Yet the public will always listen to a sincere address, no matter how disliked the speaker may be. conviction of opinion secured Bryan a large following, despite the flaws of his political platform; and sincerity obtained for Roosevelt immediate popularity, notwithstanding the bitter opposition...