There were two things, they told Doremus, that distinguished this prairie Demosthenes. He was an actor of genius. There was no more overwhelming actor on the stage, in the motion pictures, nor even in the pulpit. He would whirl arms, bang tables, glare from mad eyes, vomit Biblical wrath from a gaping mouth; but he would also coo like a nursing mother, beseech like an aching lover, and in between tricks would coldly and almost contemptuously jab his crowds with figures and facts - figures and facts that were inescapable even when, as often happened, they were entirely incorrect.
Doremus learned that the prairie Demosthenes was distinguished by two main qualities: his extraordinary talent as a performer and his manipulative rhetoric. This individual was not just another speaker; he captivated audiences with his dramatic flair, whether on stage, in films, or during sermons. His ability to express a wide range of emotions—from fierce anger to tender persuasion—made him a compelling figure.
Despite his emotional performances, he frequently used misleading statistics to influence his audience. His speeches combined grand gestures and emotional pleas with stark figures that often lacked accuracy, yet the impact of his words was undeniable. This effectiveness in rhetoric captivated his listeners, showcasing the potency of artful persuasion, regardless of the truth behind the claims.