'Much to learn.' Olmert
Photo: Reuters
Frank Luntz
PM's Congress speech polished by US expert
Communications expert Frank Luntz, head of the highly respected Luntz Research Companies, arrived in Israel before PM’s trip to Washington to polish Olmert's speech before Congress, which was hailed as a success
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was assisted by American expert and political analyst Frank Luntz to polish the speech he gave at the joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives last week, Newsweek reveals.
Dr. Frank Luntz is a communications expert and analyst, a known Jewish republican and head of the Luntz Research Companies. His firm conducts surveys for the Israel Project. Among his famous clients are former New York mayor Rudi Giuliani and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Newsweek magazine reported prior to Olmert's trip to Washington that the prime minister had received consultation from Luntz in Israel.
Luntz advised Olmert not to pronounce the letter “W” when saying the word "sword" in the part of the speech in which he quoted verses from the book of Leviticus.
Olmert's speech was described as a big success after he received 18 standing ovations from senators and House representatives. His speech was also interrupted 23 times by applause.
Olmert, who was very touched by the positive reactions, met later with Jewish leaders at the Blair House, the official gust house of the US President. Olmert said he considered himself a good public speaker, but added that Luntz had proven to him that he ‘still has much to learn.’
