Someone said that, think it was Teddy Roosevelt.
"Bully" used in the old-fashioned way does not mean what it means today, i.e., horrible (and probably incompetent) person badgering, berating, threatening you.
Back then it meant, sort of, terrific, strong, effective.
So when he said "bully" he meant "excellent" (or/and terrific, strong, effective...)
The presidency, he was saying, was a great opportunity to make points, put ideas in people's minds, and SET A POSITIVE EXAMPLE.
The Bully Pulpit.
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At Easter last spring, the spectacle of President Obama reading aloud to a group of children on the White House lawn was a good case in point. Setting the example of reading to your children would be great if it was the mother; in this case, the father reading to the children....Wow. Can't put a price on that.
(The book he was reading was "Where The Wild Things Are" -- ['have you ever had a wild rumpus?']...!)
It might still be up on YouTube -- it was great.
Jackie Kennedy.
Not, of course, President, but as First Lady she set a terrific example, with her historical restoration of the White House and her prioritization of cultural experiences: artists, musicians, writers / poets, etc. were invited to the White House, 1961-63.
Pres. Reagan.
He set an example of optimism, and tempered his strength in conviction and leadership with a lightness of spirit -- sense of humor, appreciation of life experience, and people, which I thought complemented and enhanced the classic American brand of Optimism which he seemed to not only promote, but more importantly, reflect.
Can a guy who acted in a movie with a gentle chimpanzee as a co-star be President of the U.S.?
Yes, he can.
Weekend.
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