CANDOR ALSO IS APPARENTLY ONLY SKIN DEEP

In a recent slate.com story at:

http://www.slate.com/id/2132705/

the slate writer talks about how Bush is trying to appear more candid in his latest speeches and interviews. The article takes pains to point out that Bush's off-the-record comments and views still do not match his public rhetoric. But, using different camera angles, talking points, etc., Bush is at least trying to present himself as more open and forthright. Hoping, I assume, to save the final shred of his credibility from destruction.

There is only one problem with this strategy that I can see. Isn't the phrase "appearance of candor" an oxymoron? I mean, the word candor means "appearing as you really are", so there is no such thing as the appearance of candor. Either one is candid or one is not. In fact, 'trying' to give the appearance of candor automatically disqualifies you from being candid. So all Bush is doing in trying to present the appearance of candor is being less candid than when he was just a liar. After all, if everyone knows he is a liar, then he is candidly a liar. But now he is trying to be a liar who doesn't look like a liar, which is the least candid state possible.

OGW