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President Theodore Roosevelt is the likely originator of the expression "bully pulpit."
Thanks to the ever-astute Dr. Bill through you, Father Steve.
In my own "bully pulpit" thread, I conjectured that "bully pulpit" is a "relative" of "Bully for you!".
My conjecture is consistent with the sense in which Theodore Roosevelt used it, according to the source you and Dr. Bill have referred to us:
The original bully of the phrase was different, however. As Theodore Roosevelt used it--he really does seem to have originated the expression--the bully was the adjectival sense meaning 'fine; excellent'. "I suppose my critics will call that preaching," he said in 1909, "but I have got such a bully pulpit!" Roosevelt, in other words, was saying that he had a great position, not that he had a big stick. But the more common 'quarrelsome, browbeating person' sense has affected most people's interpretation of the phrase.
I am tempted to say "Bully for me!", but that would be indiscreet. :)
Entire Thread Subject Posted By Posted The Other Bully Pulpit Father Steve 07/22/05 03:49 AM Re: The Other Bully Pulpit plutarch 07/22/05 06:30 AM Re: The Other Bully Pulpit Jackie 07/22/05 03:24 PM Re: The Other Bully Pulpit Father Steve 07/22/05 07:34 PM Re: The Other Bully Pulpit plutarch 07/22/05 09:52 PM Re: The Other Bully Pulpit Jackie 07/22/05 11:57 PM Re: good golly, miss molly... Buffalo Shrdlu 07/23/05 12:20 AM
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