Great article about John Favreau: Obama’s Chief Speechwriter, 27, Works on Inaugural Address While Making His Own Transition, especially this part:

“So,” he [Obama] said. “What’s your theory on speechwriting?”

Awkward silence. Favreau, just graduated from Holy Cross, had talked his way onto Sen. John F. Kerry’s presidential campaign in 2003 and had become a press assistant, arriving at the office at 3 a.m. to clip newspapers. The speech he had given as class valedictorian circulated around the staff, and Favreau eventually got a shot at speechwriting. He wrote well and rose to the top of the department, but there was never any time to formulate theories. Now, Favreau looked at Obama and went with his gut.

“A speech can broaden the circle of people who care about this stuff,” Favreau said. “How do you say to the average person that’s been hurting: ‘I hear you. I’m there. Even though you’ve been so disappointed and cynical about politics in the past, and with good reason, we can move in the right direction. Just give me a chance.’ “

“I think this is going to work,” Obama said.

Worked very well indeed!

Update: Esquire’s brief profile of John Favreau (h/t kottke)