He is known as the man with the Golden Tonsils.
Republican presidential hopeful Alan Keyes is going to be a fascinating figure to watch and hear as the Iowa caucuses - the first event in the upcoming presidential election - kick off early tomorrow.
Republican favourite George W. Bush may stumble over words, and his Democrat rival Al Gore struggle for credibility as he stretches his parents' poor roots as far as possible in his advertising campaign. But public speaking is no trouble for Mr Keyes, a talk-show host who is also the only black candidate.
A national champion orator in his youth, words flow from the Harvard-educated former diplomat like a warm river.
The fact that he freely suggests he is not interested in actually winning the race - but only exerting an influence - may, ironically, help build his support.
That and his consistently clear message, no matter who the audience is.