( CNN ) -- Let us not doubt , even in the age of deep cynicism , the power of words can still stir the spirit . And let us acknowledge , whatever our politics , that President Barack Obama has redefined oratory for our times , and perhaps more , revived it . Not all of his speeches are memorable . His talk on the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington fell short . Not all of his remarks inspire thoughtful reflection , initiate critical debate or compel us to move forward . In some ways , his Second Inaugural speech was a missed opportunity . But when he is focused , when the moment and its meaning coalesce , no president since John F. Kennedy matches Obama 's ability to transform ideas into phrases , and phrases into the passion to be a force for progress . I give President Ronald Reagan and President Bill Clinton their due . Magnificent speakers and eloquent in their convictions , both in their time elevated the stature of presidential speeches . Obama , though , as he proved in his eulogy for Nelson Mandela , can be in a league of his own . Let me first deal with -- or rather dismiss -- the gossipy flutter over Obama 's handshake with Raul Castro , president of Cuba and Fidel Castro 's brother . As CNN reported , it happened in the context of Obama 's shaking hands with dozens of world leaders . Respect for Mandela and his family required Obama to be polite . As CNN Foreign Affairs Correspondent Jill Dougherty wrote , `` refusing to shake Castro 's hand would not have been in keeping with Mandela 's legacy of reconciliation . '' There are times when all of us can be critical of President Obama . After all , he 's not infallible . His speech at Mandela 's memorial was beyond my expectations . I watched as more than 100 world leaders walked into the stadium where South Africans had gathered to celebrate Mandela 's life . They took their seats to applause . Latin American , Asian , Arab , European and African leaders sat together , so they could talk amongst themselves , I guess . It was an interesting juxtaposition since they were there to honor a man who brought people of different colors and backgrounds together . But when Obama spoke , I became lifted from the drizzle and dim light . Obama 's words made me proud as an American and as a person ; they resurrected Mandela 's spirit . It is because of Mandela 's soul , his spirit , that so many gathered . It has not vanished . Mandela 's spirit was present within each person who was there . It was reflected in the hope that was palpable even across the miles and through a television screen . Mandela , a man of persistence , forgiveness , decency , struggle and strength , has left an overwhelming legacy as reflected in the faces of those in attendance , from the pauper to the world leader . We all know there is nothing easier to overdo than a eulogy . It is so tempting , in the graciousness of not speaking to human errors because they are gone , to lay it on so thick that the deceased , if he could , would look around and say , `` Who is he talking about ? '' Obama avoided that trap . It was because Mandela showed us his human traits in all their mix that we came to love the man , he said . He also showed us that a human being , though weighted by faults , can rise to the greatest heights of the human spirit . As Obama reminded us , `` There is a word in South Africa -- ubuntu -- that describes [ Mandela 's ] greatest gift : his recognition that we are all bound together in ways that can be invisible to the eye ; that there is a oneness to humanity ; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others , and caring for those around us . '' Obama also hit the hypocrisy in all of us , but especially in world leaders ( including himself , he said ) who would praise Mandela but then not walk the walk that Mandela walked . Twenty-seven years in prison would have killed many a person 's hopes . At some point , most would have thought , `` I 'll never get out , my dreams are gone . '' While social media was gossiping about Obama shaking hands with Castro , Obama chastised leaders who would praise Mandela 's racial reconciliation yet oppose the most modest reforms to end economic injustice and inequality . And speaking to the heads of authoritarian governments present , Obama said there were too many leaders who `` claim solidarity with freedom , '' but do not `` tolerate dissent from their own people . '' Obama spoke of Mandela 's uniqueness as the last great liberator of the 20th century . Mandela 's special qualities should inspire us to make our own imprint for the continuing struggle of equality , reconciliation and freedom . `` While I will always fall short of Madiba 's example , he makes me want to be a better man . He speaks to what is best inside us , '' Obama said . That he does . Thank you , Mr. President , for words and a spirit befitting the occasion . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Donna Brazile .
Donna Brazile : In his remarks at Mandela 's memorial , Obama was `` in a league of his own '' `` The power of words can still stir the spirit , '' Brazile says . Brazile notes not all of the President 's speeches are memorable .