> never given something on the level of Lincoln's Gettysburg address (in my opinion at least)

I’m arguing he couldn’t have. Until America regains a literary tradition, the complexity and imagery gained with heavy words is lost against the conciseness soundbites demand.

> I'm not really sure why, but compare the grand language used by the early political leaders to, say, Obama, and it's striking.

IMO that's a direct consequence of becoming a real democracy: can't just target those rich enough to get a fancy education.

IIRC, the land ownership requirements had already gone by the time of Lincoln's Gettysburg address, but I expect them to have still been writing with such an audience in mind.

Not just America. But it's partly a cultural thing. If someone would imitate the style of a century ago, he would be mocked for it and considered a self indulgent show off. The best example i can bring is Jacob Reese Mogg, otherwise known as The Rt Hon Gentleman from the 18th century.

One thing that is thankfully unique to America is that rudeness as a debating tactic can win elections.