> I can't imagine any current politician giving a speech like the one quoted in the article.

You don't have to imagine... if you like, you could listen to them all day. They hire speechwriters who author stirring oration, and not even just during campaign season.

No one bothers to listen. Ignorance? A disdain for becoming informed?

I actually think that it's we all know how hollow their words are. How conditional and revocable their not-really-promises are. How many excuses they have ready when nothing changes.