This passes as eloquence in the US

I have a theory: that it really hurts the use of language and the quality of literature in the US that poetry is not appreciated and not much taught.  The standards of eloquence are so low in the US.  Cliches are widely appreciated.  Look at this sentence by Bill Clinton about Ed Koch:  "“He had a big brain,” Mr. Clinton said, “but he had a bigger heart.”"  Are you for real?  It reminds me of eulogies in Lebanon, especially for politicians: they always use the same cliches, that the dead guy did not die and that he will live in spirit.