Negative Speech... or something.

We hear it often these days, but most frequently from our super-intelligent, Harvard educated president:

"I couldn't be..."

I couldn't be more clear. I couldn't be more proud. I couldn't be more pleased. Oh, yeah? Supposing that, right after you said that, Michelle handed you a double cheeseburger, large fries and a 42-ounce Coke! Wouldn't you then be more pleased?

The point being, whatever happened to "I am proud..." "I am pleased to announce..." You might even say "I am most pleased" or "I am very proud". Must it always be "I couldn't be more"?

Being a high-school dropout, I guess I am just stupid. But as a one-time broadcaster I learned to KISS, or to "Keep it simple, stupid"!