Inventor Of The Teleprompter Dies

The man that invented President Obama's not-so-secret weapon has died.  Herbert J. "Hub" Schlafly Jr.'s invention changed television and public speaking.

Schlafly was a television engineer in the 1950's when he invented the teleprompter to help soap opera actors remember their lines, according to the Washington Post.

President Obama catches as much praise for his oration as he does flak for using a teleprompter.  He isn't the only one who would be dramatically changed by no teleprompters.

It all brings to mind the movies "Broadcast News" and "Soap Dish" and all the great scenes the teleprompter played a role. "Tootsie" had some moments also.

Schlafly died April 20th.

Check out tons of political teleprompter examples from ABC News.