Commentary on Obama's Inaugural Address

Intention
An inaugural speech is intended to introduce the incoming president to those who voted for him, to the rest of the country, and to lay out his attitudes to and plans for the next few years.
He should try to be all things to all men, bring everyone on board, be firm and fair in leadership and convey all this in noble rhetorical language and within a forward looking yet historical context.
How far does Obama's speech meet these aims?

The speech

The positive side is conveyed in "skill" and "vision", "faithful to ideals", "the greatness of our nation."
His use of pronouns is significant and carefully chosen. He uses the first person singular twice in the first two sentences - and thereafter only once - "I say to you". He uses the second person to apply almost exclusively to enemies and to other nations. His personal approach is inclusive to Americans so he uses "we" and "us" extensively to suggest we have a common heritage and are working together.

The rhetoric of the metaphors "rising tides of prosperity", "still waters of peace', "gathering clouds and raging storms" are obvious descriptions of the current economic climate and precede the concluding quotation from George Washington "brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come." This grand language raises the significance of the speech and the quotation from Thomas Paine (along with his references elsewhere to Abraham Lincoln and here to Concord and Gettysburg) evokes the proud history of the nation.

References to God and biblical language (slaughtering innocents) and use of formal language ("nation", "liberty", "the road that unfolds before us") enhance the message, while the mixed metaphor of the "dark chapter" of the "bitter swill of civil war and segregation" powerfully expresses the worst side of America's history.

Throughout the speech, which is more serious and less emotionally popularist than his famous "yes we can" acceptance, the nation's problems of war, terrorism, climate change and the economy are alluded to obliquely (this crisis, "lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the spectre of a warming planet", those "who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West" ) and linked to the USA's strength and willingness to overcome adversity. Freedom is a "long rugged path," the "fallen heroes who lie in Arlington" military cemetery are evoked and "we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." This is a combination of strength without aggression.The criticism of violent ways: "Your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy" is precisely and powerfully expressed.

He emphasises the notion of responsibility - by politicians and by citizens, by the doers and the makers; those who toiled, endured, fought and died; and those who will build, restore, harness and transform. "For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies."

His final extract directly from Thomas Paine (The Crisis 1776) draws parallels between the brave struggles of America as a nation (fighting the British for Independence) and the present day when the US is simultaneously fighting two wars and a massive economic crisis. Evoking the triumphs and bravery of American forebears and heroes strengthens his case to remember the past and carry on to the future.

Overall this was a very good speech rather than a great or memorable one. And the reason lies in its strength - its expression of intent, laying out of plans, signalling of changes in attitude from the days of George Bush, rather than squeezing out heart tugging emotions through empty rhetoric.

There are memorable phrases -

• "We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist"
• "Your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy" and
• "As for our common defence, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals."

It is well crafted (his speech writer is 27 year old Jon Favreau) and noble (Obama has a relaxed yet commanding voice and demeanour), with less empty rhetoric than JFK's. And the changes it heralds will, we hope, last long.

What do you think?

Other memorable inaugural speeches