Don't make the mistake of dismissing Barack Obama's inauguration speech because you think it will be a replay of the past few days of celebration.
Yes, he certainly will nod to the moment, to the history that's brought a few million people to shiver before him this morning. But that history also will give the president-to-be a rapt, nationwide audience, and if we know anything about Barack Obama, it's that he wastes few moments with empty thoughts.
In 1981, Ronald Reagan stood in the West Front of the U.S. Capitol and spoke to a nation suffering from, in his words, "an economic affliction of great proportions." By the second minute of his inaugural address, he got down to business, laying out the conservative principles that would dominate political thought and governance for the next three decades.
Obama, facing economic affliction of even greater proportions, will likely be no less aggressive today.
Already, in his transition, he has been more ambitious with proposals than any president-elect in history - driven surely by the urgency of the moment, but also by his conviction that he can and must change how this country governs itself.
Don't expect his inaugural speech to dabble much in policy differences from the departing administration. Obama swims best in the pool of bigger thoughts, and today he will suggest - and perhaps detail - a grander vision of what kind of government you're getting, and what your role in the transaction will be. The Washington Post reports this morning that advisors are suggesting at least one theme: accountability inside and out of Washington.
It may be change you can be believe in, or change that makes you uncomfortable. It likely will be Reagan-esque only in its sweep.
But shortly after noon, the symbolism of Barack Obama's election gives way to the sternness of his challenge - and the substance of his ideas. Listen for them.
Tell us what you think he'll say - or what you want to hear. We'll be back with anticipation, analysis, and reaction.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Obama's speech - expect something big
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4 comments:
and the real reality is, even if it truly isn't anything special or new, the Media will be here to call it the "Greatest Speach in the history of the world". And repeat it over and over to it becomes accepted as so.
No matter what he says, the drooling media will spin and hail it as something best since the Declaration of Independence.
Will he walk on water before or after his speech?
Huh? Boring. Dull. Weird. Uninspiring. What a joke.
And that idiot racist Lowery putting down whites as usual akin to Rev Wright.
Wasnt a black just inaugurated president?
What is these peoples problems?
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