Obama Inauguration speech – Wasn’t his best speech ever
Ok, I’ll admit that to me, this was not Obama’s best speech to date. However, to say that it was not a good speech would be incorrect. Many persons have come to the fore front, labeling Obama’s inauguration speech as lacking any depth, and as being rather dull and prosaic. Many are upset that he did not speak in depth about the importance of him being the first black president of the United States. However, stating that “a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.” seems sufficient enough in demonstrating how far America has come as it relates to race relations. He is not just the president of black America but the entire USA. So for him to focus on his race and what it means that he was elected for any length of time would have been inappropriate.
Furthermore, he spoke about America’s success being depended on the slaves, immigrant workers and all the men and women how toil and shed blood to make the nation what it is today. Wasn’t that enough?
And lets be honest here, if McCain had made that very same speech (except for the part about his father) people would have been impressed. Yes, Obama has had better speeches but I believe this one was simply intended to inspire and inform. And we as Trinidadian’s could never expect a speech of such eloquence and intelligence from anyone in our political arena.
President Obama acknowledged that “the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.” I think it was enough to mention in his speech that he recognizes the challenges the country is facing, such as, the nation being at war and a badly weakened economy. He assured the people that he was aware of the issue that they face, and that he was ready to face the crisis with them. He attempted to motivate the people to work together as one, as they seek to tackle the challenges ahead of them.
Maybe what Americans were hoping for that was not clearly outlined in the speech was the “how”. How was he going to accomplish all these things he hoped to accomplish (like better health care and schooling systems)?
In his speech Obama tried to inspire his people by reminding them that they were a young nation, yet look how much they had accomplish, therefore, the big plans that he and his administration has now are very attainable because of what the American people are capable of. Or at least I think that’s what he was trying to do. I think that was quite an intelligent approach to take because one can not face the further with out first knowing our past.
Lastly, in his speech he establish him self as a global leader. He wants it to be “know[n] that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.” He spoke to the Muslim world, to world leader who seek to sow conflict, to poor nations, and to nations that enjoy plenty. His speech truly reflected that of a global leader.
To sum it all up the speech was not very in-depth, but well executed non-the-less. I think we are already witnessing the consequences of America’s too high expectations for their new president.
Photo: jmtimages
Tags: Barrack Obama15 Responses for “Obama Inauguration speech – Wasn’t his best speech ever”
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history has been made
i think the speech invoked Martin Luther King Jr.
I do agree
The speech gave me goose bump, those Americans who criticize seem to be suffering from buyers remorse, poor things!
i agree, expectations are too high. he is bound to disappoint.
i just think becuz it was too cold he didn’t want to give too much of a lengthy speech
His speech was really vague, he didn’t promise anything specific.
Why is everyone focused on the fact that the President elect is black. Did he not just bury his white Grandmother.I believe his mother was white also. So he was right in not focusing on his race in his speech, it was not necessary.
you’re right, why do they not focus on the man instead of the color of his skin or his origin.He is much white as he is black.
I believe Obama’s speech inspired unity among Americans
Obama’s speech was really good. He is really a man of class.
“change is coming to america…” and to tnt as well because what affects them affect us.
To al those republicans, am guessing its republicans, who criticizing Obama’s speech, stop being sore losers. All yuh tolerated Bush for 8 years and he was voted into office because of his father because he certainly was not competent.
he really did establish himself as a global leader
Ok people, lets wait and see… we had to many disappointed people promise this and that, what is the difference between Obama and the rest of them…. and please don’t say he’s black. Let us really see if he will make a difference in this corrupted world… I’m grateful that he got a chance to help this nation… But let us not count the eggs before it hatched.