Barack Obama's 2009 Inaugural Address: Main Idea
Barack Obama's 2009 Inaugural Address: Main Idea
Where We Go From Here
In his 2009 inaugural address, Barack Obama digs into America's problems. And not in your standard "hey dudes, we've got some stuff to deal with" way. He does it with flair.
Also known as rhetoric.
Coming into office and facing a horrible economy—not to mention two wars and bad blood between political parties—he says we need to get back to those classic American values like self-reliance and faith. "Getting back to" is important here because Obama is all about calling on America's history to send a simple message: we got this.
Sort of like a basketball player in the fourth quarter…except the game hasn't even started yet.
So, the main idea? Look to the future by remembering the past.
Questions
- Barack Obama campaigned on a message of unification. Based on his address, do you think he really wanted to bring the political parties together, or just benefit his own party?
- The 2009 inaugural address promises America will get through a difficult time. Do you think Obama places more responsibility on the American people or the federal government?
- At the time, many voters found Obama's rhetoric inspirational. Do you think his speaking style makes his actual message more effective? Or is it just a crutch?
- What values does Obama appeal to throughout the speech?
Chew On This
Barack Obama's 2009 inaugural address looks forward to the future by looking back at American history, creating a historical narrative of progress.
In the inaugural address, Obama pledges a clean break from the previous administration's complicated promises of political unity.
Quotes
Quote #1
Less measurable, but no less profound, is a sapping of confidence across our land; a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, that the next generation must lower its sights. (5.7)
This was kind of an homage to Jimmy Carter's "crisis of confidence" speech from the '70s. Obama's critics compared him to Carter, while his admirers compared him to John F. Kennedy. Do you see it?
Quote #2
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics. (7.2)
Leading up to 2008, American politics had become divided. Democrats hated George W. Bush with a Texas-size passion, and the Bush administration responded with shrugs and calls of "scoreboard."
Quote #3
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. (16.1)
After 9/11, the Bush administration used wiretapping and "enhanced interrogation" to try to fight terrorism. Obama campaigned on promises to end these practices, arguing that they violated American ideals. So, did he follow through? Uh...
Quote #4
We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass. (21.2-3)
Another theme of the Obama years: diversity. No, it's not an old wooden ship. Obama preached unity through diversity, which proved a difficult concept for Ron Burgundy types to grasp. After Obama took office, American politics arguably became more polarized along identity lines (source).
Quote #5
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends—honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism—these things are old. (27.1)
You can't say that Obama didn't have a sense of his place in history. He loved to appeal to traditional values. He also knew now to keep things…general. Like writing a horoscope, if you're vague enough about what America's strengths are, you'll create a message that resonates.