Barack Obama's 2009 Inaugural Address: Perseverance Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph.Sentence)

Quote #4

All this we can do. All this we will do. (12.8-9)

One of Obama's campaign catchphrases was "yes we can," which is pretty similar to this quote. What's that? Can we pass you the Cheetos? Yes, we can—and we will. It doesn't get more inspirational (or cliché) than that.

Quote #5

With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. (32.2)

Endurance, bravery in icy currents…sounds like a survival show. Do you remember the time Obama hung out with Bear Grylls? The metaphor creates a compelling narrative about the crisis, one that Americans could get excited about.