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Judging “The Speech” — what did you think?
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Barack Obama became the first black president of the United States on Tuesday. In his much-anticipated inaugural speech, he said the “economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.”
But the new president also said the United States remained “the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth,” and that “we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”
What did you think of the speech? Did it meet the hype? Were you moved, or dismayed?
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Same old thing diffrent day!! Blah blah blah!!
Thoughts become things. If Borak Obama is truly thinking and feeling what he spoke of, I feel we will prosper, Emotionally, Financially and in unison. The sort of old school statment I used to hear playing sports really does apply here to this moment in time of “Dust your self off” we need to all conciously and sub- conciously dust our selves off and begin to get back in the game. America needs to be it’s own quarterback calling it’s own plays once again!
I am a moderate independent and I thought the speech struck exactly the right tone. Bush should have urged the same actions after 9/11. Instead he told the nation to go out and shop.
Individual responsibility, open and accountable leadership, moral integrity, and cooperation. What could possibly be wrong about that?
I think the speech was warm and confortalbe at the same time he was telling us to work together because this is our country and together we can make everything work.It is not one person job it is all of our job to work with each other.
we can do it yes we can. The time has come for everyone to pull together and work hard.This is all of our dreams to over come as one to work as one and to be as one we are American.Our new President has open the eyes of the world and we will pick up and dust off and begin our new making of the United States. I am moved .I cried and I cheered on because we are starting a new era WE WILL ALL RISE TOGETHER. Thank You
Very riviting and captivating, Barak held my attention with every word that he uttered
Disappointing, an opportunity to unveil positive progressive future but relied on threats and worn out campaign rhetoric!
Perfect! Just perfect! He has inspired me to do everythng in my power to help him make it work! If we all jump behind, it will happen!
Not memorable at all.
It was unnecessarily negative in tone and did not accentuate the positive. Typical of a crisis monger which is precisely why Carter didn’t last longer than one term either.
As for working together, if that is so important to everyone, then they have had their chances since 9/11. It isn’t as though working together is a new idea. The Bush haters talk of peace, love and working together. Well, where were you for the last eight years?
The biggest mistake Bush made during his administration is he never “asked” the country to sacrifice after 9/11. We all went about our lives like there was, and is, no terrorist threat. The threat is, the terrorists want to kill us and they don’t care who it is.
Anyway, not a great speech and no memorable lines.
I truly believe that President Obama was sincere in his every word. As Americans we need to step away from the “I” mentality and the finger pointing and embrace the WE!!!! The constitution starts off with “We the People” and the sooner we get back to that and stop finger pointing & being so selfish, we as a nation can and will be back on top and prosper. Many of the blogs posted here speak about the “same old-same old”, but we had the same old same old for the past 8 years and look where it landed us. Back in debt…further than we’ve ever been. It is truly time for a change and America made that first step by electing it’s FIRST African American President. Don’t let it stop at that. Let’s get America back to what this country is truly all about anyway…UNITY!!!!!
I really like him, I am sure that his words were
meaningful, I liked that he said we should get jobs
and make something of ourselves. I hope that he means
it and those of us that feel left out join in and
get moving.
I thought the message that he sent to the other leaders of the world was very strong: you will be remembered for what you build, not what you destroy. His message about our spirit being stronger, and outlasting the terrorists was also very positive. I agree with the comment above about “shopping” vs “acting”.
The speech was awesome; had great flow and some pieces of it moved me…. most of all it was refreshing. It felt like Spring in the cold Winter month. I felt that there is hope and we WILL done with the bad days quickly.
Just more of the same from an empty Harvard suit.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz…
Best speech of his career. A genuine appeal for all of us to pull together to get out of this mess and a warning to others not to get in the way while we do. i didn’t vote for him and never have voted for a Democrat, but for now, he is all we have got and we should support him as a buffer against extreme progressive elements in Congress. He deserves a chance.
He should of held his hand up to stop the crowd from booing Bush. That display of disrespect ruin the whole thing for me. Change and Hope turned to same ol same ol??
I think everyone watching was embrassed for our country
I thought it was the perfect tone. He wasn’t trying to be negative but only reminding Americans the work ahead. Yes, it’s a celebration but after all of this, the real work begins. He’s asking us to work together now more than ever. I don’t think we was trying to make that historical line like the presidents before him. It needed to be uplifting and encouraging but also introducing himself to the world and saying the type of president he will be.
And for TC, 9/11 and our current economic crisis are like apples and oranges. President Obama wants us to work together during the hard economic crisis–just like what he said in his speech: “It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours.” THAT’s one of the ways he wants us to work together.
How did you want us to work together after 9/11? The only thing we could do was to comfort each other after the attacks. It was up to our then President to figure out how to get the suspects. For a few months he was on the right path in Afghanistan but then deciding to go to Iraq was (on of) the biggest failure of his administration.
Bush didn’t “ask” us to work together–you’re right. But his administration never cared to “ask” because they had the trust-us-we-know-what-we’re-doing-cause- we’re-right attitude. Bush sold the war to the American people by claiming there were W.M.D.s in Iraq even after reports confirmed there were none and even his claims that Saddam was helping bin Laden were proven false. And you’re asking where we were the last 8 years? The last 8 years we’ve been complaining to his administration not only about the war, but the economy, health care, No Child Left Behind Act, Guantanamo, Katrina–basically we were asking him to focus on his people for once but only to be turned away. IF he cared, IF he did his job, you think we’d be where we are now? and NO Bush did not inherit the recession, reports already confirmed we began the recession by the end of 2007. That’s what we were doing, TC.
My favorite part was when he said we would protect our country, without compromising our ideals, then the cameras went right to GW Bush. A clear reference to the crimes committed under the name of security.
If intention can create action then there is hope. I was particularly optimistic when he acknowledged our unsustainable consumption of natural resources – which might lead to the eventual deindustrialization of our civilizations – even after a healing of the economies of the world. I believe he is a different breed of politician than those who have come before him – and I think he will succeed if he has the support of the people behind him. He has mine.
I missed the speech live, and read it before hearing it. I was very impressed when I read it. I was disappointed when I heard it. For most of it, the speech didn’t come across as if they were his words, rather, it felt like he was just miming someone else half heartedly. I then realized that if you took it out of this year’s context and had Ronald Reagan deliver the exact same speech on any occasion, he’d have pulled it off and convinced you it was straight from his heart. Obama is a far better speaker than Bush, but I miss the Great Communicator, which Obama will never be. He can’t speak well without a teleprompter and doesn’t do that much better with one in my opinion. I did like the line to the Muslim leaders that their own people will judge them more by what they can build than by what they can destroy though.
First, the speech was disappointing, sounded like a campaign speech, not a historic one with memorable phrases. Instead of sketching out a broad vision of values and principles that all people could rally behind and use to guide their actions, he was talking about jobs, autos, statistics….Second, it struck me as ironic and immoral that he should ask all Americans to unite and rally behind him while, for the past two years, he did everything he could to get the people to oppose the then President in every policy…. Third, for the focus on the new era of responsibility, he will be starting his term with a $2 trillion check for new debt to spend on every cause under the sun, $150 m on the inauguration, a tax cheat for Treasury Secretary….looks like the market responded responsibly today…
I did not hear the speach. We have heard it all the last 6 months. Nothing is going to change except the following.
We will pay more taxes.
Many will lose their jobs.
If I am asked to take a pay-cut. Why should I. I didnt cause this problem nor did anyone else in this post. I have already taken a pay-cut in what is most assuredly going to be a tax hike.
As for the banks 3 months ago we had the opportunity to send a clear message. You play with with fire you are gonna get burned. We let one of them go Lehman Brothers they must have had some enemies in the Treasury department. But Congress felt otherwise and appropriated (stole) $700 billion dollars from you and I even after the consensus was no bailout the politicians flipped us the bird. Are we really any better off now. . .no. Looks like our helping hand is being bitten off by the banks and the greed of Wall St. I am glad I am out of it. I probably wont go back in for a year or 2 maybe longer.
Gengis
Same old crud from obamo. What he says and what he does have always been different. Ya’ll watch your rights dwindle down to nutin’!
obama has a positive mind and i think if we could all follow his example, it can be a better world – enough negativity!!
Fabulous speech. Wonderful President. It can only get better from here! Hooray!
President Barack Obama may well become known as much as a “Great Communicator” as was Republican Ronald Reagan. His speech was sober, yet encouraging, tempered and reasoned, yet below he surface was the passion of a preacher. While there might not be a single line that will echo in the future as was in JFK’s “Ask not…,” the man we’ve elected will make this whole speech significant in the future. Harry Chapin noted that “sometimes words can serve me well, sometimes words can go to hell, for all that they do.” The words are the easy part, now the real work begins.
The speech was terrible in my opinion. Everyone knows what problems we face, but no new solutions were offered. I found the tone objectionable as he varied between pontificating and appeasing. I would have appreciated less grandstanding and more solutions. I’m sure he will pat himself on the back, but I think this will be a historic occasion for all the wrong reasons; especially 2 years down the line when this country is in the worst depression ever, and I’m unemployed subsisting on fried dough and wild squirrels.
Very disappointing. He should have let his speech writer do his job. Mostly I am still concerned about Obama’s lack of certification of eligibility for the office. Why, if he has the proper documentation, does he not present it to the American people and put an end to the court cases, the arguements and the second guessing.
being European Mr. Obama did not strike the cord with me as he will have done with many Americans. I however was moved by his words. I made an attempt to try and see if I felt hollow sentences were used or bad rhetorics but he made a beautiful speech. The man does not shy away from the negatives the country is facing and which he will have to deal with (how can he TC, surely an “all is hunkydory” message would not have made him appear very credible, would it?) but tried to combine it all with determination.
If Mr. Obama lives up to his words then we will have a truly remarkable president to add to the history books.
If Obama’s speech is a measure of the man the world thank goodness is in safe hands
At our school we took time out to watch the inauguration and it was great. We had a mixture of people in ages ranging from 18 to 60 and the consensus was that Obama’s speech was great, straight to the point of what needs to be done and how we as a nation can get everything done if we work together. I look forward to the next 4 years and having this great President serve our country!
Fascinating altruistic propaganda, check back in 100 days! I especially liked the “pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again” song lyrics. Well delivered, but truthful, who knows? I just want the government to leave me alone to enjoy the freedoms guaranteed in the constitution and bill of rights. When the senate has unemployment, pay cuts, lay offs and reduced or eliminated medical and pension benefits, I’ll start listening again. Good show!
From a foreigner’s perspective his speech does promise a return to the idealism of America’s founding fathers. Hope it works out that way.
Very pretty words – but the substance remains to be seen. I can give the benifit of the doubt. I do agree with one writer that said that there should have been more respect for Bush. Hate or love, good or bad – he was still the leader of this country and deserves respect. I think the part that I was really insulted by was the preacher who decided to add a little poem at the end of the prayer. Very disrespectful. At what point do we stop concentrating on the past sins and start concentrating on going forward and teaching that color, any color, should not ever be a factor in any situation.
Beautiful words. Words that have been stated by the last 30 presidents. snore. Now let’s see action. So far he said:
1. I will cut programs (not what he advertised during his campaign)
2. Help companies in trouble like GM (After stating he would not assist companies that outsource jobs – they outsource)
3. Told the African Americans present to nurture your own children – something they should have been doing all along.
Yah yah yah yah yah – back to sleep
BRING BACK BUSH!!!!!!!! BUSH WAS THE GREATEST PRESIDENT EVER! The 60% that didn’t approve of him were all idiots anyway
I am a South African currently visiting the USA on business. You should consider yourself blessed to have Barack Obama as your President. This speech should be read in every classroom in every school every day. If there could be a President of the World I cannot think of a better man to be that than Mr Obama. He should be given not only a chance to succeed but everybody’s positive assistance to do so.
I thought it was very impressive. He gave hope and asked for our efforts. He did not promise a quick fix.
He tied us back to the rest of the world. I am proud to be in a country that can embrace such a quality leader.
Hi was absolutely incredible. After philadelphia speech it was going to be hard to top ut he is the real deal .That is why he consistently reasonates with the majority of the
American people and calls out to the best on each of us. He does not let us off the hook but is prepared to lead!!!We love him!!!
The speech was moving while also being realistic. We have a tough journey ahead of us, but I believe we have the right man at the helm.
Obama’s call for “a new era of responsibility” is the call I’ve been waiting for the last eight years; for a nation that surely needs leadership from the darkness of the Bush administration.
I am surprised by the number of negative comments. I’m also surprised at how similar they sound, how similar the sentence structure, the words used, the cadence. It also saddens me to read them.
Obama gave a remarkable speech and I’m proud to be an American today. He’s the best man for the job. And a great orator.
I was playing tidlywinks and couldn’t care less.
It’s just another stupid TV show.
So many memorable phrases! This was a great speech, one that will be quoted and remembered for years to come.
I am proud today, for the first time in years, to be a U.S. citizen. I am completely confident this remarkable man will be able to solve the situation in Iraq responsibly, to forge peace in Afghanistan, to solve our common problems, and to restore our country to the leadership position that it once held.
We are so very lucky to have a man of such intelligence, conviction and background serving as our President. One who doesn’t try to sugar-coat the reality of the situation, one that can bring us together to solve these problems.
I was impressed with how Obama has acknowledged the problems which will need to be faced but in regards to the part where he referred to the ‘Muslim world’, while I agree with the sentiment, I think Obama should have made a more open approach by not just referring to the ‘Muslim world’ but to the world outside the US in general.
In todays world, conflict has been brought about by more than just a Muslim/West ideological divide – we only need to look to the conflicts over mineral resources and political power on the African continent and the various conflicts involving Russia/Georgia and China/Tibet to illustrate this. If Obama were to recognise that dealing with the complex troubles that exist between Western and Muslim elements is only one part of America’s intention of being a true global citizen with a view of having all nations work together, it would provide a platform that would see the US as wanting to work with the world and have the world work with them – a handy sentiment to develop if we are to tackle the global issues that will affect us all in the future.
I loved the speech. Obama took a stand to show the change in direction he would take. The country is in terrible shape thanks to Bush. I loved hearing the boos for Bush. After all the hell he put us thru for the last 8 years, he does not deserve any special respect. I do not give him credit for making us safer. The deaths of 4000+ soldiers and the maiming of hundreds of thousands more is destruction to the USA even if it happened elsewhere technically. He bullied everyone and silenced us by calling us traitors if we did not give him carte blanche. Obama has a huge amount of courage to stand up against the outrages Bush foisted on the American people and around the world. I can’t wait for the changes to come and I support him. Hopefully Bush’s reign of destruction CAN be turned around.
I thought it was thought-provoking but optimistic. It made me proud to be an American. We have a long way to go, but at least we’re on the right path now.
FINALLY CHANGE HAS COME TO AMERICA! HOORAY! It’s a great day for this country.
***As for the person posting below who thinks GWB had a 40% approval rating- get REAL! Try 22%, the lowest in history.
I thought the speech was good and delivered eloquently. The message is all about change; an opportunity to get involved in rebuilding America. It feels great to have the enthusiasm and new energy to get going on rebuilding America. We who live in the United States are indeed fortunate beyond measure and now we have a great, enthusiastic, leader who is a thinker. And so it is!
The fact of the matter is no matter how feelings may differ on the speech he is on a path to bieng the greatest president of all time…….
Why?
Because he has not only inspired a nation but a world as well. People are staring into the face of not only Americas hope but the hopes of everyone on the planet. He has given a sense of “I CAN” to the world .
Respect it!
Obama did a good job with the speech. Vice president Biden looked healthy as well. And the reverends both did a fine job. It was comforting to hear Obama clearing the slate on world affairs. No war is a good war. Non petroleum energy is the way to go.
The speech was OK–Nothing memorable. The Dow dropped 332 points today; the largest drop in inaugural history –including the Great Depression. Sorry, but people in the know–know that Barack is a light weight. An empty suit filled with endless & milk toast platitudes. 57 million people saw right threw him. God help us.
****** Dear Moderator,*******
As per your House Rules I bring two posts to your attention:
A previous post brings into question Obama’s brith certificate. Please see this SNOPES link and put this hate and doubt mongering to bed. It is NOT TRUE.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/bir thcertificate.asp
Also, Bush was never booed during the speech. I just watched it again, and it did not happen. I have researched this as well, and no one else remarks on this. Please remove that post as it does not further this conversation and is simply NOT TRUE.
Eloquent, at times. Unfortunately, running for President –I think his \’speech\’ today was an extension of the campaign — and being President are two different things.
America has now elected a historical President. One who has *no* previous executive experience and who comes from a notoriously corrupt city of the nation. As they say in the Gun and Bible Clinging regions of Pennsylvania——-yee-haw.
The biggest problem with this speech was the hedging. What happened to hope? Oh yes, we have hope, at the tune of $1 trillion dollars per year beyond what we can afford, to spent on programs deemed appropriate by one political party. Can I get a —–yee-haw?
Sadly, the media is already generating excuses for why he won\’t be able to do much for the first two years. What? I thought this administration was going to change everything and fix it all for everyone. We have to wait two years? What happens then? Oh yes. His next campaign happens then. I almost forgot about that——yee-haw!
Let us pray that Russia controls itself. Watch the Russians. This administration is not ready for them.
~Star
Let’s start by saying that I am a hard core democrat! Now that I have been honest I would like to say that I have never, in my voting lifetime, been so excited about our leadership and their visions of hope.
It is important also to acknowledge that I did not support most of the decisions made by Former President Bush (starting on day one and the gag rule) but I will forever respect him as an elected official doing a job that I would not take.
We have an opportunity as Americans to take this message of Hope (whether you support Obama or not) and make it real in our lives and in our communities. We are just at the beginning of the recession (which I will refrain from spewing my opinions since my post is already quite long)we must work for the American people, our businesses and education for our youth! I am ready…I HOPE you are too!!!
A lovely speech. I wonder what the reaction was, worldwide?
I liked President Obama’s speech. He is very eloquent, and he has a wonderful grasp of the issues facing the United States. He did not, however, surprise me in his presentation. Barack Obama, the candidate, already told us time and again what he would say today if we elected him.
We did elect him, and he told us the same thing he’s been telling us. He said it impressively, of course, but he still seems sort of restrained. He lacked passion. I think we’ll eventually see him become more animated — maybe when he feels safer in his Presidency — but right now it’s just not there. He seems to be a little bit stunned.
I don’t that’s bad. It’s just my impression. And — although the the Lincoln analogy shouldn’t be carried too far — it is worth noting that the Gettysburg Address and the Second inauguration came well into his presidency. I hope that, in a similar vein, the words we’ll remember from Barack Obama will come well into his presidency.
I am glad that I and my wife have lived to see this day. The speech was great. President Obama is a man who holds out the promise of hope in an honest and realistic way. We must regain our way and our place in the world. He reminded us that we have all that it takes to do just that.
I didn’t think the speech was up to his usual flowery style, but perhaps it was more grounded in reality. He is aware that the world expects miracles and he wants to temper the expectations with reality. It demonstrates that he will need help and can’t do it all by himself. The country has a mountain to climb and we all have to chip in somehow…maybe rich and higher income people need to contribute more in taxes?
Best inaugural speech I’ve heard in 48 years from the best and brightest man in 48 years. Certainly beat his immediate predecessor and the worn out, retired Hollywood actor.
I heard it on the mall and listened again just to be certain. I think the President told us how bad it has become, asked us to help remedy things and warned us that it will not be easy.
I am proud to be an American again — whatever I can think of to do, I will this is a national effort and I hope you will all join me.
In a couple of months from now, when the inaugaration hoopla has died, it will be hilarious to see how many people become judases and turn against their ‘savior’ when they FINALLY realize obama’s only talents lie in telling people what they want to hear. A couple of months from now when they are unemployed, or still unemployed, and finding they are paying more and more AND MORE TAXES, they won’t have the enthusiasm for this inexperienced liar as they do now. I didn’t vote for the lugnut; nor did I vote for mccain. I voted for real change. WAKE UP AMERICA … YOU GET WHAT YOU VOTE FOR.
Just another bunch of words. When I hear Obama talk to the American people and tell them “Look, pull your head out of your behinds. Here are the basics that have been proven over the years: 1.) take responsibility for yourselves and your own finances, 2.) don’t put your money in the stock market unless you can afford to lose it, 3.) don’t gamble your family’s financial security on real estate specuation, 4.) live within your means, 5.) stay out of debt except for buying your own home”, then I will know he is the real deal.
And by the way. I could care less if Obama is black, blue, green, purple, red or white. However, the news media will spend a tremedous amount of air time and new space on the “first black president” garbage. Truth be known, racial integration is something the press loathes, because racial hatred and turmoil make an easy story for the press, and the “racial card” can be easily played at any time by the press…..as you can all recall during this election.
So lets help out Mr Obama, and ourselves by being objective, honest, responsible with our means (money and time) and work ourselves out of this jam. We (you and me) allowed it to happen, and only we (you and me) can get us out. If we (you and me) beleive that changing the presidency or political party will get us out of our current situation, then 4 years from now, we will still be in this huge business/financial mess.
Guess what folks? Good decisions, based on sound, proven business principles are good for business.
You know, it’s really not that hard.
Let ‘s all see where we will come after 4 years ! And than remember what hi said in his 1 day as The president ! Stop taking -let’s work !
Hard to reconcile this speech with his previous ones. Maybe he senses the way that the 20% of the people who pull this wagon called America have become discouraged by our government (both parties), and are giving up. After all Pelosi, Frank, Reid and the rest have assured us what they have in store for us. We will see about that. He will need to prove very quickly that he intends to reward those who deserve it, and require more from those who do not. Mr Obama, if you do indeed honor God and the patriots who built this nation, we will rise to support you.
If anyone is capable of getting the U.S. out of the economic and moral mess it is in, I think this man can do it. The speech he gave was inspiring, to the point (several of them) and on the mark. It has been a long time coming. Now that it is here (the old-fashioned stuff like ‘responsibility’, ‘choice’, ‘humility’ and hard work) I hope that Americans have the guts to do what he asks. He does. It won’t be easy, but it’s certainly worth the best shot we can all take.
I didn’t like it because before he could talk about change he had to talk about what was wrong with America. Instead of talking about what was right wit American he had to take a jab at President Bush for every political thing he didn’t like. Any time I take over a job, I just try to find out how to make it work. Never talk about who I replaced and how he did someting wrong just how to make thinks better.
this bigger thing that happen in this country i live here53 never in my life
the reason you haven’t had as many positive comments as this speech deserved is because the democrats are all out partying and reviewing the day’s events!
obama’s speech was perfectly balanced. with an eye firmly on the reality of our economic situation and the work ahead, he expressed hope. what really stood out to me was his ability to show compassion and concern for all people – and the state of the environment.
For a man that was elected only for the color of his skin, why was I not surprised that all he gave us was another STUMP speech!
Face it, if he had an R next to his name instead of a D, he never would have been making a speech.
This is the sad truth.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where THEY WILL NOT BE JUDGED BY THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN BUT BY THE CONTENT OF THEIR CHARACTER.”(I Have a Dream speech my Martin Luther King)
Did people vote for Obama because he is black or do they agree with his principles?
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
- Isaiah 29:13
I’d like to know if Obama’s pledge to defeat those who “seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents” includes Israel, because military action by Israel since 2001 has, if reliable news sources are to be believed, killed almost 6000 Palestinians, whereas according to BBC figures 28 people have died in Israel since 2001 as a result of Hamas rockets.
The speech wasn’t his best or most memorable one, I admit. However, I still like it because it was realistic. It didn’t try to sugar coat nor downplay the situation of the US economy. He was able to communicate his sincerity to solve the problems of his country. I believe he intentionally tempered his speech so as to not raise the expections everybody higher that it already is.
In Canada we are very happy that Bush is gone. For me Bush government made the proof that the pure capitalism is a failure and it only bring to corruption organized in a system. Only rich people can be happy un such a system. The word freedom cannot apply in economic because without interventiom of the state in economy things turn out to be very bad. Some rich people in place (banks – arms company – etc ) have abused the system and turn the democracy into corruption organized in a system where WAR is a good thing to make turn the economy … And not only that … Other country are paying for the present failure … (ie in Canada we are entering in recession of the bad mangement of you bank system) I am not sure If everyone will get the lesson … But Obama seems to understand that and it is a very good thing for the the planet as a whole and for the USA as well …
He just put you on notice America and you would do well to listen.
There are no quick fixes but people are going to be held accountable for the way that programs are run and money is spent.
As to him being a liar, I think he just gave you a dose of the truth that some who posted here are finding it hard to swallow.
What did you want him to say?
It was a good speach. Somewhat expected and somethings not. But after 8 years of the worst public speaking of any President in my lifetime, it was nice to be proud of my President again.
I am surprised on such a day as this to read so many negative, cynical comments here. My feeling was that Obama had deliberately toned down the rhetoric of his speech to appeal to a wider audience. He came across as he always does – as sincere, intelligent, energetic, pragmatic and with hopes for the US that echo those of most Americans.
Seeing what kind of audience Reuters seems to attract, I am less inclined to look here when the next big story comes around.
I can only “hope” that things will change for the better. Doesn’t seem realistic at the moment, and not going to hold my breath. Letting all of the bailouts happen, having people sitting around waiting for a job to be offered, collecting unemployment longer and not having figure it out. I know it is hard out there right now, however I see help wanted signs all around here. Maybe be humbled some. I work for a small business and we are trying to grow, to many more stipulations on the owners, and I won’t have a job. They do the best for the company and the people that work for them, we all WORK for what is offered to us. It shouldn’t be any other way. We are in distribution, and it requires fuel to move product. I totally believe in reduce, reuse and recycle, but at the moment we can’t stop business with higher fuel surcharges, taxes, etc. for some project, let the free market work it out, if you really want it, it will happen. WORK for what you believe in, don’t let the government decide. WE ARE IN CHARGE, don’t let others make your decisions, be strong, stand proud, be heard.
Was this the same Man of change and hope we have listened to for almost 2 years? Funny thing how we are told to expect better times and promised better days until the votes are counted and on the first minute of office we are promised nothing but low expections and hard times.
I wonder who got paid to write it.
Brilliant…if you’re a Kool Aid drinker. Same ole same ole blather if you’re jaded like mois. Let the games begin.
I think that this is the speech that have moved me the most. I could feel de power of that voice. Even that it didn’t sound as loud as some would espect.
I think he said the right words that had to be said at this time. Even the word “curiosity” that I have never heard in a speech is for mi valid, for it applies to young people and by extension to a country that is still young.
Please America give the man a chance ,your motto says IN GOD WE TRUST ,for Gods sake pray him through.and be happy that you all have a wonderful President.
M C
This is a new beginning for America and the world. His speech was legendary. The Chief Justice however should be removed immediately. That idiot has no place in the judiciary. The one job that he had for the day was to read off the script if he didnt know it. Luckily the President knew the proper recital. Long live Obama, God bless America.
I think the speech was just a fake and lie because e said he helped people but he only delt with politics.
Hi from Canada,
Leadership is proven through “the walk,” not “the talk.” I read every word of President Obama’s speech. It shows that he understands his challenge and sets the tone for future action. His selection of a prepared, all-star cabinet and his balanced statements regarding the economy and foreign policy show that he clearly has a plan. Nice change for the world. As a Canadian, I congratulate America for making a wise choice. Like many have observed about Tiger Woods, President Obama will raise the bar for leaders of all nations.
However, America is going to be like a house undergoing renovation, it will look very ugly before it reveals its true beauty,
Friend from the North.
Matthew S.
I think the speech was good. I didn’t vote for Obama but I will now support him, pray for him and give him the benefit of the doubt.
However, what troubles me is all the Bush bashing. For those people who were there for the great event to be singing in the audience, “na, na, na,…goodbye” is disgraceful in the presence of a sitting president. It is kind of like spiking the ball in the end zone after you have won the big game; tacky. This just shows me that most (not all) Democrats are bigoted, closed minded and classless. Lets remember that we live in a democracy and not a left winged, group think machine. We all get to vote…
Obama is now our president and you really never know what one is going to do until the mantle and pressure is laid on one’s shoulders. Lets give him a chance and see how he does. Let’s pray he doesn’t have a big crisis like Bush had just months into his presidency.
More power to you jjsummers. You say it simply and like it is.
I feel sorry for him because everyone thinks he’s going to solve their problems.
He’s already telling them that its up to them. But do they hear what he is saying?
I keep thinking of that scene in Bruce Almighty where Jim Carey can’t keep up with all the prayers that come though on his E-mail. So he says yes-to-all and chaos breaks out everywhere.
Should have added: “An ounce of sweat is worth an ocean of tears.”
I don’t understand how we have all become so divided. It’s funny how when Bush was in office all of the Republicans were saying things like, you have to support your president, you have to support your president, otherwise you are unpatriotic. Now the tide has turned and they won’t do the same. I think it is pathetic. Support your president, we need him now more than ever!
Unlike the obviously half witted Mathew not all of us in Canada are happy that Bush is gone or are taken in by Obama’s tedious rhetoric. Nothing new in the long-winded speech but did you notice the timbre of his voice? Not at all like the warm and fuzzy Obama of 12 months ago. Somewhat strident imho.
I sincerely invited a CHANGE in American politics and Government which sensed a FRESHNESS which is OBAMASQUE. His speech on oath occassion is a commitment to the entire nation and to the world. I would one day work for his Government hailing from India. It is my wish. I would rather associate on global issues realted to environment. I owe such participation. the day is closer. i start communicating with the President.
the speech was great. He addressed issues that we have to face it now and we should be united to confront this with courage to overcome this crisis.
Great speech. I hope that he provides people with the incentives make investments in their future and stop the bailout for the banks
The speech was typical of any incoming presidential speech, It is really getting old hearingg about Obama. Everyone thinks he is Jesus Christ. HE IS A POLITIAN. I hope he does a good job but his answer is to spend spend and spend my tax dollars into something that doest help me. Give it to the illegals and people who do not want to work is his answer. Im also tired of evveryone blaming Bush for everything. Especially te economy. The only thing Bush did wrong there is not eleminating the BS Congress passed when Clinton was in office which allowed people to buy houses that shouldnt have been able to pass. The housing market is the problem that caused the rest of the problems or enhanced them. I love my country and I will support him today but the fact that we have so many stupid americans that voted for him is what bothers me the most.
I really liked the Obama speech. He has a lot to live up to, but if anyone can do the the job, he is the one. As a Canadian I am relieved that the past administration is gone. They were an embarrassment to the US and the rest of the world. My only concern is Obama’s comment that America is once again going to be the world leader. Does that mean that the rest of the world is simply going to have to follow? Can the the rest of the countries not be part of leading?
Let’s give this young man a chance and support his difficult task ahead.
“I think the speech was just a fake and lie because e said he helped people but he only delt with politics.”
You do know that before Obama became a U.S. Senator, he was elected into the Illinois State Senate in 1997, right? And way before that he was a community organizer after graduating from Columbia University. Then he went to Harvard Law and could’ve worked at any prestigious law firm, but went back to Chicago to contribute to his community helping low class citizens, senior citizens, etc but this time with as a lawyer who represented the less fortunate.
Judging by the number of negative responses on this blog…I’d have to say that the saying that most americans live in a bubble is true. This man is your only hope to find your way out of the dark and all you can do is bag him. Better listen to him and start pulling your weight otherwise your claim as the world’s leading superpower is over (if it isn’t already)
The civil rights movement and the war in Vietnam informed my political and moral consciousness. I was a child of the times. About 14 years old at the time, and against my parents wishes, I hitched to Washington DC to witness Dr. King’s famous speech. I wanted to be part of the movement … and part of the moment.
Today, two of my own children are in Washington DC to attend the inauguration of President Barack Obama and bear witness to history. It makes me proud that they take an interest in our public life. It has been a long journey. Of all the memories I cherish, there are few more heartwarming and gratifying than this.
i do’nt think, It was the best speech. this speech will tell ! Sorry
AND BY THE WAY !!!!!SUPPER SPEECH!!! THATS WHY HE IS PRESDIDENT!!!
I didn’t feel anything powerful or memorable in the speech at all and was very disappointed – yet that is what I expected, that it wouldn’t live up to the hype.
Now he just needs to cut through the BS and get on with the job, although I think it’s too big an ask for an inexperienced man such as he; but I am still hoping he can prove me wrong!
Moral of the Speech ” This is a new beginning for America. ”
All the best wishes for coming years.
It seems that Obama has embraced ideas that focus on long term planning. For far too long America has been focused on the short-term fast buck plan. We need officials who will behave more like parents and less like children in guiding a nation to a healthier form of prosperity. We need to have more focus on long term efforts (that will bring more lasting prosperity to more people): education, the environment, peacemaking, sense of responsibility, and the rewarding of productivity instead of the unbalanced rewarding of only wealth. More will be created and more will be produced in an environment that rewards real work, real efforts, and not fast buck oportunism.
The new President stood & embraced the whole world. He felt not like the President of the U.S. of A but the President of the free & democratic countries in the whole world.This day will be remembered not because a Afro American was sworn in but as a day when America showed to the world what Democracy means which is the rule of the people. It showed to our children & our children children’s that freedom of speech & liberty will always triumph & there’s daylight after a long night.
I hope that America realizes how lucky they are to have an individual such as Obama as their president. He could not have come at a better time. Look around the rest of the world and I believe you will not find anyone as genuine or articulate as he is at his level of power.
I shudder at the thought that there could have been soneone else in power for the next 4 years, not so much like Bush, but someone who just does not measure up to Obama. The challenges economically and socially are too great for a subpar president.
Whether the world likes it or not, it needs America, and it needs a healthy and positive one. I hope that he lives up to the hype, and he can help rebuild your country to the status it deserves.
I find it amazing that he has me thinking about what I can do for my country, and others, and I am not even American… this maybe his greatest strength, the power to bind all nations:)
Congrats from a friend up North, eh!
I thought the speech wasn’t at all memorable. No memorable quotes, it was truly quite a downer of a speech. I did not vote for him. He showed me nothing in his words of platitudes, that he will make a good president. It’s all about the government in his words. I will continue to pray for this country. Shame on those who heckled our former president.
I think he prepared a great speech, but does he really think he can change the states. The previous administration left it in such turmoil that the debt alone won’t allow him to proceed with the economic choices he wants to make. You can’t change healthcare when you’re in debt so much money. I believe he’s a great man and he’s smart which isn’t always the case for people in power. He’s educated and firmly believes he can make a difference and I hope he does, but doubt the logic of his choices.
It was a great day for America. And I as with many others posting here are truly proud to be a part of this great nation.
Sadly, there are also many sour grape republican supporters (posting here and elsewhere) that have yet to accept that their savior GW Bush was an utter and dismal failure who betrayed his conservative values and took this country to near disaster. The reason Obama had to repeat this fact to you even today is because it has not sunk into your brainwashed minds. Bush supporters can come up with all sorts of reasons to justify their deluded POV. But the truth of the matter is that Bush LET US ALL DOWN! 80% of Americans can understand this fact.
Obama has just taken office and he deserves your respect and patience. If and when he does screw up then you have the right to say what you want about it. Until such a time go sulk elsewhere and GET OVER IT!
“I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.”
WITH SUCH AN OPENING STATEMENT DIRECTED TO THE FORMER PRESIDENT
YOU COULD ONLY COME TO TERMS OF THE HUMBLENESS OF MAN THE WORLD REST ITS HOPES AND PRAYERS FOR ALL THE CALAMITIES THAT HAS HAVOCED US. PEACES BE WITH HIM IN ALL HIS ENDEAVORS TO SAVE THIS WORLD. GOD BLESS
I am a Republican and I did not vote for Barack Obama. Now that he is the President of the United States I wish him the best of luck and will support him through out his presidency. President Obama is a excellent public speaker. I can only hope he will lead instead of playing the parties off one another. I hope he can truely do what he says he can do. I had a lot of hope for former President Bill Clinton and he let the people and the country down. This country is the greatest in the world and there much work to be done. God Bless America and Good Luck Mr.President.
The speech was superb! It was a speech that showed America’s determination to change from the gung-ho political tone and destructive direction that was set by George Bush and gave it a bad image. It sought to re-assure Americans and the world that the US is set to re-align itself with the rest of world in providing proactive leadership.
Registered Democrat-voted for Hillary then McCain. Wanted to hear some soaring oratory to uplift me so I could see why everyone voted for him. Instead-”raging storms and dark clouds”. Somehow, I thought that Obama would show the light at the end of the tunnel but his job now is to lower America’s expectations of Obama as Saviour. It is now our job to sacrifice-as if we have any choice! Maybe we can stop paying for a bail out that has yet to give any money back to the people that the financial institutions screwed in the first place. Oops Ken Lewis from BoA knew about the terrible decision to buy troubled Merril Lynch(as well as the US Govt.) but went ahead and told his shareholders it was a good idea because the US Govt. practically Begged him to save the doomed Merril. How about saving the savings of millions of Americans who actually used to trust their government to not allow greed and excesses like this to happen! Madoff-Made off with 50 Billion dollars in a Ponzi scheme? How stupid does the SEC and the US govt look when we can’t catch fraud that goes on for 30 years??? Long before Bush we did not catch this. Also-why did the idiots at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae keep lending to people with incomes that could NEVER support million dollar houses once the full principal and interest note came due?? Why is the US citizenry expected to pay for the sins of a few corporate giants like Bear Stearns, Countrywide, Wamu etc. Obviously the most basic business lesson was not learned in Government 101 which is that if it sounds too good to be true-then it it is! Obama has always sounded too good to be true to me but at this point I am praying that he takes bold action to solve our financial mess. First off-he should SEVERELY punish people like Madoff(someone please tell me why this guy is not in jail?!) Secondly-completely restructure Freddie and Fannie and change the FICO score baloney that got us in this mess with “Stated Income” Loans in the first place. God Bless you Obama-truly historic your Presidency and now we get the message from your speech that you are not a Miracle Worker. Many Americans knew this already but we still wish you the best and are Americans so of course will support your efforts. Good Luck! You are going to have a tough 4 years! Our prayers are with you!
You can only spread the BS so deep – and Obama’s attempt to sell more snake oil hasn’t been recognized by the majority of the American public for what it is …. BS. What will the citizens of the U.S. say when they finally realize “they’ve been taken for a ride” by not only the News Media but also the Hollywood crowd of “do-gooders” that think Obama can save the country from complete financial failure – but that’s OK because we have had a “love fest” at the inauguration.
The only thing that didn’t happen was for the news media to announce that “Rome has proclaimed Obama as the return of the Messiah”.
David E.
Let me get this straight: you insult Obama before he even officially takes office then you criticize others for doing the same only AFTER eight years of George W.Bush’s Presidency; you are an intolerant and unreasonable hypocrite.
pure gibberish. He is nothing more than a $600 million Hollywood creation. Good speaker, total narcissist, proof that this nation loves snake oil salesmen.
President Obama’s inauguration is a monumental milestone in our nations’s history, and that should not be minimized in any way.
As has already been pointed out, however, he is an excellent public speaker who has so far only succeeded in being very eloquent in pledging change and hope to a nation that was eager to hear anything other than the standard rhetoric of campaign politics. Promises can be made, but whether they are realistically achievable is a different story. The nation still hasn’t seen the price tag associated with actually implementing those promises and, eventually, when we become once again disillusioned with our government, the pendulum will slowly swing to the right again.
When will we ever learn to drive down the middle of the road instead of swerving wildly from left to right and back again?
did they have to included the prompter in photo, it spoils the image.he needs a new speech writer,it was boring ,i was watching his lips to see if it was recorded.
The world rejoices over his presidency, he is the man of the hour. A tough job to live up to expectation, nevertheless he has give the whole world a glimmer of hope in our drakest hour.
I am a citizen of the world (Not a US citizen) and I cannot say how PLEASED WE ALL ARE, as in everyone outside of your ‘whole world’ called the USA. When Obama was elected President Elect, I cried. Because we have been praying for your country to be guided by a LEADER. Someone with the hearts & minds of his people, vs their own political agenda (how much money did your last President make from the current war????). Our business lives, personal lives and communities do not revolve around the ‘greatest’ country in the world…they revolve around integrity, values based work, contribution to community, and leading our own ‘great’ country. The world does not need US leadership. We live in a democracy and have our own leadership. If you were a global citizen (someone who travels beyond your own fair shores) you might realise that there is life beyond America
Go Obama! We know it will be a long journey, it will be tough and you wont suceed the first time or every time, but we’re cheering for your every success. America needs YOU!!!!! (to expand their thinking if nothing else)
Quote: All it take for evil to prevail, is for good men to do nothing.
We love that Obama is doing something!!!
P.S. You don’t need a bloody parent in office, you need an ADULT with an ADULT AUDIENCE supporting him. Seems to me that he’s not that interested in all our (mine included) opinions here….he’s probably just getting on with the job…maybe the rest of us should do the same
Talk about a bunch of sour grapes. Obama is in the White House but still every nasty remark that could be made has been made about, and to President Bush, and you’re still spitting out hatred and sick venom at the republican’s. Couldn’t even have a prayer spoken without some racial statement being uttered. I think the bigot’s need to look in the mirror so they can see who they really are talking about. I think all this stupidity is more about class rather than race.
I liked what he said about the middle East problem where East and West can try to understand and tolerate each other despite its differences. He also strongly voiced his opposition to the neo-con approach of conquer and change. I also liked his message to the extremists that are leading some nations.
your people will judge you on not what you can destroy but on what you can build.
I think this line could go down in a history as a great one. Just give it time. Past lines are great because they are just that, past. Present lines never become great till they also become past. Just digest the speech a little more and there was some great stuff in there like the one above. Listen again and it will age just like fine wine.
How refreshing after having to listen for 8 years to the last president.
With the current Obama Administration, whether we like it or not, people expect immediate changes. People expect noticeable changes. People want to see the economy soar. People want foreign issues resolved. What they don’t get is that Obama will just be the beacon of change, the leader, the guiding light. America needs to work together to bring the country back to its former glory. A change in the administration does not entail problems get any easier.
To quote the President, “And this WE CAN do. And this WE WILL do.” The administration promises that the dreams and hope to do the impossible can be done if Americans come together and act on the catchphrase, “YES WE CAN”.
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Yes, his speech was moving…people are too quick to judge this president. He needs time and no one said it would be easy. After all, cleaning up after the last president is not going to be that easy!!!