# What an outstanding inaugural speech! **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [January 20, 2017, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639 "2017-01-20T17:20:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/61 "2017-01-20T19:02:43Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > The transcript is pretty crappy. I don’t know what speech Clothahump watched, but he’s a Trumpist, IIRC, so Trump could have just read a list of NBA players in alphabetical order and the Trumpists would eat it up. > > Trump begins by commenting on the peaceful transition of power and tanking the Obamas, which is customary and all incoming Presidents do it. His first real initial remarks are basically exactly what Ronald Reagan said in 1980, but vastly inferior in tone and language, and from what people are writing, delivery (Reagan was a wonderful speaker.) He then moves into what is, as already pointed out, a repetition of his election talking points. There’s nothing offensive or clearly dishonest, but there’s nothing special about it. No fascinating turns of phrase or anything quotable. I actually think he was smart in doing what he did. He is no great orator in the Obama style (or Reagen) and he cannot be folksy friendly like Bush Secunda or radiate charisma like Clinton. So taking a standard campaign speech, made necessary changes for the occasion and delivering it was smart in the circustances. He does not like being outside his comfort zone. Did you see the start of the inauguration when he was being led to the podium from inside the Capitol? He seemed stiff and uncomfortable. When he later came in, his introduction, it felt like an episode of _Apprentice_, and well he looked more at ease. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/62 "2017-01-20T19:03:24Z")
[QUOTE=El Trompo] fellow Americans and people of the world- thank you. [/QUOTE] [Nixon’ head in Futurama](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0Mw5YPklks): “My Fellow Earthicans” ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/63 "2017-01-20T19:05:00Z")
So, I’m seeing pictures of the attendance, comparison shots between Obama’s 2009 Inauguration and…the most recent. I’m always a bit suspicious when what I see matches so closely with what I expect and what I would prefer. But if they are genuine…oh, my. The hilarity has ensued. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/64 "2017-01-20T19:10:43Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > So, I’m seeing pictures of the attendance, comparison shots between Obama’s 2009 Inauguration and…the most recent. I’m always a bit suspicious when what I see matches so closely with what I expect and what I would prefer. But if they are genuine…oh, my. The hilarity has ensued. See post #46. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Donald\_Rump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Donald\_Rump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donald_Rump)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/65 "2017-01-20T19:13:22Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > No fascinating turns of phrase or anything quotable. The most quotable line was also one of the lines I found most appalling: “When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.” ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/66 "2017-01-20T19:13:31Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > …oh, my. I heard this in [George Takei’s voice.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nSKkwzwdW4) ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/67 "2017-01-20T19:14:04Z")
> [@aldiboronti](#): > > That right there, that one phrase, marked the return of the Presidency to the real world where things are called by their actual names. They’re radical, they’re Islamist, and they’re terrorists. Why Obama had such difficulties with that phrase is a mystery. Same reason we don’t refer to all terrorists who identify as Christian as “Radical Christian Terrorists.” ---
**Author:** ![cmkeller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmkeller/32/118_2.png) [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/68 "2017-01-20T19:14:06Z")
It could have been worse, but good Lord, was it repetative. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/69 "2017-01-20T19:16:55Z")
> [@cmkeller](#): > > It could have been worse, but good Lord, was it repetative. I’ve heard that a lot ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/70 "2017-01-20T19:19:42Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Is there a term for “finding joy in the pains of others”? Republicanism? ---
**Author:** ![Crybaby\_Boobie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crybaby_boobie/32/545_2.png) [@Crybaby\_Boobie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crybaby_Boobie)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/71 "2017-01-20T19:22:09Z")
Trump: “Today’s ceremony, however has very special meaning. Because today, we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another or from one party to another. But we are transferring power from Washington D.C. and giving it back to you… the people. For too long a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have born the cost. Washington flourished but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered but the jobs left and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories. Their triumphs have not been your triumphs and while they celebrated in our nation’s capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land. That all changes starting right here and right now because this moment is your moment. It belongs to you.” Bane: We take Gotham from the corrupt! The rich! The oppressors of generations who have kept you down with myths of opportunity, and we give it back to you… the people. Gotham is yours. None shall interfere. Do as you please. Start by storming Blackgate, and freeing the oppressed! Step forward those who would serve. For and army will be raised. The powerful will be ripped from their decadent nests, and cast out into the cold world that we know and endure. Courts will be convened. Spoils will be enjoyed. Blood will be shed. The police will survive, as they learn to serve true justice. This great city… it will endure. Gotham will survive!” ---
**Author:** ![markdash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@markdash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markdash)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/72 "2017-01-20T19:25:12Z")
> [@Donald\_Rump](#): > > The most quotable line was also one of the lines I found most appalling: > > “When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.” I almost posted about that line, because oh man, talk about my not matching my experiences AT ALL. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/73 "2017-01-20T19:26:38Z")
> [@markdash](#): > > I almost posted about that line, because oh man, talk about my not matching my experiences AT ALL. Yes, it’s been my experience that those that wrap themselves up in the flag the most are more likely to be quite bigoted. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/74 "2017-01-20T19:29:24Z")
> [@Crybaby\_Boobie](#): > > Trump: > > “Today’s ceremony, however has very special meaning. Because today, we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another or from one party to another. But we are transferring power from Washington D.C. and giving it back to you… the people. For too long a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have born the cost. Washington flourished but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered but the jobs left and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories. Their triumphs have not been your triumphs and while they celebrated in our nation’s capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land. That all changes starting right here and right now because this moment is your moment. It belongs to you.” > > Bane: > > We take Gotham from the corrupt! The rich! The oppressors of generations who have kept you down with myths of opportunity, and we give it back to you… the people. Gotham is yours. None shall interfere. Do as you please. Start by storming Blackgate, and freeing the oppressed! Step forward those who would serve. For and army will be raised. The powerful will be ripped from their decadent nests, and cast out into the cold world that we know and endure. Courts will be convened. Spoils will be enjoyed. Blood will be shed. The police will survive, as they learn to serve true justice. This great city… it will endure. Gotham will survive!” To be fair, that’s not that far from the Bernie Sanders platform, just from a different angle. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/75 "2017-01-20T19:29:36Z")
> [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](#): > > He’s going to build the tunnels and bridges. And walls. Don’t forget walls. Lots of big walls. Hope he doesn’t get all those confused. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/76 "2017-01-20T19:31:23Z")
> [@Donald\_Rump](#): > > The most quotable line was also one of the lines I found most appalling: > > “When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.” I \*suspect \*what he meant was that if Americans look at each other as Americans, and not as white vs. black vs. Asian vs. Hispanic etc., then there won’t be prejudice, in the same way that we root for Team USA in the Olympics regardless of skin color, but it certainly raises eyebrows. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/77 "2017-01-20T19:31:29Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > To be fair, that’s not that far from the Bernie Sanders platform, just from a different angle. To be fair, that approach didn’t seem to work for Democrats in the Primary. That’s one of the main reasons I didn’t vote for him. ---
**Author:** ![Crybaby\_Boobie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crybaby_boobie/32/545_2.png) [@Crybaby\_Boobie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crybaby_Boobie)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/78 "2017-01-20T19:31:35Z")
Bernie never made a presidential inaugural speech, so I don’t see how that’s relevant to this thread. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/79 "2017-01-20T19:32:38Z")
That seems fair, Trump builds the wall, Mexico builds the tunnels. ---
**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2017, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639/80 "2017-01-20T19:46:19Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > That seems fair, Trump builds the wall, Mexico builds the tunnels. El Chapo was just extradited to Mexico. They’re ready for any wall Trump can build! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-an-outstanding-inaugural-speech/777639.md?page=5)