# Witnessing: Obama's inauguration. **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [January 20, 2009, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163 "2009-01-20T18:22:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/41 "2009-01-21T09:44:30Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > Well as long as he doesn’t want to invade the primary oil supplier to the USA: Kanukistan [http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil\_gas/petroleum/data\_publications/company\_level\_imports/current/import.html](http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/company_level_imports/current/import.html) Bring it on, Obitcha! A more nuanced interpretation might be not that Arabs are the sole (or even largest) source of oil to the U.S. but the U.S.'s demand for oil compels them to become involved in the Middle East lest a major supplier be cut off (and annoying various huge and influential American corporations), forcing more involvement in the area than necessary or desirable. But, hey, it’s a rhetoric-laden speech. Better to save minute analysis for his policy decisions and proposed legislation. ---
**Author:** ![Walker\_in\_Eternity](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/46a35a/32.png) [@Walker\_in\_Eternity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walker_in_Eternity)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/42 "2009-01-21T14:15:22Z")
As a Brit I didn’t see the speech in full, but I read the transcipt. Even to me this shows a major step change in approach to the previous regime. It was strong, optimistic and thoughtful. While it is true there were no really memorable phrases it was definitely a speech suited to our times. ---
**Author:** ![Jayn\_Newell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Jayn\_Newell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayn_Newell)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/43 "2009-01-21T14:22:42Z")
> [@Auntbeast](#): > > I adored his speech. I found it inspiring, uplifting, challenging and determined. This is pretty much how I felt, and I think it was exactly the right message to give. It was overall an optimistic speech, but it didn’t gloss over anything, nor did he make it sound like the road ahead will be easy. He is right, this will be a time for tough choices, and I’m certain that he will have to make unpopular decisions at times, to do what needs to be done and not what the voters want to be done. In short, the road ahead will be difficult, but we can persevere. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/44 "2009-01-21T15:34:11Z")
Regarding my comment on “Non-believers” > [@SmackFu](#): > > Complaints complaints complaints. I’m sick of it. I’m not actually complaining that hard about it’s use in Obama’s speech; I actually am glad he at least acknowldge those of us that aren’t religious (to further water things down). I was just railing at the word in general. I’m sure if the line were, “realists and non-realists,” there would be equal irkitude from the other side. ---
**Author:** ![Thing\_Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@Thing\_Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing_Fish)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/45 "2009-01-21T15:39:21Z")
> [@Auntbeast](#): > > President Obama, President Obama, President Obama! Wheee! Say it loud and there’s music playing Say it soft and it’s almost like praying..\* :):)🙂 - or meditating, or affirming in a secular fashion, or studying the laws of physics, as the case may be. ---
**Author:** ![lee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lee/32/7455_2.png) [@lee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lee)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/46 "2009-01-21T16:13:22Z")
> [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](#): > > When it came down to Clinton versus Obama for the campaign race, there was a lot of talk about how many feminists and how feminist Obama, and by extension, his campaign was. I have heard for years and years that using gender neutral language was awkward, pointless, and not important and no one should feel excluded when men is used because it includes women too so would I shut up already? My president thought it important to say men and women when those who preceded him would not have bothered. ---
**Author:** ![Windwalker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/5e9695/32.png) [@Windwalker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Windwalker)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/47 "2009-01-21T18:14:31Z")
When I saw Bush looking at Obama during his speech, I couldn’t help but imagine this impossible scenario: _Bush walks to the podium at the end of the program (after the speech, poem, and prayer), turns to look at Obama and says into the mic, “Despite what I said before, I voted for this man, too. He’s gonna be a far better President than I was. Get’er done, Barack.” He walks to the President, shakes his hand, and exits stage right into a waiting limo, never to be seen speaking in public again._ Expecting Bush to be this classy is kinda like expecting Hitler (omg Godwin) to be baby Goldstein’s mohel, but it was fun to think about. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/48 "2009-01-21T18:17:36Z")
Nothing says “class” like a carefully nuanced “Git 'er done!” ---
**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/49 "2009-01-21T18:26:42Z")
Did anyone else see the Daily Show last night, where Jon Stewart took selected phrases from Obama’s speech and found almost identical statements from George W? Hysterical. ---
**Author:** ![Windwalker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/5e9695/32.png) [@Windwalker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Windwalker)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/50 "2009-01-21T18:30:26Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Nothing says “class” like a carefully nuanced “Git 'er done!” As they say when talking about good science fiction, you make one great big leap of faith and try to make everything else fit. My suddenly classy and humble imaginary Bush didn’t suddenly develop a Lincolnian eloquence, as well. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Lantern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d26b3c/32.png) [@Lantern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/51 "2009-01-21T19:31:13Z")
You know I deplore Bush’s policy blunders as much anyone but I do think he has shown class on some occasions especially in the last few months. His statement after Obama’s victory was definitely classy. So was his reaction to the Iraqi who threw a boot at him. And by all accounts he has done a good job of handling the transition. Let’s give the man credit when it’s due. I also have to say that IMO Bush’s second [inaugural](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23747-2005Jan20.html)was a better, more powerful piece of writing than Obama’s; though obviously most of the credit goes to his speechwriters. I say this as someone who thinks the vision in that speech is fundamentally misconceived and that Bush betrayed its ideals deeply in practice anyway. But purely at a literary level it’s very eloquent IMO. In fact I read it a few hours before the inauguration and was surprised at how good it was. I was expecting something even better from Obama and was disappointed. Ultimately it doesn’t matter much. Communication is hugely important for a President but big setpiece speeches aren’t that important anymore. Clinton’s big speeches were often pedestrian but few matched him in the use of the spoken word. Regardless of what else happens I am sure Obama will be a fantastic communicator perhaps even the best ever in the White House. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/52 "2009-01-21T19:56:44Z")
> [@Ensign\_Edison](#): > > I think it was an attempt to be inclusive of agnostics. This. Once he says “atheists” and “agnostics,” he’s going to have to add deists and pagans and more. 'Sides, we’re not real Americans anywhistle. Bush Senior said so. ---
**Author:** ![zagloba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/977dab/32.png) [@zagloba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zagloba)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/53 "2009-01-21T20:35:01Z")
> [@Lantern](#): > > You know I deplore Bush’s policy blunders as much anyone but I do think he has shown class on some occasions especially in the last few months. His statement after Obama’s victory was definitely classy. So was his reaction to the Iraqi who threw a boot at him. And by all accounts he has done a good job of handling the transition. Let’s give the man credit when it’s due. Nothing in his presidency became him like the leaving it. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2009, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/54 "2009-01-22T00:19:07Z")
> [@mutantmoose](#): > > Can someone explain to me what he meant by this excerpt (the part in bold)? i thought it meant that he will not be dancing or holding hands in some mid east countries. ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2009, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/55 "2009-01-22T00:32:28Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > Regarding my comment on “Non-believers” > > I’m not actually complaining that hard about it’s use in Obama’s speech; I actually am glad he at least acknowldge those of us that aren’t religious (to further water things down). > > I was just railing at the word in general. I’m sure if the line were, “realists and non-realists,” there would be equal irkitude from the other side. Personally I find it hard to get irked over the non-use of “atheists”, because if you get three people in a room you’re likely to get four totally different opinions about what the word’s definition is. (Doesn’t believe? disbelieves? Believes the opposite? Believes the opposite is proven? Includes/disincludes agnostics - whatever _those_ are?) At least with “non-believer” there’s no confusion about who’s being talked about. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2009, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/56 "2009-01-22T18:29:20Z")
> [@MLS](#): > > Did anyone else see the Daily Show last night, where Jon Stewart took selected phrases from Obama’s speech and found almost identical statements from George W? Hysterical. Saw it, but it didn’t strike me as particularly comical or even especially insightful - it just demonstrates that political speeches have certain broad and standard themes. Given that one has eight years of GWB speeches to draw from, matching excerpts from Obama’s inaugeral to something Bush once said takes little more effort than just running a search and some basic video editing software. Heck, any President has likely used rhetoric similar to Obama’s. They could have copied in Carter or Reagan clips. ---
**Author:** ![xanthous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/53a042/32.png) [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2009, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/57 "2009-01-22T20:42:30Z")
**Manthous’** right-wing, gun-toting, Bush-loving, e-mail-rumor-forwarding co-worker said that after that speech he was getting totally behind Obama. He thought Obama’s words were clear and powerful and he was very impressed and felt newly confident about the man who has our future in his hands. I don’t expect that a Lincoln/King/Kennedy-esque speech would have moved him in the same way. And I bet Obama knew that it was not in his best interest speak to scholars and poets and writers who would preserve his words for eternity, but instead to speak to people like this very guy, whose help he needs now more than anything. ---
**Author:** ![Tracy\_Lord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@Tracy\_Lord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tracy_Lord)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2009, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/58 "2009-01-25T16:24:55Z")
Just like to throw a link to my [LiveJournal post](http://roz-mcclure.livejournal.com/929137.html) about my trip to the inauguration last week, and accompanying [Flickr set](http://www.flickr.com/photos/34671966@N03/sets/72157612935872906/), if anyone is interested. I was on the southwestern corner of the Washington Monument for the ceremony. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2009, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/59 "2009-01-26T01:11:00Z")
The speech sucked from the standpoint that it wasn’t memorable. The reporters on whatever channel I was watching said the same thing. They were expecting something along the lines of JFK. It wasn’t a bad speech but it lacked anything of note. Writing it himself was a mistake. He had the best speechwriters of the campaign by far and was capable of delivering a good line. Given the historic nature of his presidency and the size of the crowd/audience I was disappointed in most of the event. The opening invocation and the poem were train wrecks which didn’t help. The ending prayer was a 60’s throw back that might has well have been given by Reverend Wright. ---
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2009, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163/60 "2009-01-26T06:29:12Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > The speech sucked from the standpoint that it wasn’t memorable. The reporters on whatever channel I was watching said the same thing. They were expecting something along the lines of JFK. It wasn’t a bad speech but it lacked anything of note. Writing it himself was a mistake. He had the best speechwriters of the campaign by far and was capable of delivering a good line. > > Given the historic nature of his presidency and the size of the crowd/audience I was disappointed in most of the event. The opening invocation and the poem were train wrecks which didn’t help. The ending prayer was a 60’s throw back that might has well have been given by Reverend Wright. I disagree. I thought there were several really nice turns of phrase. I loved the ending: "Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations. " I was in tears. Ed [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-obamas-inauguration/482163.md?page=4)