Why Gen Y will remember Obama’s Inaugural Address

The burning question every media outlet is asking after every major political speech is “What is the soundbite?”, the snippet which Mark Twain called “a minimum of sound to a maximum of sense”. Rightly so, because speech writers approach a speech in a similar way. A good speech is designed with an arc that traverses the entire presentation, but that arc is made up of smaller parts, designed to be memorable and repeated by the audience.  It’s the “ask not what your country can do for you” of rhetoric that makes the moment live on in our memories and it’s no secret that Obama’s oratory prowess has been a goldmine.

#1: Dedication

“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America – they will be met.”

This is a classic use of oratory, build the problem up piece by piece (challenges –> serious challenges —> serious and lengthy challenges) and then solve it. Though G.W. Bush’s presidency was one of similar dedication to the cause, many people thought that he wasn’t addressing the challenges to American life, rather that he was pursuing a grander mission of his own choosing.  This became even more apparent as the economy began to crumble and his bail-out solution would massively increase the defecit.

#2: Change and Survival

“We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions – that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”

Once again, some rhetoric which actively posits itself against the reputation of Bush (particularly the narrow interests part.) It’s possibly a strange relationship however, given that Bush himself patted himself on the back last week for his ‘unpleasant decisions.’ The last part of this excerpt  will stand the test of time; it appeals to change and forward progression. A strong and defiant America standing strong against waning global reputation, an economic recession and seven years of (largely unjustified) war.

#3: Friend and Foe (Part 1)

“We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.”

Obama wasn’t only supported by Democrats and America is far from being left-leaning so it’s definitely likely that his rhetoric should reflect a dedication to fighting terror. What I think is commendable is that he chose to use ‘spirit’ and longevity as his weapons; a clear dedication towards alternative solutions beyond war. Additionally, it is these American values which unite the population, Republican or Democrat, pacifist or activist, in ambition and strength.

#4: Friend and Foe (Part 2)

“To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”

This is my favourite part of the speech, possibly because of the brilliant use of language (more on that in a moment). The image of ‘clinging’ to power as a last option, not possessing it. I also like the idea of the struggle against terrorism being a campaign to allow freedom of dissent. It perpetuates the image of democracy’s restoration as a guiding goal as opposed to the racial vilification our “post-9/11″ world has come to expect.

The language to end the sentence is beautiful, the perfect turnaround of image, political powers coming together by opening their palms. It speaks to a position that Obama has long held, that peace can be found alongside foreign aid, while maintaining a strong defense for as long as that fist is clenched.

To view the NY Times transcript of the speech, visit here

To see the Inauguration video, click here

* Portrait of Barack Obama courtesy of The Office of the President-Elect, change.gov