Barack Obama's Inaugural Address

Creating a Purposeful Unity and Electing Hope Over Fear

Jan 23, 2009 Kristin Krogh

Barack Obama's inaugural address reflected on the challenges that the nation faces while at the same time reinforcing the theme of his campaign: hope.

In 1933, in the midst of the Great Depression, Franklin Delano Roosevelt commented in his inaugural address that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Nearly thirty years later, in 1961, John F. Kennedy uttered the famous line, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” With a speech that echoed both of these predecessors, Barack Obama’s inaugural address on January 20, 2009 certainly touched on the topics of fear and uncertainty as well as on service, unification, and an optimism for the future.

A Thoughtful Approach to Pressing Issues

In front a record-setting crowd estimated at roughly two million attendees, Obama began his speech humbly, with history in mind, thanking the American people for their trust and offering his thanks to George W. Bush for his service to the nation. Obama then quickly and seamlessly transitioned into discussing the major issues that have been at the fore-front of many Americans’ minds: conflicts abroad, the economy at home, jobs, health care, and education.

Obama pointed to America’s weaknesses, to the “collective failure to make hard choices” and “a sapping of confidence.” Yet, he continued on to say that Americans will meet the challenges ahead and that they have “chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.”

He appealed to hard work, noting that greatness must be earned and that power must be prudently, cautiously, and respectfully employed. He honored the Americans that have gone before - those who offered their labor and even their lives to build the nation. And then, he called for action. The time for “standing pat,” he said, is over. It is now time to take “bold and swift action” on the economy, widen the scope of technological innovation, and make health care more affordable.

Once he had successfully addressed these domestic endeavors, he reminded Americans that the time has come to think more globally and to build stronger ties with the rest of the world, offering friendship and setting a positive example. To reinforce this principle, he commented to those who may have been watching in other parts of the world by saying, “America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.”

Achieving Peace, Bridging the Divides, and Remembering Core Values

As he began to wrap up the address, Obama encouraged the American populace once again by saying that their “patchwork heritage” can be a “strength, not a weakness," thereby reminding his countrymen that it is time to put aside old grudges, prejudices, and hatreds. He declared emphatically that America must due its part to achieve peace and to repair the divides that have been created; and, in order to do this, he underlined the importance of unification and the coming together of those of all faiths and all walks of life.

Lastly, Obama called on all Americans to remember core values: “honesty, hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism.” With these values intact, Americans must live up to new responsibilities. With these values intact, Americans must rise to the occasion and look toward the future as they begin to meet the challenges head-on, all the while demonstrating strength of character, courage of convictions, and an enduring sense of compassion.

The Complete Transcript

For a complete transcript of the inaugural address, please visit the politics page of the New York Times.

The copyright of the article Barack Obama's Inaugural Address in American Affairs is owned by Kristin Krogh. Permission to republish Barack Obama's Inaugural Address in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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