Obama’s inauguration speech

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In his inauguration speech, Obama condemned our collective failure to make hard choices, promising bold and swift action to restore the economy: "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."

He told the world the U.S. was ready to lead one more: "And so, to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that 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."

With reference to race, he said his inauguration shows us how far we have come: "This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath."

On "To the Point," a discussion of the Inaugural Address in the context of history and contemporary politics, and what comes next.

David Kusnet, Chief speechwriter for President Bill Clinton from 1992 to 1994, says of Obama’s speech:" … as with so many of President Obama’s speeches, it was a great speech from start to finish … one of the many distinctive aspects of his oratory is that, instead of being memorable with just one phrase or one line, [his speeches are] memorable from start to finish.

"I think he set forth a public philosophy for himself … a measured and moderate philosophy for a leader from the central left…"

Guests:
– David Kusnet: Chief speechwriter for President Bill Clinton from 1992 to 1994; Author
– Robert Schlesinger: Deputy editor at "U.S. News and World Report"; Author
– Harold Holzer: Author of 31 books on President Lincoln
– Peniel E. Joseph: Professor of Afro-American Studies, Brandeis University
– Robert Ford: State Senator, South Carolina
– John Ridley: Founding Editor, ThatMinorityThing.com
– Debra Dickerson: essayist and author

Transcript of Obama’s Inaugural Address

Hosted by award-winning journalist Warren Olney, "To the Point" presents informative and thought-provoking discussion of major news stories — front-page issues that attract a savvy and serious news audience.

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