Obama’s speech: “We understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned.”
Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America today in Washington, D.C.
In his speech after the oath, administered clumsily by Chief Justice John Roberts, Obama asked Americans to work hard so that America can persevere through these challenging times, referring both to the economy and to national security issues.
He promised to return America to a nation that remains true to its ideals.
He also called for unity, asking Americans to move past petty discord. “The time has come to set aside childish things,” he said. In an earlier part of the speech, he said, “What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them—that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.”
Obama called for responsibility: Working hard, sacrificing, helping others, being good parents.
He spoke to an international audience, too. “”To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect,”he said. And he warned others, “To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. 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.”
Did you watch the inauguration? Listen to the speech? What do you think? Were you expectations met?
And what next? What should Obama tackle first? He said the struggle ahead will be difficult and long. Do you agree?
Read the speech here.
And check out the White House website. It’s a bit different now.
Jamie Riley is the P-D letters editor and gatekeeper of the letters blog. Before joining the editorial page in May 2005, she was a reporter and page designer. Jamie lives in University City with her husband, Charles, daughter, Elise, and the world's best Jack Russell terrier, Logan, better known as Stinky. 
Note: I may cull comments left here by 3 p.m. for inclusion in tomorrow’s edit page.
Obama gave a rambling, tepid, uninspiring speech to an unenthusiastic crowd that found little about which to show emotion or excitement.
The man who has been breathlessly proclaimed to be a great orator, but one who inspires and unites people, showed nothing to warrant those praises.
Are we still to “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” even after he has assumed the oath of office? When is it time to hold the President of the United States accountable to what he and so many in the media promised and to the responsibilities of his office?
7dez7,
Sometimes it is appropriate to say nothing when you can’t find anything positive to say.
“In his speech after the oath, administered clumsily by Chief Justice John Roberts…” Seriously, what was the point of that comment in an otherwise fine post? Petty.
He said our responsibilities include being good parents. How is killing our children being good parents?
Obama’s speech was about what I expected except for the “working hard” and “sacrificing” part. Government handouts, bailouts, and entitlements don’t go to people working hard or sacrificing.
Socialism is not what our country’s ideals has been all about so I’m confused about that as well.
As for what he needs to tackle first, he needs to make a strong statement about terrorism and the war on terrorism. Biden said he will be tested within 6 months of his presidency and he needs to come out forcefully, saying that our war against those that will sow hate will continue. He was not forceful enough in his speech.
D. Walker - Your posts here over the past months have ranged from judgmental and moralistic to just plain rude. You are the last person who should be discussing the manners of others.
You may not like the way Justice Roberts adiminstered the oath, but he will have time to practice on many, many future presidents.
Whatever Obama said to Wall Street, they didn’t like it.
Clipper,
Give her a break. Obama has asked that we set aside childish things, and this goes for journalists too, but they just can’t go cold turkey like that!
As for the speach, I didn’t hear it, but based on the excerpts, it was good, especially the responsibility part. I hope Obama keeps up that kind of rhetoric and I hope every American takes it personally.
Oh, and telling other countries to stop blaming the West….that was good to hear.
Judge Roberts dropped the ball…It was a clumsy attemp to impress his colleagues he could memorize the 34 words contained in the oath of office…The Judge needs to stay in his chambers. He doesn’t do well in front of large crowds.
7Dizy7 claims the crowd wasn’t enthusiatic. Turn the channel. You must be watching re-runs of “Dancing with the Stars”.