CBS newsman Bob Schieffer couldn't find anything to like about President Obama's Inaugural Speech yesterday. He was asked by Evening News anchor Scott Pelley to assess the day and replied:
It was a very unusual inauguration speech in that there were no real memorable lines.
There was no "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." There was no "Ask not what your country can do for you," as Jack Kennedy did.
This was more like a State of the Union speech where the president listed his priorities.
He did not particularly ask for help. Rather, he said we're all in this together and we won't solve it unless we are together.
I think the left will like it a lot. The people on the right; not so much.
Having said all that, it was a perfect day. It was beautiful weather, the crowds were large, they were joyous and the most important thing - what was supposed to happen according to the Constitution - happened: The person who got the most votes in November took the oath of office as President of the United States.
That doesn't always happen in other countries, but it happened again in our country and that's a good thing.
(And I love how he rewrites history and overlooks George W. Bush's coup of the Presidency by saying such things only happen in other countries).
While the speech was criticized by Republicans because it wasn't by, for, and about Republicans, it received wide praise from many directions for its progressive values. It was called "the most sustainedly "progressive" statement Barack Obama has made in his decade on the national stage", and "Obama's Forceful, Progressive Inaugural Speech". Even David Brooks found something good to say about it.
I really thought it was one of the best inaugural speeches in the past half-century, because those — the speeches that work are making an argument for something. And he made an argument for something. And then, you know, I’m not as liberal as he. So, I then thought, ‘Oh, here’s where I differ. Here’s where I don’t.’ So, I thought it was really educational and very provocative.”
Well as CNN contributor LZ Granderson
notes, Bob Schieffer is obviously straight. What was edited out of the clip was Schieffer describing himself listening to the speech for memorable lines and he 'just wasn't hearing anything that spoke to him'.
Not that I spent time thinking about his sexual orientation before but that's the first thing that popped in my mind when the legendary newsman, in critiquing President Barack Obama's inauguration speech, said, "There were no real memorable lines."
Maybe not for straight people, but there were not a whole lot of gay people who will forget this:
"Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well."
That was the first time the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community was mentioned in inaugural address.
I'd say that passage was pretty memorable.
And while we've all heard this president mention the rights of gays in speeches before -- what was unique about the inauguration, what really moved me and a lot of people engaged in this particular struggle, was this:
"We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths -- that all of us are created equal -- is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall."
As Politico
noted, this was a first in history: the use of the word 'gay' in an inaugural speech.
President Barack Obama on Monday became the first president to use the word “gay” in an inaugural address in reference to sexual orientation, making two references to gay rights as he began his second term.
Not memorable? Your (old, tired) privilege is showing, Bob Schieffer. Even Charles
Krauthammer and Joe Scarborough have acknowleged that America is changing
“Obama’s postelection arrogance and intransigence can put you in a fighting mood. I sympathize,” he wrote. “But I’m tending toward the realist view: Don’t force the issue when you don’t have the power.”
Speaking to the debt ceiling specifically, Krauthammer said it’s evident that the GOP won’t get what they want and will have to “cave” in the end. So instead, adhere to a rule: “From a single house of Congress you can resist but you cannot impose.”
And then, look to the future:
Want to save the Republic? Win the next election. Don’t immolate yourself trying to save liberalism from itself. If your conservative philosophy is indeed right, winning will come.
and the Republican Party is in
retreat.
Scarborough, unsurprisingly, was happy to chime in here — noting the GOP’s low approval rating compared to Obama’s higher approval and “likable” image. “This is a movement, this is a party in retreat,” Scarborough said, “and that’s why the president did what he did yesterday.”
Get with the program or get left behind.
Here are Politico's top ten memorable lines from President Obama's 2013 Inaugural Speech.