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Special Report
The Festival Is Over
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "This is the first time that people have been this excited about inauguration," a precocious boy explained to me as I rode the Metro to the Capitol Tuesday morning. "This is the first time people have been this excited about the presidency."
My first instinct was to play the role of the wise elder and explain that there were plenty of times throughout history that people were just as exited about a new president. But instead, I just smiled and nodded, because walking around Washington, D.C. on the day of Barack Obama's inauguration, it was hard to disagree too fervently with the boy's analysis.
From the time I left my apartment in downtown Washington, I was immediately swallowed by the hordes, some who were local and others who were bused in from places like Akron, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan. Attorney Surat Singh, who went to Harvard Law School with Obama, told me that he made the long trek from New Delhi, India, to see his classmate take the oath of office.
Vendors turned the city into a giant flea market, with merchandise bearing Obama's image more ubiquitous than Mickey Mouse souvenirs at Disney World -- right down to a novelty item featuring Obama on a $9 bill.
The standard chants of "O-BAM-A" and "Yes We Can!" echoed throughout the city, along with some improvisational numbers. At one point, I witnessed a woman singing her own rendition of "Happy Obama Day."
Looking down from a platform of the Capitol onto an ocean of people stretching past the Washington Monument, it was hard not to be impressed. Lawmakers marveled at what they saw below them and Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA), among others, snapped a photo of the spectacle from his cell phone camera. Some estimates put the crowd at over 2 million people, or enough to fill about 40 Yankee Stadiums.
But as soon as the newly sworn-in President Obama approached the lectern to deliver his inaugural speech after he and Chief Justice John Roberts flubbed the oath of office, it became clear how much was riding on our new president, and how he has set up expectations that will be impossible to fulfill. The speech itself was evidence of that.
Despite nearly two months of fine-tuning, the man whose gift for oratory helped launch him into the White House gave a rather flat and unfocused talk without any memorable lines. It didn't even generate much applause among the Obama die-hards who had waited outside in the bitter cold to be a part of history.
The 19-minute address was filled with trite metaphors from "the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms" to "let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come." At times, its somber tone recalled Jimmy Carter's "Crisis of Confidence" talk rather than the sunny optimism of Ronald Reagan or Franklin D. Roosevelt.
After weeks of hyping the speech -- and reporting how Obama was studying past great addresses such as Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural -- the spin from the media following the subdued performance was that Obama actually intended to give a weaker than usual speech to reflect the seriousness of the times. Are we to believe that if Obama knocked it out of the ballpark, the media would say it was too showy and inappropriate for the occasion?
MORE IMPORTANTLY, the content of the speech highlighted one of the central difficulties facing his administration. His rhetoric succeeds because it makes everybody feel that he sympathizes with them, but sometimes ideas are inherently contradictory and that will become more obvious now that he has to make decisions.
Obama, in a nod to conservatism, invoked the Founders and touted the importance of tried and true values that "have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history." He also called for "a new era of responsibility."
But Obama believes that the Constitution is a living and breathing document, while conservatives believe that it should be interpreted on the basis of its original intent. Conservatives believe that people who purchased houses that they couldn't afford should be responsible for their decisions rather than taxpayers, while Obama believes we have a collective responsibility to make sure people – even irresponsible people -- don't lose their homes.
"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 instructed us. "The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works…"
Philip Klein is The American Spectator's Washington correspondent.
Comments
Leave a Comment
Jason| 1.21.09 @ 6:31AM
"...the American people will begin to judge him on the decisions he makes, and the results."
So help us, God.
http://www.rightklik.net/
Michael L. Hauschild| 1.21.09 @ 7:15AM
I recall a Explorer Scout meeting where my scout leader, an “Elder” in my church, lamented to me “The country was ruined because we had elected a ‘Catholic.’” Other than my first exposure to “a Card” I also remember that he could not look me in the eye as he said it. I expect quite a bit of that same involuntary behavior soon.
Jeremiah| 1.21.09 @ 7:54AM
I've attached a link to Safire's analysis of the speech, which is strong and reasonable.
Lots of cynicism here at the Spectator.
Jason's right. Obama will be judged by his decisions.
Yesterday, he made some important decisions in his address.
He decided to go with a sturdy, lecturish, somewhat sinewy speech.
He purged his rhetoric of black country-preacher rhetoric: no rousing emotionalism.
This was an important political distinction, and a signal he's now president, not Inspirer in Chief.
In the scheme of things it probably won't be that important an event, but I respect him for it.
Robert Rosencrans| 1.21.09 @ 8:50AM
The speech was ridiculous because all it did was tell people to fall in line. That's not an American principle.
Gerard E.| 1.21.09 @ 9:22AM
If the speech fell flat, it is due to how he is somewhat sobered by the responsibilities to come. How the bad guys of the world- yes, Obamaites, we mean Iran, Syria, etc.- will test him early and often. How the Dow reacted Tuesday with a 300-point downturn. On the heels of significant layoffs at Warner Bros., Clear Channel, Rohm and Haas. Under the crushing weight of his most devout supporters. The fun stopped after the last dance with Michele. Now it gets serious.
HOPE| 1.21.09 @ 9:42AM
Americans cannot expect miracles, the economy is in a grave and dire situation. This problem could go on for 10 years and even longer.
The thing about wars they cost money. Droppping a 5 Million Dollar bomb on any city killing civillians, and when it comes to dropping 100 bombs in a day, it's a lot of money.
Americans bankrupted it self, a few poor people buying houses cannot bankrupt a country the size of America, it's far deeper than that.
Obama will do his best, to move the country towards productivity in new technology, which is the only way forward.
Americans needs a new way of thinking, everything does not need to end in a war.
The thing that America needs to avoid is a world war. Because these types of depression normally result in world war.
If people refuse to learn they will suffer.
ncatty| 1.21.09 @ 9:48AM
He has come a long way since Iowa, hasn't he? I am talking about the distance from his left position then to his centrist position now. It doesn't bother me but it must stun those on the left. Anyway, he is our president now so God bless him.
Dustoff| 1.21.09 @ 10:44AM
Have any of you seen the pictures of these areas after big bash.
It's a huge trash dump!
So much for caring about the land.
Anthony| 1.21.09 @ 10:55AM
Actually, I found the speech to be better than some of the critiques given, but still not a great speech by any streach. That said, Mr. Obama has a herculean task ahead for himself. He remains a complete unknown to both his supporters and his critics. His true moral compass is a mystery; his core beliefs shrouded in conflicting rhetoric. We really don't know what makes this man tick. Seldom in the history of this republic has a man been elected to the presidency that has been so completely unvetted by the media and the citizens who elected him, shocking given today's technology, but not so, given the political bent of the MSM. He can be the long sought for "progressive" that will finally fulfill the dying wishes of the radical '60s generation, or a man tempered by the awesome power and responsibilities of the office, such that he will transcend his philosophical bent in the acknowledgment of the unique greatness of our constitutional republic. Then again, he might not be either; he just might be an over achiever that even his ego can't help save, and we will flounder as a nation for 4 years in a deep transformative economic malaise. God help us all, the mystery is about to unfold.
L. Ross| 1.21.09 @ 11:21AM
Hope:
I hate to break it to you, but this credit crisis is a lot bigger than just a few poor people buying homes they couldn't afford. This is about a failed effort to restructure the entire mortgage industry in the United States. The 60 to 150% increase in home value between 2000 and 2007, followed by the ongoing crash of the last two years is plenty to destroy the economy of this country.
Judging from what you wrote, I'm guessing that you have never made a mortgage payment, and don't quite understand how inter-related all this is.
Yes, wars cost a lot of money, but I don't recall the U.S. getting into financial trouble because of a war. The usually boost the economy.
Tim| 1.21.09 @ 11:27AM
L. Ross,
You bring up an excellent point and one that very few folks have dared to discuss which is to say that Obama may be forced to engage the USA in a huge war..........to help get us out of this economic mess.....
and wouldn't that be the Irony of Ironies?
Jeff| 1.21.09 @ 11:38AM
I wonder how many carbon credits they had to purchase to offset the CO2 emissions from the huge heaters they had in place yesterday.
Gene| 1.21.09 @ 11:44AM
Hey Anthony , you nailed it, it has been said "they know not what they voted for.
Ammo Guy| 1.21.09 @ 12:06PM
I was forced to listen to this speech because they piped it into the hangar at Andrews Air Force Base where I and my family were waiting to bid President Bush and his family a gracious farewell. IMHO, President Bush's impromptu remarks to us before he left were more eloquent and heartfelt than anything I heard from our new President...but then, I'm a W fan whose mind is not clouded by BDS. For those who care, I thought President Bush looked more relaxed than I've seen him in years and we wished him a long and pleasant retirement. OK, now let me have it...I simply don't care anymore.
james23| 1.21.09 @ 12:37PM
Drudge showing a picture of DC after the Obamuration. What a pig sty!
JoshFranklin| 1.21.09 @ 1:16PM
"The American people will begin to judge him on the decisions he makes, and the results." But don't forget the large segment of Kool-Aid drinking Americans who will judge him on a curve based on his predecessor's approval ratings. Even gross misconduct on the part of The Anointed One will be met by them with "Yeah? Well ... Bush Sucks".
Michael L. Hauschild| 1.21.09 @ 1:40PM
Ammo Guy,
I may be as ignorant as some suggest. After all I never quibbled and fought those commies for Richard Nixon with one hand tied behind my back. But I know one thing for sure, Petraeus with his Bush ordered surge to victory beats Kissenger and his "peace with honor" all to hell. I for one wish I would have been standing there with you in that hanger, at attention and saluting.
Michele San Pietro| 1.21.09 @ 3:00PM
I hoped Obama would not repeat Clinton's mistake of spending loads of money for the inauguration. Regrettably, I was proven wrong. Now that the festival is over, I hope Obama will do something concrete in order to keep his promises. Everybody is able to talk, but not everybody is able to act.
Anthony| 1.21.09 @ 3:17PM
Ammo Guy, Thanks for helping give President Bush the send off he and Laura deserved. I wish I could have joined you, millions of rational people do as well. Fox was the only station to show his Texas return speech, I had tears in my eyes watching it. It was eloquence from conviction, not eloquence from rhetorical style. Sums up the man quite well, I think. Hang in there buddy, we need you!!
Dustoff| 1.21.09 @ 3:19PM
Obama freezes the pay of his new people making over 100.000. Really Barry, so what do they make to start off with.
First day and already the BS is flowing.
Alan brooks| 1.21.09 @ 3:26PM
nothing wrong with Obama, it is those such as Jeremiah who have filters wired into their skulls disenabling them from understanding the basics; they can comprehend the details but not the fundamental flaws of human nature and govt.
O. can smooth things over but many of those who work for him will remain hacks. and now is the age of diverse hacks; equal opportunity hacks; multicultural hacks. govt mules with masters in political science and so forth who, like the losel (not lozel) demented, witless cad Jeremiah (Have A "Nice" Day:) are smart but-- like my family-- just cant think on it: men are swine and that is reflected in govt. As Lieberman said, O. can do wonderful things for this country, but pigs are pigs, and since some have to be sacrificed on the altar of status and govt power, that causes a bit of un-grooviness, un-copacetic behavior, verbiage and unending confusion. but we'll stumble through merrily on our way.
forget i mentioned it, you phony liberal fake. its payback time, homeboy!
you know who.
rssg| 1.21.09 @ 3:52PM
The enemy is Islam and when the West finally wakens to this, there will be hope. Not until then.
The USA needs to stop all immigration, especially Moooslim immigration.
Melvin | 1.21.09 @ 3:56PM
Liberals leave the Washington Mall looking like a garbage heap. (picture on Drudge) but that is to be expected because th typical Liberal mindset of, "Hey it wasn't our fault, your just being racist."
Alan Brooks| 1.21.09 @ 3:58PM
Muslim men cant help it theyre pigs. it's their EDUKATION
hope that can be said without harming anyone's wittle bitty self esteem.
and far be it from ex libs to get uppity.
Bush hater| 1.21.09 @ 4:55PM
George W. Bush is a baby killin' asshole!!!
Alan Brooks| 1.21.09 @ 5:03PM
Bush HATER! youre baaaaccckkk
aww how sweet.
and cute of you.
naturally, none of us really WANTS to make waves or cause trouble. were just twying to be understanding... to find ourselfies... to grow....to gwow, be more tolerant of violent aminals who are oppwessed, who need love like Idi Amin and Stalin, Pol Pot and Jeffwie Damner needed love.
we are so tolerant (except of those around us we dont like) so big of us to be BIG hearted and be cute to those poor 'pressed peole far far away
Alan Brooks| 1.21.09 @ 5:06PM
of course we mustn't be cynical... we must be loving and sweet and cute and as condescending as we can without being religious about it.
bush hater you twit, you imbecilic piece of you know what...
Robert Rosencrans| 1.21.09 @ 6:22PM
Here is the best piece I've read yet of why Obama should not be beyond criticism. It points out what I've said, that those who do not point out the flawsare actually doing him a disservice. This is from Juan Williams, NPR, and a regular on FOX. I always thought it was kind of daffy to have he and Gloria Borger on FOX, basically two quasi-governmental employees. Anyway, it's the read of the day.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123249791178500439.html
It is neither overweening emotion nor partisanship to see King's moral universe bending toward justice in the act of the first non-white man taking the oath of the presidency. But now that this moment has arrived, there is a question: How shall we judge our new leader?
If his presidency is to represent the full power of the idea that black Americans are just like everyone else -- fully human and fully capable of intellect, courage and patriotism -- then Barack Obama has to be subject to the same rough and tumble of political criticism experienced by his predecessors. To treat the first black president as if he is a fragile flower is certain to hobble him. It is also to waste a tremendous opportunity for improving race relations by doing away with stereotypes and seeing the potential in all Americans.
Yet there is fear, especially among black people, that criticism of him or any of his failures might be twisted into evidence that people of color cannot effectively lead. That amounts to wasting time and energy reacting to hateful stereotypes. It also leads to treating all criticism of Mr. Obama, whether legitimate, wrong-headed or even mean-spirited, as racist.
This is patronizing. Worse, it carries an implicit presumption of inferiority. Every American president must be held to the highest standard. No president of any color should be given a free pass for screw-ups, lies or failure to keep a promise.
During the Democrats' primaries and caucuses, candidate Obama often got affectionate if not fawning treatment from the American media. Editors, news anchors, columnists and commentators, both white and black but especially those on the political left, too often acted as if they were in a hurry to claim their role in history as supporters of the first black president.
For example, Mr. Obama was forced to give a speech on race as a result of revelations that he'd long attended a church led by a demagogue. It was an ordinary speech. At best it was successful at minimizing a political problem. Yet some in the media equated it to the Gettysburg Address.
The importance of a proud, adversarial press speaking truth about a powerful politician and offering impartial accounts of his actions was frequently and embarrassingly lost. When Mr. Obama's opponents, such as the Clintons, challenged his lack of experience, or pointed out that he was not in the U.S. Senate when he expressed early opposition to the war in Iraq, they were depicted as petty.
Bill Clinton got hit hard when he called Mr. Obama's claims to be a long-standing opponent of the Iraq war "the biggest fairy tale I've ever seen." The former president accurately said that there was no difference in actual Senate votes on the war between his wife and Mr. Obama. But his comments were not treated by the press as legitimate, hard-ball political fighting. They were cast as possibly racist.
This led to Saturday Night Live's mocking skit -- where the debate moderator was busy hammering the other Democratic nominees with tough questions while inquiring if Mr. Obama was comfortable and needed more water.
When fellow Democrats contending for the nomination rightly pointed to Mr. Obama's thin proposals for dealing with terrorism and extricating the U.S. from Iraq, they were drowned out by loud if often vacuous shouts for change. Yet in the general election campaign and during the transition period, Mr. Obama steadily moved to his former opponents' positions. In fact, he approached Bush-Cheney stands on immunity for telecommunications companies that cooperate in warrantless surveillance.
Alan Brooks| 1.21.09 @ 6:37PM
we need humor in these lite times. read Gore Vidal's piece on why tim mcveigh was oppwessed.
written may '01, right before timmy went to that great gun show in the sky.
ruth| 1.22.09 @ 2:32AM
B. Hater, may you drown in your own bile. Ammo, no worries, you (and W.) are among friends here. I am glad that the President can finally rest. He looks so tired. I know I couldn't have done what he did. May God bless him for his stalwart efforts on our behalf.
Michele San Pietro| 1.22.09 @ 3:10PM
It's not just a matter of rejecting all Muslim immigrants. Not all Muslims are islamic fundamentalists. You should rather reject all foreigners who don't respect the USA, who continuously say it is an absurd country that should not exist. Believe me, they are many in Europe, too, including my Italy: I get insulted by them every single day.
HOPE| 1.22.09 @ 5:35PM
L ROSS.
You don't think I have ever made a mortgage payment in my life, you should not generalise so much. I have brought 3 homes in the last 35 years and have a 16.000 mortgage.
HOPE| 1.22.09 @ 5:47PM
The Wall Street shuffel, naked short selling, is what caused the crash. The stockmarket crash has nothing to do with poor people buying homes.
The BAILOUT is going into a black hole of debt. America is paying 3 BILLION per day in interest payments to her creditors, and will default.
The Chinese don't want anymore of US Bonds, because they are worthless like the American dollars. So here is the solution they want assets for the debts.
The healthcare bubble is next to collapse.
America is just a major counterfeiting operation, that has ran its course.
Alan Brooks| 1.22.09 @ 8:09PM
"nothing to do" ? with poor people...
yeah sure,
Alan Brooks| 1.22.09 @ 8:45PM
couldn't be Daphnes comment two posts above, it is too careful in its spelling.
Alan Brooks| 1.22.09 @ 9:50PM
'lots of cynics here' at amspec, sayeth the jeremiad.
THEN GO ELSEWHERE, YOU PUTZ
Hope| 1.23.09 @ 1:23PM
Hello people it's time to have a laugh and cheer yourselves up.
You can all learn from your mistakes, or continue the same way.
Look up Youtube Part 1/2 Bird & fortune financial crisis silly money Nov 08. If that does not make you laugh nothing will.
Michele San Pietro| 1.24.09 @ 4:02PM
It's incredibile how died-in-the-wool anti-Americans have been repeating the same crap for decades. Every time they predict the forthcoming collapse of America. And yet, America is still there.
Pingback| 1.28.09 @ 3:49AM
Pajamas Media » Has Obama Derangement Syndrome Arrived? links to this page.
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