Did you hear echoes of Lincoln in Obama's inaugural address? Re-read Lincoln's speeches and compare them to Obama's speech today. Please post your response in the comment section below no later than 8 AM on Thursday. Read and respond to the other comments, too. You can either log in using your google account, or post anonymously, but be sure to include your name in the text of your comment.You might think about the following comparisons:
-Allusions (Biblical, literary, and/or political) in Obama's speech and in Lincoln's
-Structure of the speech (how it introduces its main ideas, climax, conclusion, etc.)
-Rhetorical devices (such as repetitions of words/images, particular sentence structures, metaphors and similes, climactic/emphatic phrases, etc.)
-Depiction of the role of the presidency and/or the relationship between government and ordinary people
-Depiction of God or the role of the divine in defining the nation
-Overall theme
Or add your own item to the list! Feel free to discuss differences as well as similarities (but do not just say "I didn't see any similarities").
You can find the text of Obama's speech here:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hKUtZaMLuh6KEQgRzqqEq1yTZ_2gD95R7TIO0
And the text of every presidential inaugural address here. (Just click the "full text" link under the photo):
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/17/washington/20090117_ADDRESSES.html?hp
"House United" Speech
ReplyDeleteBy: Stacy Schipellite
While the newest President of the United States, Barak Obama, and President Abraham Lincoln spoke seemingly about different issues and concerns, they are more similar than at first glance. Lincoln spoke at a time of great struggle and peril, during a time of war when hope was frail. Obama speaks similarly as Lincoln did. During a time of tragedy not only from the war, Obama lists the nation’s problems: problems in the economy, problems abroad, and problems overseas. As Lincoln structured his speech in listing the problems of war for the United States, Obama similarly begins with these hardships, explaining the difficulties the nation has been facing. However, he moves right on to the hope of the future. He determines our nation will change. He determines we will slowly begin the process of rebuilding our economy and of allowing everyone to equally participate in our renewal.
President Obama specifically addresses certain groups of people which he acknowledges are in need of help. He tells of his plans to help the poor, and he respects and thanks the soldiers in the Middle East for their courage. His speech strives to prove that, though America faces many challenges in the years ahead, they will be met. He expresses his confidence in setting the nation back on track and asks for God’s help to make it so. Lincoln was more cautious, saying the God did not want this war and now it might not end until God believes justice has been served on both sides. He not only blames the United States for the war they have started, but also knows it will not end quickly. Obama is much quicker to hope for the best than Lincoln was. Obama also references the Civil and Revolutionary Wars, to prove that time and people change, that times of war and hardship will pass and peace will reign. While Lincoln is uncertain of peace any time in his future, he does say that there is still hope. Obama sees the founding fathers and ancestors of the United States as patriotic and heroic, willing and courageous enough to fight for their beliefs. He hopes we will approach this New Year with that same spirit of courage. Lincoln calls for a time of healing of the wounds of war, for peace throughout the world. Obama calls for the same. Lincoln wrote of a house divided, more so by the war. Obama remembers that divided house, and proudly declares it united in 2009.
Peter Hoye
ReplyDeleteTuesday, January 20, 2009, marked the inauguration of the United States of America’s 44th President, Barack Obama. In hearing and reading President Obama’s inaugural address one can see a relation between his speech and former president, Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address. In beginning his speech Lincoln made it known that he and the rest of the country were aware of the situations at hand during that time, mainly the civil war (Lincoln). President Obama too made note of the current situation today, the war in Iraq stating “that we are in the midst of crisis is well understood” (Obama).
Moving on in his address Lincoln touched upon the topic of slavery stating that he did not understand how both sides of the slavery issue could pray to the same god, asking to “invoke His aid against the other (Lincoln). While Obama’s address did not touch on the issue of slavery he did make note of the changes that had come about in America saying “because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace” (Obama).
In both addresses the Presidents also used quotes from scripture to emphasize their points. Lincoln however, does not point out the source of his quote since many people at that time were avid readers of the Bible. Obama however, did note that he was about to quote scripture which in today’s world is a necessity due to the large amount of people who have no knowledge of religious texts.
Finally, as each President began to end their address they both noted the need for change in America. President Lincoln stated this very simply saying “ With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations” (Lincoln). Obama too discussed the need for change going into great detail about all that must change in America. However, Obama’s general message can best be described in one of his lines “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America” (Obama).
Both Presidents’ inaugural address spoke to the people, addressing the issues of that time. They also made it known that they are all in these situations together as one nation. While both addresses were given during a time of war, that did not deter the Presidents from saying that they must work for peace, and work to rebuild America, fixing the problems that have been created. So, whether it be 1865 or 2009, our Presidents are still working to help all Americans one day achieve what this country was founded for; achieving the American dream.
Obama's inaugural address will be marked as a historical event in our nation’s history. His speech paralleled Lincoln’s speech in many ways including its structure, content, and an optimistic view of the future of our nation. Obama began by outlining some of our nation’s problems, like the war in Iraq, our economy, healthcare etc. Lincoln began his speech in this way by commenting on the state of our war-torn country due to the civil war and the magnitude of slavery that was plaguing our nation.
ReplyDeleteThe use of scripture is also evident within both speeches. Obama says “The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit, to choose our better history, to carry forth that precious gift…The God given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness”. Lincoln’s quotes scripture reminding us that God has a purpose for the turmoil and hardships that the Civil War brought on. Towards the end of his speech, Obama says “God calls us to shape an uncertain destiny”, this relates back to how Lincoln used God within his speech saying that “the Almighty has His own purposes”, that we don’t know how our future will play out during this time of difficulty. Both use scripture has a way of inspiring hope into its citizens, to remind them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
There are also parts of Obama’s speech that relate back to Lincoln’s address. Lincoln was an advocate for ending slavery in the states, which did allow African Americans to have freedom, it did not end racism in our country. Obama relates back to the hardships for blacks in the past and comments on how far our country has come and how honorable it is for him to be standing in front of thousands of people as the president of the United States.
For the most part both presidents are being elected during a time of instability and their main goals is to “bind up the nations wounds”, and carry “forth that great gift of freedom safely to future generations”. Both ended their speeches with confidence and hopefulness for our country.
Tom Lally
ReplyDeleteA few similarities, as well as some striking differences, can be found between President Lincoln’s second inaugural address and that given by President Barack Obama almost 150 years later.
First, let’s look at the differences. President Lincoln exhibited a strong faith in God and His Providential plan, believing “the Almighty has his own purposes” and history will unfold at “His appointed time.” Obama places more responsibility in our hands: “God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.” Although God still has a role in this process, our ultimate success will be self-determined by values such as “honesty and hard work, courage…, tolerance and curiosity.” The diversity of Lincoln’s America proved to be the source of our Civil War, but now “we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united.” Diversity has become a source of strength, not conflict. When Lincoln references Scripture, he does so without directly mentioning what he is doing. President Obama openly acknowledges using “the words of Scripture.”
The similarities between Lincoln and Obama are equally important. Neither tries to side-step acknowledgement of our present difficulties, but they both speak with optimism for the future. ‘Hope’ has become a mantra for Obama’s campaign, and Lincoln uses it twice in his address. Lincoln acknowledged that each side, North and South, “invokes His aid against the other.” Just as fundamental Islam claims a heavenly reward for their jihad against the West, so too does America seek the support of God – Obama, like every politician today, ends his speech with the words “God bless the United States of America.” Lincoln tells us to “judge not that we be not judged.” Obama “[proclaims] an end to the petty grievances…and recriminations. …The time has come to set aside childish things.” Both explicitly compel us to focus our attention on getting out of crisis, instead of pointing fingers at who got us there.
Lexi Martindale
ReplyDeleteThere are some similarities between Lincoln’s second inaugural address and Obama’s first. Perhaps the greatest similarity is that both were sworn into office using the same Bible. When Obama was sworn in a couple of days ago, Lincoln’s Bible hadn’t been used since his own inauguration. Lincoln and Obama were also both sworn in at times of crisis: Lincoln’s was a Civil War, while Obama’s is mainly an economic problem, but also includes a foreign war against terror. In both cases, the audience is feeling a bit hopeless: either because of the long war that has dragged on in Lincoln’s case, or that many of them have lost homes in Obama’s case.
While the backgrounds to their inaugurations are similar, their speeches are somewhat similar too. Probably the most obvious comparison is both Presidents’ use of Scripture in their speeches. Even in a society that is not quite so well-versed in the Bible, Obama decided to quote a line or two. The biggest difference is that Obama specifically stated “in the words of Scripture”, whereas Lincoln just proceeded to quote the Bible without preamble. This is probably a result of less people knowing the Bible today than they did in Lincoln’s time. Their direct quotes were about two different things, but Obama also said, “This is the source of our confidence – the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny”. This sounds similar to Lincoln, not just because of the reference to God, but the “uncertain destiny” that Lincoln also refuses to guess at, when he says, “With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured”. In Obama’s speech, it appears the citizens of the country have agency and control over their lives, whereas Lincoln seems to suggest that God Himself is the only one with agency and will ultimately determine the end of the Civil War. Obama also directly mentioned Gettysburg, when he mentioned of the men and women who fought and died for the country. Gettysburg, of course, is where Lincoln gave one of (if not the most) his famous speeches, so the reference to that town certainly conjures up thought of Lincoln himself.
Both authors are extremely encouraging to the country. Lincoln said, “let us strive to finish the work we are in,” where Obama said a similar “starting today, we will pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America”. He adds, “Everywhere we look, there is work to be done” and “…all this we can do. All this we will do”. Both offer these motivational words to suggest remedies for the problems the country is facing at that particular moment.
Like Lincoln, Obama also mentions the greater world, beyond America. As Lincoln says, “with malice toward none; with charity for all,” and “…to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations”. Obama says, similarly, “Know that America is a friend of every nation, every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity”. Both stress the importance of peace worldwide, not just in the United States.
I just want to focus on a few of the parallels between Lincoln's and Obama's speeches. First is the fact that both men address other nations. Since Lincoln's speech was during the time of the civil war, it seems that be addressing other nations he is raising the question of what sort of nation America is. Were we to be one nation who would find peace and stay united regardless of our differences, or were we to divide in to two separate nations, one of southern slavery and one of northern freedom? Could we even have survived on a global scale if we had divided? When Obama addresses other nations, it is well known that America is a united entity, but it is one that must resume its role as a world leader and reclaim its right to set a moral example by ending this war abroad.
ReplyDeleteA difference between the two presidents' speeches is that while Lincoln seemlessly incorporated scripture without pointing out its source, Obama prefaces quotes with the phrase, "To quote scripture." Although I like Lincoln's subtle tactic of leaving it to those who pay close attention to find the true meaning within his words, I think it was necessary for Obama to state that he was making a biblical connection because in this day and age far fewer people are religious and know biblical passages by heart.
Both Lincoln and Obama are entering office with a nation at war. Lincoln had to struggle with the fighting and aftermath of the Civil War, a time of intense disunity between the North and South, while Obama tackles an international dilemma with terrorism and domestic incompetence within our own borders, including greedy CEOs, unemployed citizens, and an American public that is losing its faith in our country's founded ideals of equality for all. Obama calls it a 'collective failure' of our economy and way of government, but like Lincoln, he throws most of the blame upon the Bush Administration of the last eight years. This is similar in Lincoln's Second Inaugural when in talking about the Civil War and its blame, "both parties deprecated war; but one of them would MAKE war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would ACCEPT war rather than let it perish" (1636). This shows Lincoln parting most of the blame upon the South and the Confederacy as Obama, not so subtly, promised a change from the current ways of politics and Washington and how it has recently been run. Obama, like Lincoln wants America to be a friend of all nations and those who want to lead a life of 'peace and unity.' Lincoln wanted a 'just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations" (1636) as well. I did not notice any direct biblical references within Obama's twenty (20) minute inauguration speech, but I did like his closing and direct reference to God: "We will endure what storms come with God's grace upon us - want to be looked at by other generations to come as the people who did not quit- kept trudging onward." I found this closing to be very powerful and this speech by our 44th President will go down in history with the best. Obama promising to bring change and unity would be something that our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, would be very pleased and excited about, as are millions of Americans today...myself included.
ReplyDeleteKristen Charlesworth
ReplyDeleteAs the first African American President, Barack Obama and his inauguration takes President Abraham Lincoln’s presidency full circle. One of the most beloved and honored American presidents, Lincoln passed down the Emancipation Proclamation, and the election of Obama as President has fully completed its vision. When Lincoln delivered his inaugural address nearly 150 years ago, America was not the country it was today; the bloodiest war in history was finally dwindling and the nation was beginning to pick up the pieces. But, the prophetic-like wisdom Lincoln incorporates into his renowned address echoes itself not only in Obama’s inaugural speech, but Lincoln’s values and strides during his presidency emulate itself in the very act of electing Obama President.
Their two addresses, delivered during different times in American history, but delivered for exactly the same reason, offer words of wisdom to our nation. Both addresses begin with a statement of place, a description of our current situation in America. Lincoln states that with the war coming to a close, the future of America remains unknown. Obama, as the 44th man to take the presidential oath, reiterates that this sacred oath has been taken in good times and in bad, “during rising tides of prosperity” and “amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.” Obama directly addresses the current wars and economic crisis our nation is in. His reassurance that America will not falter in the face of adversity gives a more hopeful tone to his speech.
Obama’s references to the virtues and values of our nation ring true even 150 years ago. Both speeches emphasize the great adversity our nation was in during Lincoln’s time, and the adversity that is yet to come in the present day. This seemingly daunting and terrifying truth of our present time is spoken to, rather than ignored. The recognition of these hardships, however, force Obama to speak of ways we will face these challenges. As Americans, Obama states, “we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world.” It is with the pride of Americans that we will be able to triumph over the obstacles ahead. After all, it was this same pride guided Lincoln’s America through the tragedies of the Civil War. We are currently confronted with similar difficulties, and our nation is beyond ready for progress towards the better. After all, Obama is the change we’ve all been waiting for.
Melanie MacKenzie
ReplyDeletePresident Obama’s inaugural speech, though not directly linked to President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, contained many of the same themes and concepts. Aside from his oath being taken on the Lincoln Bible and his lunch being modeled after Lincoln’s favorites, there were no direct quotes by Lincoln or quotes used by him in his own speech. Instead, Obama focused on similar ideas. Using parallelism quite frequently in his address to the nation, the new President echoed Lincoln’s theme of reflecting on the past. Instead of examining the monstrosity of the Civil War, Obama mentioned the past years under Bush, calling him swiftly into accountability and focusing on finding somewhere to place blame. Like Lincoln, however, Obama stated that it was a nationwide issue and we must all fix it together. “We the People” must work on fixing the nation, “so it has been and so it must be.” He united the country in his speech much as Lincoln attempted to do in 1865. Obama also used Scripture in his speech, though he made a point to mention the fact that it is Scripture. Unlike Lincoln’s time, he can’t presume any longer that every citizen would recognize the quote. Obama referenced the idea that the past struggles that we have faced, the war and the fighting was something greater than the individual, much like Lincoln. In his Second Address, Lincoln mentioned the lash marks that must be repaid in blood. Obama also mentioned the lash of a whip. He said we must pick ourselves up and continue, listing off many things that will be changed and fixed, including the environment, government, healthcare, and the trust of the people. He too talked of peace between the two avenging groups, yet made it clear that the United States will not stand for terrorism and displaying a strength that Lincoln did not hit upon as strongly. Yet they both mentioned some form of the “other” party and its beliefs, Obama mentioning those who now realize the “ground has shifted beneath them” and Lincoln referring to those who either made the war or those who accepted it.
Another important thing that Obama accomplished that Lincoln worked hard to do was to attempt to bridge the gap between nations. Both reached out to other countries of the world and offered friendship, Lincoln wanting “lasting peace…with all nations” and Obama offering a “hand if you unclench a fist.” Obama referenced the Civil War in his speech, used an allegory of early America to compare our situation today, and ended his speech on the same hopeful note as Lincoln, wishing to deliver freedom “safely to future generations.” Without directly quoting Lincoln, Obama strategically manipulated his diction to display the same energy and hope for the future that captivated Lincoln’s audience during a time of great despair.
Mari Andracchio
ReplyDeleteMany comparisons can be made between Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address and Barack Obama’s inauguration speech. In a broader sense, they were both optimistic about the future of the nation, despite the hard times that preceded their terms. Specifically speaking, they both referenced the wars (Lincoln and the Civil War; Obama and the Iraq War), and they both incorporated biblical references into their speeches. Lincoln and Obama’s speeches also mentioned the suppression of African Americans. Lincoln discussed slavery and Obama mentioned that his father might not have been served at a restaurant a mere sixty years ago, but now he (Obama) is taking the ‘most sacred oath’ and is the President of the United States. In addition, Lincoln and Obama’s speeches were both unifying. Lincoln didn’t place blame on any one group for the war, and Obama continually used the collective “we” instead of “I”, to show that the nation as a whole needs to come together to create change. Their speeches were hopeful about the nation’s future, and they both place faith in God at the end of their speeches. They both want to heal the nation and its wounds,are realistic with the goals they set. and acknowledge the difficulty of the task that lies before them.
Amanda Palmisciano
ReplyDeleteSince both President Obama and President Lincoln spoke during times of obvious hardship in America, both of them were upfront about the difficulties of the moment. Just as Lincoln admitted early on in his speech that there was not much new information for him to give Americans because they all were living in the troubles, so too Obama was quick to admit that he is coming to office in a time where America finds itself stumbling. Because America has had troubles before, however, Obama was able to point back to other times, such as Lincoln’s, to reassure American citizens that the country has pulled through before and will do so this time. Like Lincoln, Obama also attempted to reach people by quoting scripture. Also, both men took office at a time where the country found itself beginning to divide within itself; Lincoln with the North and South, and Obama with differences of opinions regarding race, religion, and sexual orientation. Lincoln speech made clear that the country would remain one United States of America without breaking into separate entities, while Obama reassured Americans that it was their differences that made them unite as one more strongly formed nation. He said, “For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers.” They both then used this idea of unity within the country to extend the idea that all nations can unite in peace. Overall, each speech made clear the hurdles America faced, but also offered listeners hope that everything would be all right and that America would remain strong and united.
Megan O'Malley
ReplyDeleteWhile both the presidents were inaugurated the country was struggling from division, hardships, and war. Both Lincoln and Obama throughout their speeches aim to address the issue of unity, not just in America but also with the rest of the world. For instance, Lincoln ends his address by saying that he hopes to "bind up the nation's wounds" and to create peace among all nations. Like Lincoln, Obama says that "America is a friend of each nation" and tries to cite several areas of country that he will work on to help "remake America" from the economy to science and health care. In addition, Obama references battles fought in the past, including Gettysburg and Concord. He also includes passages from scripture, like Lincoln, to suggest how America should move on from its current state. While Obama's speech is much longer than Lincoln's, they both aim to bring hope and to reestablish trust between the government and its citizens. Obama says that while America is a young country "the time has come to set aside childish things." Both Lincoln and Obama strive to unify the country again and start their presidency from a new angle to help correct the problems of the past and help to resolve issues in America and abroad.
There are some major similarities between Obama’s inaugural address given on Tuesday January 20, 2009 and Lincoln’s speeches which he gave on June 16, 1858 and March 4, 1865. Despite the difference in time between these speeches, the ideas and concepts that these presidents discussed in their addresses were surprisingly similar. This shows that the issues that our country faces today are related to those faced centuries before. Both Lincoln and Obama showed their great love of America through their speeches by talking about the unity of our country, and the freedoms we all share.
ReplyDeleteBoth presidents stressed the idea of unity between all people in our country despite times of distress. During the time that Abraham Lincoln was in office, the Civil War divided the people of the Unites States. Despite the fact that our country was divided on the issue of slavery, Lincoln told Americans in his address that he believed that the United States would again be a unified country. He explained that, “a house divided against itself cannot stand,” and therefore our country would either become completely in support of slavery or completely against this idea. In Obama’s speech he told the people of America that although we are currently in a time of economic depression and that our nation is at war against a, “far-reaching network of violence and hatred,” he knows we will come out of it together. He reminded us that, “we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.” Like Lincoln, Obama reached out to all of his fellow Americans Tuesday and told us to believe in the power of unification.
Both presidents also discussed the idea of freedom for all people in their speeches. In Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address which was given right after the Civil War, he said that, “it may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God’s assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men’s faces.” In this statement he was referring to the time before the Civil War when slaves were not seen as full people and were forced to work for whites. He then said that the Almighty has his own ideas about what should happen to the world, and therefore God should be credited with the decision of the Civil War. By referring to our nation under God, Lincoln expressed his faith in a higher being, and showed that he thought that everything happens for a reason. Obama also discussed freedom in his inaugural address. He spoke to his fellow Americans saying, “in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things, to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.” In this statement Obama was speaking of the same notion of freedom for all people that Lincoln discussed in his speech. He also mentioned the Civil War when he said that we as Americans now appreciate our melting pot of a heritage as a strength. He proclaimed that because we have come up from a dark time such as the Civil War victorious, we can now, as Americans, work together to welcome in times of peace. As both men chose to include the idea of freedom in their speeches, we can see that both these great leaders have a similar idea of what it means to be an American.
Caitlin Kelly
ReplyDeleteWhen the newest President of the United States, Barack Obama, was sworn into office on Tuesday, January 21, 2009 it was no coincidence that Obama chose the same Bible that Lincoln used in 1861 to take his first inaugural oath. Echoes of Lincoln’s rhetoric, comparable allusions, and a similar speech structure are easily detected throughout Obama’s address.
Lincoln begins second inaugural address by stating: “Then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper.” President Obama does not begin his speech by stating that he will be presenting his “course to be pursued” in his term of presidency, but this is just what he proceeds to do. He outlines his goals to rejuvenate our market, aid our economy, better our common defense. “For the world has changed, and we must change with it.” Obama recalls his promise for change that has been prominent throughout his campaign, but in his inaugural address, he is literally stating that he has plans for a change in the way America operates.
Like Lincoln, Obama puts the responsibility for the cause war and the troubles the nation now faces on the nation itself. Obama states: “Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.” Lincoln also held the country as a whole responsible for the origin of the civil war, as he states: “Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came.”
Although Obama’s reference to the civil war is not directly related or similar to Abraham Lincoln’s regard to the war, their sentiments share the same subject matter. Obama states: “…and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass…” I’m sure it was no by no coincidence that Obama decided to refer to the Civil War, a conflict in which Lincoln had a profound involvement, to illustrate one of the “dark chapters” that America has emerged successfully from.
Finally, as we discussed last class, Lincoln incorporated Biblical references within his speech, perhaps in order to give his rhetoric an authoritative stance, and perhaps give his audience something to relate to and believe in. Early in Obama’s speech, we see he does the same: “We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.” Unlike Lincoln (who perhaps did not mention that his words held religious value, because his audience would have immediately recognized them), Obama states directly that he is using the words from of the scripture, however the effect of the words are the same.
Both Obama and Lincoln begin their inaugural address by acknowledging the national crisis at hand. However, while Lincoln's introduction is more reserved and less willing to elaborate on the hardships experienced in the Civil War, Obama chooses to bring the struggle of the United States fully into the spotlight and holds the American people responsible for poor decisions which have triggered a slide into economic disaster. This differs from Lincoln's address, in that Lincoln regards the Civil War and its outcome as preordained by God, partly, I think, because the North was already well on its way to victory. However, the outcome of the present state of the U.S. is uncertain and therefore Obama rightly puts the power of redemption in the hands of the people, rather than surrendering the fate of the nation to God's plan. A significant similarity between Lincoln and Obama is their refusal to take a politically or socially neutral stance. Though Lincoln is part of the privileged class of society as a white man, he explicitly condemns slavery, using scripture to support his claim. Obama likewise calls forth the painful past of the United States and stakes his claim in its history as the son of a segregated black man. He likewise addresses the people in a sermon-like manner, rousing the listeners to embrace a more united country in the face of corruption and intolerance. There is something so powerful about the way in which these two speeches parallel one another in so many ways - in their power, momentum, and use of God's word - but are spoken from two completely different perspectives, both in time and in social terms.
ReplyDeleteAriel Bowen
ReplyDeleteBarack Obama, like Abraham Lincoln, addressed the country where it was in a state of fragile recovery. Lincoln’s America was separated by the war while in a mess of economical and moral issues. Lincoln’s main priority was to try and unite the nation so that each side could learn to compromise with each other. “Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came.” After rereading this passage it reminded me of a quote from the Inauguration speech, “On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.” It’s as if today’s nation has decided to accept what happened, learn from it, and then move on. Lincoln acknowledged that the war had happened yet now is not the time to mope and make matters worse. In the same sense Obama calls us to acknowledge and not forget the past mistakes so that we may be able to rebuild our nation. “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”
It may be a coincidence that Obama is African-American yet he seems to be one of the first presidents to address the issue of slavery in a public sense as a part of our history. That we cannot ignore the fact that it was a part of the struggle towards the construction of American. “For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West, endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.” This passage makes it seem as if the slaves were working towards that American ideal of freedom and independence.
Lincoln and Obama both incorporate a decent amount of religious references to God in their speeches. Each has their own interpretation yet both entrust the faith of the nation into the hands of God. That whatever may happen so be it for God knows how it will impact the future. “If we shall suppose that American Slavery is one of those offences which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South, this terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom the offence came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a Living God always ascribe to Him?” That whatever may happen so be it for God knows how it will impact the future. That perhaps we needed to suffer the brutality of slavery so that a moment such as Barack Obama as president would become a victory to the African-American people all others oppressed. Barack Obama said “let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.” Obama gives hope that there is still more to learn and improvements still to be made.
One can imagine the difficulty in ending a great speech, short or long. On Inauguration Day Barack Obama spoke to the nation about our difficult times and the promise by which to save them. He ended his speech in metaphor of harsh winter (as he began his speech as well) the weather we Americans are currently withstanding. He calls on us to "brave icy currents" and "endure what storms may come" the first Americans had. Furthermore, Obama calls on us to triumph through the icy, frigid winter carrying forth "that great gift of freedom" so future generations may enjoy as well. This metaphor aptly embodies the tribulations of America, past and present: from the first bitter winter the settlers experienced to the state of our nation today.
ReplyDeleteThis final statement Obama delivered also echos that of Lincoln's Second Inaugural. Lincoln too calls on America "to strive to finish the work we are in" and to "achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace." Lincoln recognizes the wounds of war, the state of America, but never forgets his end goal--peace and freedom under the will of God. Lincoln's ideals strongly resonate throughout Obama's speech, and deliver a working moral compass to undergo and survive war and destruction. Both President's look to God's grace to act freely in order to achieve liberty and peace. Each "with eyes fixed on the horizon" strive to "bind up the nation's wounds."
Jennifer DeYoung
ReplyDeleteThe inaugural address that President Obama gave on January 20, 2009 had a number of similarities to Lincoln’s second inaugural address, but at the same time the two are distinctly different. Of course, where Lincoln speaks of a proposed equality for African-Americans, Obama stands before his audience of proof that this has finally occurred. Both presidents acknowledge that the country is caught in a time of crisis – for Lincoln, the Civil War is coming to a close, and our current economic situation and war are for the moment ongoing – but they both also say tell the people that they know we see the crisis around us as well.
One large similarity between the two is that both try to be unifiers. Instead of entirely placing blame on one ‘side’ or another (though there is indication, it is subtle enough), Obama and Lincoln both seek to pull the country together by saying that some blame lies on both sides. Obama reminds us that “We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth…” in an effort to keep the country together, rather than let it fall back and turn against itself.
However, where Lincoln spoke of the past and the present day, Obama tends to focus much more on the future, both near and distant. He speaks (as he did throughout his campaign) of what we will do in the days to come, and how we can fix the nation, rather than talking about how it was broken. Another difference is the aspect of God in both speeches. While both presidents did reference scripture in their addresses, Lincoln spoke much more of God’s influence and his will in the events of the war. Obama, on the other hand, sees that the country relies more on the will of its own people: “As much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.”
Sarah B.
ReplyDeleteThe similarities and differences between Barack Obama’s and Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural speeches are extensive and debatable. Rather than attempt an exhaustive exercise of all the possible parallels, I would like to point out two major similarities that I found particularly interesting. Firstly, the major appeal in both Obama and Lincoln’s respective speeches is for unity and unification by the hard work of every single citizen of the United States. Secondly, Obama and Lincoln face different challenges from very different sources: Obama faces a war abroad and several social issues while Lincoln faced a domestic war and one major social issue. Though the circumstances are slightly different and the times certainly have changed, both presidents grasp the importance of inspiring a nation in order to effectively institute change.
Both Barack Obama and Abraham Lincoln took the oath of presidency in uncertain, anxious, and challenging times. Lincoln addresses the nation twice: once on the brink of war and once in the midst of its destructive forces. Just as Lincoln’s position in 1865, Obama enters office in the midst of turmoil with hopes of restoring the nation to a peaceful and productive country. Both men address the need for unity by calling upon the citizens of the United States to take responsibility and work together to solve the nation’s problems. Obama directly acknowledges the mistakes we have made and proclaims, “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.” Obama’s assertion that the people of the United States must advocate for change echoes Lincoln’s plea to American citizens, “In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war.” Both men emphasize the point that it is not only the president’s job to single-handedly save a nation. Obama remarks, “America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office,” which reflects the tone of Lincoln’s assertion, “You have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the Government, while I shall have the most solemn one to ‘preserve, protect, and defend it.” Both presidents attempt to inspire every citizen just as they acknowledge that undesirable times result from a collective failure as a nation.
While Lincoln attempts to solve a civil war and inspire peace within the nation, Obama must extend an olive branch to a completely foreign enemy. Though the logistics of each war are strikingly different and produce different effects, the warnings to those intent on destruction is potent in each inaugural speech. Obama takes a strong stand against violence and the continuation of a war by directly addressing the Muslim world, “we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.” Obama offers peace, “we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist,” but also promises victory if they decide to choose war, “We say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.” This too echoes Lincoln’s strong stance against civil unrest, “In doing this there needs to be no bloodshed or violence, and there shall be none unless it be forced upon the national authority.” As Lincoln directly addresses the states that wish to destroy the Union he suggests peace but also suggests that the necessary action will be taken. Lincoln and Obama took the oath of presidency as the kind of strong leaders that American citizens needed but also as diplomats of peace and men hopeful for the restoration of a unified and prosperous nation.
Jen Andrake
ReplyDeleteDespite the extensive generation gap between Barack Obama and Abraham Lincoln, both American presidents have addressed the nation in relatively similar ways upon their inaugurations. As Lincoln did, Obama spoke of the importance of unity within a nation. Without cooperation and understanding of each other, citizens of a country will not live amongst each other peacefully, let alone with people of other cultures. Obama wants the country to stand together in the face of adversity, which Lincoln also promoted Lincoln said that all people try to succeed in life, and that we are all equal from the perspective of a higher power. In explaining themselves, both Lincoln and Obama used religious references. Lincoln claimed that God loves all people equally; therefore, he believed that we should act as one if we are essentially one unit. Obama referred to the Scripture, and he encouraged people to move forward in their lives and with each other, and to find happiness.
One of the major similarities regarding the circumstances of Obama’s and Lincoln’s time periods is that their office terms coincide with United States wars; Lincoln faced the impending Civil War, while Obama must now deal with the war between Iraq and the United States. While war induces similar hardships every time it occurs, the Civil War and the United States’ war with Iraq have encompassed different issues for Obama and Lincoln to address. Recognizing that the war puts more troops and their families in jeopardy and that the economy is headed in the direction of a depression, Obama states the obvious as he says that we have to fix the economy. He also proposes that we reason more with other countries; by finding middle ground with developing countries, we improve our global reputation and we simultaneously extend our services to those in dire need. Due to Lincoln’s time period, international affairs were not at the forefront of Lincoln’s concerns; instead, he was more centered on the United States because the war remained in the country. Lincoln decided that the war needed to happen to improve the quality of life in the United States for slaves and for other mistreated individuals; his focus was on complete freedom rather than on compromise. Nonetheless, both leaders strongly displayed a desire to improve the lives of those living in the United States through their inaugural speeches.
Particularly, Barack Obama and Abraham Lincoln presented themselves as realists who recognize the differences between the present, the promises for the future, and the actual future. They both admit that none of us actually know what the future holds, but that we must comprehend what is occurring in the present so that we can rationally evaluate the situation and create a better quality of American life. Through this understanding, Obama and Lincoln demonstrated in their inaugural addresses that Americans have the ability to solve the crises that surround them, and with presidential guidance, it is definitely possible to achieve this problem-solving goal as a nation.
Lauren Bouchey
ReplyDeleteAfter hearing President Obama’a inaugural speech on Tuesday, my first thought was how great of a speech it was, and how it will be studied by future generations just as we study Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural speech in class today. Barack Obama’s oratory is extremely powerful and engaging, just as Lincoln’s was when he was President. Throughout this campaign, there were numerous comparisons made between the two men, and Obama took his inaugural oath using the same Bible that Lincoln did, and his speech can definitely be compared to Lincoln’s “A House Divided” speech and his Second Inaugural Address.
Both Lincoln’s speech and Obama’s speech address America and its people, and they also address event in the past that have not been positive or good for the country. Lincoln’s main argument in “A House Divided” is against Stephen Douglass and the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and in his Second Inaugural Address, he addresses the Civil War and how it has affected the nation. President Obama begins his speech by thanking President Bush for his service to America, but then he addresses the crises that have become a part of America during Bush’s time in office; the war in Iraq, poor economy, global warming, etc. While this may seem like an attack on Bush, Obama goes on to say that America must come together as a nation and that the challenges that face us will be met.
Lincoln and Obama both use Biblical references in their speeches; Lincoln’s is more pronounced in “A House Divided,” because the title of the speech is a direct reference to Mark 3:25, and his speech is like a metaphor for the state of the nation. Obama makes a more subtle reference to Scripture, but he also makes a reference to various religions including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. One of my favorite aspects of Obama’s speech was the reference to various events in history and how he used them to convey his message of hope and change in America in the future. Though there was not a direct reference to Lincoln, Obama does allude to George Washington, the nation’s first president.
I liked how Obama’s speech incorporated themes of change and unity to create a better future, because it gave a positive message in what many believe is one of the worst times in America in terms of its economy. Lincoln’s speech at his second Inauguration had a similar tone of Obama’s; even though times are hard now, through unity and willingness to change America will be a better nation in the future.
Corinna Graham
ReplyDeleteBeing a witness to President Obama's inaugural address that he made on Tuesday, I was focused on understanding his message in the moment then I was on connecting it to Lincoln's. Since returning home from DC, I have read the written copy of Obama's speech, and the two addresses by Lincoln, and I do see the ways in which the two are strikingly similar. They are similar in rhetorical devices, allusions made, but most importantly, they are similar in their over-arching message.
Both speakers rely heavily on the use of parallel structure in their speech. This gives a repetitive effect to their words, which makes the points that they make come across stronger and with more emphasis. In "A House Divided", Abraham Lincoln asks anyone who doubts to "trace, if he can, or rather fail, if he can, to trace the evidences of design, and concert of action..." Here, Lincoln repeats the "if he can" in each part of this statement so that each following action (tracing, or failing to trace) has similar weight to it. Similarly, Obama, when describing part moments of American history in which presidents were elected, states: "So it has been. So it must be..." Here, in repeating the "so it has" with "so it must", Obama gives equal weight to the past and the future of America.
Both Lincoln and Obama speak in language that harkens to both the language of the founding fathers and the founding documents of this nation. In "A House Divided", Lincoln speaks of the "sacred right of self government" that citizens are entitled to because of the founding documents. Similarly, Obama speaks of the "God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." These words are reminiscent of the original documents, which promised these rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Finally, the messages that both Lincoln and Obama communicate are one in the same. As Lincoln makes his Second Inaugural Address, he concludes it with the overall statement of purpose and what the nation must do. He says that America must "bind up the nation's wounds," care for those who have gone to battle and families whom have lost loved ones as a result, and "achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations." Obama's overall message is the same: America must "pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."