On a daily basis, we count words, characters and think about what subject lines will get our prospect’s attention. Tomorrow is the highly anticipated inaugural address and many of us are eager to hear what Obama will say-especially since his 27-year old speech writer will put it together.
Here are the best inaugural addresses we will always remember:
1981 Ronald Reagan asked to “renew faith and hope.” He asked for some old-fashioned blood, sweat and teams to combat the economic hardships that hit the nation.
1961 John F Kennedy “ask not what your country can do for you.” The Cold War was happening at this time and Kennedy asked his countrymen and women to join in to defend America against the common enemies.
1933 Franklin Roosevelt said ”the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” The Great Depression was happening at this time.
1801 Thomas Jefferson said “We are all Republicans.” The need to repair divisions caused by his controversial election was necessary.
1865 Abraham Lincoln asked to “Bind up the nation’s wounds.” The Civil War in it’s final days and the country was still divided.
Here are the worst inaugural addresses which didn’t go down in history, there is a common theme:
1921 Warren Harding- too long, had an odd speech pattern and was more boring than brilliant
1805 Thomas Jefferson- he was too monotone, angry and on the defesive from dealing with 4 years of attacks from the media
1869 Ulysses Grant- his tone was too formal and he mused about the nation’s debts and laws
1857 James Buchanan- he has been referred to as “clueless” and will go down as one of the worst presidents according to historians. He downplayed the growing rifts between North and South over slavery and urged Americans to focus on more important matters.
1841 William Henry Harrison- too long and too many words- about 8,000 words. It took two hours to deliver in a snowstorm.
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