Author Archives: Clark S. Judge (WHWG)

Read Clark’s Bio

Answering a British Critic

January 26, 2009 – 10:21 am

Last week, a distinguished British blogger took issue with a January 19th posting in which I said that, “Inaugural addresses invariably remind us of America’s historically unmatched commitment to popular sovereignty and individual liberty…”  I’d like to respond.
The blogger was Max Atkinson and his challenge is here.
As he wrote:
My point is not to criticize the [...]

Posted in Inauguration | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments

Where Were the Memorable Phrases?

January 24, 2009 – 1:10 pm

At the risk of talking ancient history, I want to return to Tuesday’s inaugural address and dispute a criticism of it, or more accurately, dispute the criticism’s relevance in assessing the speech’s quality —the criticism that it included no memorable phrases.
Can you think of any memorable phrase coming from President Obama in his two years [...]

Posted in Inauguration | Tagged , , | Comments

A Leader For Us All

January 21, 2009 – 10:15 am

In his inaugural address, President Obama spoke with force and depth – and went far to confirm himself as more than the winner of an election, but as the leader of the entire country.
In broad strokes he did what every president does in his first speech on entering office: He reaffirmed the American experience and [...]

Posted in Inauguration | Tagged , , | Comments

Thoughts Before the Inaugural

January 20, 2009 – 10:12 am

Whatever your politics, today is a day of great moments.
In one profound respect, Barack Obama’s inauguration is similar to those of Andrew Jackson and John F. Kennedy, not so much as a matter of American politics, but of American culture.  A group that felt excluded to one degree or another from the American system — [...]

Posted in Inauguration | Tagged , , , | Comments

Anticipating the Inaugural Address

January 19, 2009 – 2:18 pm

First inaugural addresses mark a moment at once sacramental and instrumental.
The secular sacrament — the outward and visible sign of the inward, invisible grace in our polity — is the American democracy’s peaceful transfer of power.  Through the contentiousness of an election campaign, the people’s mandate, not just for this or that leader, but for [...]

Posted in Inauguration | Comments

Rhetoric and Power

January 18, 2009 – 11:46 pm

I want to take a break from the euphoria of the inaugural weekend for a few thoughts on the new president’s use of rhetoric to enhance his power.
A key theme of the Obama campaign and of the soon-to-be-sworn-in president’s statements since election day has been the call to bring “Democrats, Republicans and Independents”, along with [...]

Posted in Inauguration | Tagged , , | Comments