Rhetoric does matter, as it shapes the national discourse. It shapes whether The People will be actively behind the President’s agenda. Obama apparently used “together” seven times in his speech, mentioned Stonewall, and talked about the future more than he did fluffy, superficial and overly general history. He spoke of the possibilities of what we could do, but also urged necessary action.
He is inspiring. I love my president!
And I truly believe that this is the return to the Obama that rose to fame. Although I didn’t initially support him at that time, and supported Hillary, I look back on his speeches, and his passion when he spoke those words. Perhaps the past four years, however, he was not exactly that same ‘self,’ but I also think that was the result of politics. He is Mr. Smith—he came to Washington to effect change. But he is more cunning than Mr. Smith, with the political savvy to understand he’d not be able to show his true self, in order to preserve his longevity in office; be ABLE to serve a second term.
Here’s to hoping my observations are true and he will be bolder this term around.
