Obama's Inauguration Speech: Solid as Barack?

Barack Obama delivers his inaugural address as 44th president of the United States...but did he really deliver?

By Gina Serpe Jan 20, 2009 6:48 PMTags

History may be the judge of Barack Obama's presidency, but we won't have to wait that long to cast either praise or aspersions on his inauguration speech.

While expectations were phenomenally high for the roughly 18-minute speech, the 44th commander in chief—after a slight stumble through his oath, thanks in part to Chief Justice John Roberts' notesless administration of the pledge—did his best to once again bring hope to the country while taking care to underscore his own personal journey that brought him to the Oval Office.

"This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed—why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath," Obama said.

So did the president's speech live up to your expectations?

Poll

Barack Obama Inauguration Poll

Did Obama rock his inaugural address?
Yes, hail to the Word Chief!
65.1%
No, it was just all right—it lacked a real magic moment
27.1%
Not sure, I was too busy daydreaming about clearing brush in Crawford
7.8%