Operating From a Deficit

The inaugural address, at best, is the president’s opportunity to inform the public of his intentions as the new leader of the United States. However, it also serves as a quasi- state of the union address, as it is very common to find statements about the nature of the union. Looking at the state of the union through the eyes of Baracks inaugural address it is clear to see that he is working from a deficit. More specifically, there is drastic difference in the way he details the nature of society from the way Clinton did so in his 1997 speech.
Clinton states : “America stands alone as the world's indispensable nation. Once again, our economy is the strongest on Earth. Once again, we are building stronger families, thriving communities, better educational opportunities, a cleaner environment. Problems that once seemed destined to deepen now bend to our efforts: our streets are safer and record numbers of our fellow citizens have moved from welfare to work.”

On the contrary, Barack mentions that “That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. 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. Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly, our schools fail too many, and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.”

These excerpts from two very great speeches are vastly different and speaks volumes for the Bush’s tenure and Barack’s promise. The interpretation is yours to make but I think one thing is very clear—Barack is operating at a deficit. In 1997 Clinton stood to lead a country at a time of prosperity. People were going to work, getting better education, and feeling safe. Barack is standing to lead a country that is insecure, where people are leaving work for unemployment and one step shy of welfare, and a place where healthcare is an issue for more than the aging population.