WHAT MAKES INAUGURAL SPEECHES MEMORABLE?
– Presidents can put their personal stamp on a number of different Inauguration Day events, but this is especially true during the inaugural address, according to John Dinan, associate professor of political science. Inaugural addresses have usually been an occasion to unify the country, express continuity with founding principles and chart a course for the future. The most memorable inaugural addresses were delivered by: • Jefferson – “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists” • Lincoln – “With malice toward none, with charity for all …” • Franklin Roosevelt – “… the only thing we have to fear is fear itself” • Kennedy – “… ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country” • and Reagan – “In the present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” Dinan is available to comment on Inauguration Day events, including the inaugural address. Contact: Audrey Fannin, fannin@wfu.edu or (336) 758-5237. PRESIDENTS AN
