President Obama's Most Notable Speeches? Part 1

CNN published today a list of what they think were Barack Obama's best speeches as president. These lists are always subjective, and maybe history will make a different judgment. The CNN list puts Obama's victory speech in the #1 spot, followed by his Newtown and Selma speeches, and then his farewell address, his Cairo speech, and his "More Perfect Union" address. The article heavily cites the opinions of Kathleen Hall Jamieson, a leading authority on political speech. Jamieson wisely noted that Obama spoke much better to live audiences than he did from the White House on television.

Others might disagree with CNN's list. I remain partial to Obama's eulogy to Clementa Pinckney which he gave in the wake of the Mother Emanuel AME Church shootings. Obama sang at the end, which gave the speech a deep, emotional conclusion. It's hard to forget a speech that ends in song.

What will history say about Obama's speaking career? Did his presidency fulfill his oratorical talents? Will his words resonate with history, or will they be forgotten? Time will tell.

Nevertheless, most of a president's day is spent in meetings and conferences. The president makes decisions, listens to advice, and reflects on policy. Speeches sometimes sell those policies, and sometimes ignore them, but speeches are often the emotional and logical surface of the president's behind-the-scenes work. This photo of Obama on the phone probably represents his typical workday better than any speeches he gave.

Barack Obama on the phone. WH photo

But does that miss the point? While in office, presidents are judged by their accomplishments. After they leave, they are often more remembered for their speeches. Lincoln led the Union in the Civil War, but is best remembered for his speeches. Franklin Roosevelt led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II, but is best remembered for his First Inaugural Address ("nothing to fear but fear itself") and his Pearl Harbor speech ("day of infamy"). Sometimes the press belittles presidents who excel in speaking, implying that speaking does not substitute for policy, but presidential speeches are long remembered.

Donald Trump gives his Inaugural Address tomorrow, starting a new era of presidential rhetoric. What will he say? How will he say it? We will soon know. How will history judge Trump's speaking? We will not know that for many years.