Obama Speech Bodes Well for the Constitution

Why? 'He is decidedly not' his predecessor

(NEWSER) - President Obama’s speech in Cairo sounded a lot like President Bush’s 2006 speech to Muslims—yet Obama’s manages to carry far more weight, writes Michael Crowley in the New Republic. Both spoke of respect for “the history and traditions of the Muslim world”; both suggested governmental systems can’t be “imposed.” But Bush’s speech was “forgotten,” while Obama’s “seems to offer the potential of making millions of Muslims reconsider their view of America,” Crowley writes. More»

(NEWSER) - Standing in front of the Constitution, President Obama today delivered a watershed speech on terrorism, arguing that President Bush’s approach to war was, “quite simply, a mess.” He outlined his plan to clean up, saying he’ll try Guantanamo detainees in both federal court and military commissions and reiterating his intention to close the prison camp, MSNBC reports. Detainees who can’t be tried will be held indefinitely, within a “legitimate legal framework.” More»

Inaugural address praised as masterful use of language

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama's inaugural address showed a literary mastery of language, assorted authors tell the Los Angeles Times. The president's plain speaking and restraint is commended, along with his use of "we" instead of "I." Author Ted Wilmer hails the president's use of "tight language, short sentences and strong images," and his evocative references to past presidents and other historical figures. More»

Right/left praise speech

(NEWSER) - The early reviews are in from Barack Obama’s inauguration address, and the news is positive. Here’s what the critics are saying:

• At the National Review, Michael Knox Beran thought the speech was a “home run.” It predictably had “a few lines at which a conservative would cavil,” but impressed with its somber tone and deference to the founding fathers.
• Jacob Heilbrun of the Huffington Post saw something else in the references to Washington and company. “He promised a new American revolution,” with a fresh generation renewing America’s promise.

Rejects policies, advocates diplomacy, warns enemies

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama offered a clear rebuke of George Bush's policies and signaled a sharp break with his predecessor's strategy abroad in his inaugural address today. “We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals,” the new president said, referring obviously to torture of detainees and violation of Americans' civil rights in the name of the war on terror. “Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake.” More»