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Writers Hail Message From a 'Prince'

Inaugural address praised as masterful use of language

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 21, 2009 4:23 AM CST

(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.

His use of "gathering clouds and raging storms" were cited Abraham Lincoln, and his reference to the rights of man evoked Thomas Paine, notes CNN. Obama's speech "is one we ought to read" instead of just listen to, says author Thomas Powers. "He's our first, in the best sense of the word, aristocratic president," notes author and journalist Malcolm Gladwell. "Bush was a buddy. Clinton was the kindly uncle. Obama is a prince."

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

[Quotes (2)]

An Indonesian chef working at an inaugural party in Jakarta watches as US. President Barack Obama makes the first speech of his presidency yesterday. (AP Photo/Ed Wray)

The alma mater statue at Columbia University frames a video screen showing President Barack Obama as he makes his inaugural speech Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 at Columbia University in New York. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

Crowds witness the inauguration of Barack Obama yesterday. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

President Barack Obama waves as he gives his inaugural address at the US Capitol in Washington yesterday. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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President Obama's inaugural address. (CNN Video)

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With an Obama speech, listening is sometimes enough but not this time. The inauguration speech is one we ought to read.
- Pulitzer Prize-winning author
Thomas Powers

I was glad that he denied himself rhetorical flourishes and gave a speech as refined and restrained in its power so that political language itself was restored to its greatest value—saying what the speaker means. - Memoirist Patricia Hampl

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Writers Hail Message From a 'Prince'