Writers Hail Message From a 'Prince'

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." (More speech stories.)