Comparison of JFK and Obama's Inaguration speech

1) Yes, I do believe some similarities were shared in the delivery of Kennedy's and Obama's inauguration speech. They were both very poised, spoke to the entire crowd by turning their heads left to right, verbal pauses were used to get specific points across, their hands would raised up and down while speaking and their tone was confident.

2) In 1961- U.S. broke diplomatic relations with Cuba and 29 Electrical firms were convicted of rigging and fixing prices. 48 yrs later, 2009 -At war with Iraq and the banking system seizing up. The state of the country during both times experience similar dilemas. Kennedy mentioned in his speech,"Let us never negotiate out of fear,but let us never fear to negotiate." Obama mentioned in his speech, "To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to uncleanch your fist."

3) Kennedy's call to action, " ask not what your country can do for you -- ask waht you can do for your country." Obama's call for action," we must pick ourselves up,dust ourselves off, and begin the work of remaking America." Both messages saying Americans have the power to make change.

4) Scale 1-10: I would rate speech a 7. The context was good. I felt his speech was a little bit more harsher then that of Obama but, done in an eloquent way.
February 8, 2009 5:03 PM