President Obama’s second inaugural address was an all-encompassing monologue tackling the key issues his administration is likely to face during his next four year term. From domestic issues such as gay rights and gun control, to addressing the bipartisan divide in Washington, the President delivered his speech, laying out the nation’s itinerary for the next four years. Surely a more contemporary inaugural address compared to previous ones, the President spoke on issues that have had the nation torn for months. In fact, President Obama touched on issues never previously mentioned by former presidents in their inaugural addresses.
There were several key matters the President indirectly spoke on throughout his speech. With grief still alive in the hearts of many over the recent Newtown, Connecticut shooting, the President subtly mentioned his stance on gun control as he said:
“Our journey is not complete until all our children, from the streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for and cherished and always safe from harm.”
In recent weeks, Vice President Biden has spent days negotiating with Congress on the matter. The President’s call to reduce gun violence was laid out in a 23-point plan which will probably take months to pass, if it does, and is expected to be adjusted and readjusted several times until both sides decide on some common ground without compromising Constitutional freedoms.
Another issue the President spoke on was the debate over gay marriage. After announcing his support for gay rights during his campaign, President Obama once again reaffirmed his position toward the union between same-sex couples during.
“Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal, as well.”
Being the first president ever to mention the word “gay” as it relates to sexual orientation in an inaugural address, President Obama won support over the past year from the LGBT population throughout the nation. With certain states still opposed to same-sex marriage, President Obama hopes to work with leaders to push these rights until they are fully accepted and acknowledged by all 50 states.
Despite what the President may say during his inaugural address, to actually implement these plans would be impossible without Congress’ approval. Bipartisanship in Washington has become an issue of increasing importance as Americans grow tired of the political standstill with both sides refusing to budge on issues all across the political spectrum. In his speech, the President called for collective action and less bipartisanship – an appeal unsupported by Republicans. Arizona Sen. John McCain spoke on the lack of outreach to Republicans while Ohio Sen. Rob Portman said the President missed out on an opportunity to talk about where the two parties can find common ground. Last year’s fiscal cliff deal waited until the last few hours of the year to be settled because leaders couldn’t come to an agreement. The President and his supporters hope this year will be different.
The agenda proposed by the President in his inaugural address was much different than his first one in 2009 in which he highlighted bringing positive change in the nation while instilling a sense of hope for a nation that was anticipating an economic collapse. However, with a whole new set of issues and concerns both on the homefront and overseas, the President’s second address was designed to recognize the successes and achievements of the past four years while forecasting the successes of the next four.