Analysis of Barack Obama’s Speech
I originally did not want to give commentary of his speech because I thought his speech spoke beautifully by itself. But I have gotten messages from people who said “It is good you gave us quotes but we wanted your analysis of his speech.” So the following is my analysis of his speech and what it means for us:
Barack Obama’s speech spoke directly to the thoughts and feelings of the American people. He needed to bridge the gap of the American people who did not vote for him for whatever reason. There was more than enough negative campaigning, and so there were a number of reasons why people may have not chosen him as their next president. But for this country to move forward and to have a positive economy the American people have to have confidence in their next president. I thought his words to speak about this, and his quote from Lincoln did this beautifully.
As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too. – Barack Obama November 5, 2008
This will be one of the more difficult things that Barack Obama will need to do. He will need to bring both parties together to have them understand that he not only is ready to lead - he is the leader. There will be a period of time in which you will be seeing him being scrutinized for almost every decision that he makes, and he spoke about that as well in his speech. As they say “Actions speak louder than words.” I believe there is no larger expression of that phrase but to point to his campaign. He ran an amazing campaign that was able to not only excite the American people but to bring us to believe in America when we have not believed in a very long time. He was able to achieve amazing things. But now it comes time for him to act on his promises which may be difficult to do for a number of reasons.
During his speech he made sure to tell the American that he knew he was not elected as president of the United States. What was elected was “Change.” But, what occurred during the campaign was that the expectations for him have become larger than life. Individual’s hopes and dreams are that this situation that we are in will change FAST. This is the reason that you saw him use language within his speech to begin to manage those expectations. And do not be shocked if you hear him repeat this message again, so to assure the American people that we are moving towards that “Change” but it will not happen overnight!
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you – we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand. . – Barack Obama November 5, 2008
So what does this mean for us as Americans? What does this all mean for our economy? It means this. It is going to take time and resolve before this economic mess gets fixed, but Barack has promised the American people that he will keep honest. The “Change” we seek will not happen overnight but it will happen. But we as Americans have to stand with the president because if we do not - it will not happen. I am very hopeful that is exactly what will happen!
I am very happy that you all spoke to me via email and comments on the last post. I would love to hear what you think and if you agree or disagree with my analysis? You can either email me at psingh@rempower.com or add a comment right here.I look forward to seeing you all in a future workshop!
Prabhjit Singh
November 6th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Singh ji i agree with you. but there is one change that has hapenned overnight and that is this, he has regained some trust back into politicians. Not just in the US but internationally. the change that has been immediate is that we look forward with hope not with grumpy despair. At least from this side of the sea anyway.