Word on the street is that Obama’s speechwriters wrote his speech 3 times and then he re-wrote the whole thing in his own words, his own flavour. These are the ones I liked best, as I watched:
From President Obama:
“What the cynics have failed to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them.”
“We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.”
“[To other world leaders] Your people will judge you by what you can build, not what you can destroy.”
“We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
“With hope and virtue let us brave once more the icy currents and endure what storms may come.”
I am also duly impressed that the new administration had their hot new Whitehouse website / blog up in under 10 seconds of the swearing in…it is very interactive. This certainly makes a statement.