Thanks for your commentary on this excellent speech - as a onetime speech writer, I appreciate your analysis of the craft and themes that went into this excellent address. I must add that I, too, often wonder why Biden doesn't give these speeches in "primetime," in the evening, from the Oval Office. But it's been explained to me that such an approach worked when we all watched the same three TV networks and subscribed to morning newspapers, but it wouldn't work in today's diffuse, splintered media. By delivering these addresses during the day (usually, in the morning) he sets the tone and agenda for the news coverage that follows. It's actually timed and designed for maximum impact. Almost the opposite of what we saw with Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Reagan et al. One of the impacts of the many cable news outlets, social media and 24-hour coverage.
I have been pleasantly surprised that the media reaction to this speech that I have seen has been positive. That is about the only positive coverage of Biden I have seen lately. According to them our economy is terrible.
Snooty is a double edged sword in the hands of an Ivy Leager, but I jest. I only hope the sentient part of the body politic responds to Biden’s speech.
Thank you for another great article, author! I hope that you and yours are having the best New Year ever!
This was such a wonderful speech by President Biden
We've forgotten what an historic Presidential speech is like, after so many years of wh corruption.
The speech was magnetic, riveting, and should be watched in all poli sci classes.
The reaction after the speech on faux news has to be watched.
Right after the speech, they were in complete confusion.
How to respond to the valiant cry of patriotism ?
They had no clue about how to respond to honesty, integrity.
For hours, the anchors struggled to interpret this deep, thoughtful Presidential speech. Struggled with the concepts of putting others first, of self-sacrifice, compassion. It was like the cargo cults seeing the airplanes for the first time. Wonder at something only seen in a dream.
The speech was planned that way. It brings the listener out of the dark labyrinth, out onto the path of honor, compassion, patriotism, goodness - a true path that will confound any fraudster used to the big lies.
Words can lift us up, show us the road to the future, heal our fears about the current world war of science versus an unthinking germ.
This is a President for our times.
Thanks James Fallows, for a very interesting interpretation of the speech!
“We are living through a revolt against the future. The future will prevail.” — Anand Giridharadas
You are most welcome! Your readership looks forward to more insightful articles about our times. "We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom. The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely." E. O. Wilson
Thanks, Jim, for an excellent analysis. Let’s hope it galvanises the nation. My only quibble is your reference to chiasmus as “snooty”. Hardly a day goes by when I don’t invoke it. Stay well, my friend.
Yes, a wonderful speech. Excellent breakdown; thank you. I think this may be his Lincoln at Gettysburg moment, so you were his Garry Wills. Now, I hope there will be action - resourceful and sustained. A great speech, really well delivered is not nearly enough. This isn't rock/scissors/paper and you don't bring a speech alone to a knife fight.
So glad I heard today in SF/ FORUM on KQED about your newest for BREAKING THE NEWS.
AM is doing a superb job hosting KQED's FORUM. Wonderful company as many of us continue teleworking, Omicron-isolating ... and donating to public radio.
It was refreshing to hear Biden speak so well and forcefully, and even more encouraging to read your analysis. I hope at the speech and the analysis reach at least some of the people on the other side.
Thanks David. I have no idea whether these arguments and themes will reach anyone "on the other side," but he did as well as he could. And the argument will/should stand the test of time.
Thanks for your commentary on this excellent speech - as a onetime speech writer, I appreciate your analysis of the craft and themes that went into this excellent address. I must add that I, too, often wonder why Biden doesn't give these speeches in "primetime," in the evening, from the Oval Office. But it's been explained to me that such an approach worked when we all watched the same three TV networks and subscribed to morning newspapers, but it wouldn't work in today's diffuse, splintered media. By delivering these addresses during the day (usually, in the morning) he sets the tone and agenda for the news coverage that follows. It's actually timed and designed for maximum impact. Almost the opposite of what we saw with Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Reagan et al. One of the impacts of the many cable news outlets, social media and 24-hour coverage.
Good and fair point. Thank you.
I have been pleasantly surprised that the media reaction to this speech that I have seen has been positive. That is about the only positive coverage of Biden I have seen lately. According to them our economy is terrible.
Could not stop reading. I found this to be a heartfelt message. The truth cannot be smothered out. Thank you
Yolanda, thank you so much! It means a lot to hear this from you.
Why shucks, Jim, I’m just a country boy...
Snooty is a double edged sword in the hands of an Ivy Leager, but I jest. I only hope the sentient part of the body politic responds to Biden’s speech.
Bruce, this is where you need to roll out your "I grew up in Alabama" street-cred bona fides!
(I say, having been in Prattville, outside Montgomery, two days ago.)
Appreciate your reading and weighing in. Jim
Thank you for another great article, author! I hope that you and yours are having the best New Year ever!
This was such a wonderful speech by President Biden
We've forgotten what an historic Presidential speech is like, after so many years of wh corruption.
The speech was magnetic, riveting, and should be watched in all poli sci classes.
The reaction after the speech on faux news has to be watched.
Right after the speech, they were in complete confusion.
How to respond to the valiant cry of patriotism ?
They had no clue about how to respond to honesty, integrity.
For hours, the anchors struggled to interpret this deep, thoughtful Presidential speech. Struggled with the concepts of putting others first, of self-sacrifice, compassion. It was like the cargo cults seeing the airplanes for the first time. Wonder at something only seen in a dream.
The speech was planned that way. It brings the listener out of the dark labyrinth, out onto the path of honor, compassion, patriotism, goodness - a true path that will confound any fraudster used to the big lies.
Words can lift us up, show us the road to the future, heal our fears about the current world war of science versus an unthinking germ.
This is a President for our times.
Thanks James Fallows, for a very interesting interpretation of the speech!
“We are living through a revolt against the future. The future will prevail.” — Anand Giridharadas
quote cited at Professor Larry Tribe website
-30-
Thank you very much Diana.
You are most welcome! Your readership looks forward to more insightful articles about our times. "We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom. The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely." E. O. Wilson
Thanks, Jim, for an excellent analysis. Let’s hope it galvanises the nation. My only quibble is your reference to chiasmus as “snooty”. Hardly a day goes by when I don’t invoke it. Stay well, my friend.
Bruce, tough but fair! Yes, "snooty" was over-egging the pudding. I should just have said "officially."
And thanks for your gracious wishes. I was just on a radio show with our colleague and classmate Bruce Cain.
Yes, a wonderful speech. Excellent breakdown; thank you. I think this may be his Lincoln at Gettysburg moment, so you were his Garry Wills. Now, I hope there will be action - resourceful and sustained. A great speech, really well delivered is not nearly enough. This isn't rock/scissors/paper and you don't bring a speech alone to a knife fight.
So glad I heard today in SF/ FORUM on KQED about your newest for BREAKING THE NEWS.
Thank you! And appreciate your listening to the show with my friend Alexis M.
AM is doing a superb job hosting KQED's FORUM. Wonderful company as many of us continue teleworking, Omicron-isolating ... and donating to public radio.
https://twitter.com/patticrane/status/1479664133494607872
It was refreshing to hear Biden speak so well and forcefully, and even more encouraging to read your analysis. I hope at the speech and the analysis reach at least some of the people on the other side.
Thanks David. I have no idea whether these arguments and themes will reach anyone "on the other side," but he did as well as he could. And the argument will/should stand the test of time.
I SO enjoy when you do this analysis, Jim!
No one better! Disseminate widely.
Me, too.
Thanks Moira, Kevin, Deanna -- I appreciate it.