Analysis of John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address,
President Kennedy beat out Richard Nixon by an extremely small margin, and the campaign was a bitter one. The nation was also at war in Vietnam, there was a strong Cold War going on with Russia, and there was also some fear that Kennedy, the first-ever Catholic president might create a non-secular government. On the morning of the inauguration, it was snowing in Washington, and many people wanted to cancel the outdoor swearing in. Kennedy demanded that it be held outdoors as tradition dictated.
The first part of the speech was designed to acknowledge and embrace all aspects of the government and guests.
Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, reverend clergy, fellow citizens, we observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedomùsymbolizing an end, as well as a beginningùsignifying renewal, as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.
In a mere 69 words, he has established a framework of total inclusion, where he embraces his friend, his enemies, his allies, God and historical precedent. When you watch a televised version of this speech, you will also hear how he separated each phrase, and managed to give each one equal emphasis.
Next Kennedy tries to show how the times have changed from the moments of his historical precedent.
The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globeùthe belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God
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