USA Today Says Inaugural Speech 'Stinging Rebuke'

There is quite an interesting analysis of the inaugural speech in USA Today. Here is an excerpt--to read the entire article, click here.

Speech mixes promises with rebuke of Bush

WASHINGTON — In the opening lines of his inaugural address, President Obama turned toward predecessor George W. Bush and thanked him "for his service to our nation" and his "generosity and cooperation" during the transition period since November's election.

In the 18-minute speech that followed, however, Obama delivered what amounted to a searing indictment of the Bush presidency. From the economy to national security, the use of science to the distribution of wealth, he promised that a new day with sharply different policies and priorities was about to begin.

"That we are in the midst of crisis is now well-understood," Obama said as Bush sat a few feet away from him on the Capitol platform. "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America."

Not since Franklin Roosevelt rebuked Herbert Hoover in 1933 — "The money-changers have fled," Roosevelt told Americans struggling through the Depression — has the incoming president offered such a stinging critique of the outgoing one in his inaugural address.