Barack Obama

“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious, and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.”

January 20, 2009 · Speech · Washington, D.C., United States Capitol, first inaugural address

First inaugural address, delivered during the 2008-09 financial crisis and two wars. It follows a passage on a fear that American decline is inevitable.

Inaugural Address, 20 January 2009, The American Presidency Project (UC Santa Barbara) Source

“Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the Nation for a new age.”

January 20, 2009 · Speech · Washington, D.C., United States Capitol, first inaugural address

First inaugural address, in the passage describing the 2008-09 crisis. Obama assigns the weakened economy to the greed of some and to a collective failure.

Inaugural Address, 20 January 2009, The American Presidency Project (UC Santa Barbara) Source

“On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.”

January 20, 2009 · Speech · Washington, D.C., United States Capitol, first inaugural address

Opening movement of the first inaugural address, following the passage on the crisis and the challenges ahead.

Inaugural Address, 20 January 2009, The American Presidency Project (UC Santa Barbara) Source