On the occasion of Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 45th president, the Gazette offers highlights of its editorial observations about eight presidents during the past five decades when they were first sworn into office.
Obama’s election as the nation’s first African-American president has become a source of inspiration for the young and old alike. There is a new sense of pride about being American and a willingness to believe once again that all things are possible.
Nobody underestimates the challenges that lie ahead. Yet, there is something about this young man from Illinois who dares us to dream again. It is a rare leader, indeed, who can create the kind of excitement that has surrounded Obama’s inauguration, who – in the midst of a crushing economic downturn – can infuse Americans with the belief that better times lie ahead.
We are told that it won’t be easy. We are told that sacrifices will have to be made. These are hard truths, yet we embrace them because they speak to our better selves, and to the spirit and character that have always set America apart.
The inauguration of George W. Bush as our 43rd president concluded the most controversial election most of us have ever seen, and hope to never see again.
While the majority of Americans accept the legitimacy of his candidacy and take comfort in Saturday’s inaugural rituals and orderly transfer of power, there was a place for those who stood in protest, both here and in Washington. They reminded the new president of the troubling allegations about voting improprieties in Florida, and that he takes office without a clear mandate from the people, having lost the popular vote by 600,000 ballots and claiming the Electoral College by a razor-thin margin.
In his inaugural speech, the new president recognized the division in our country when he said, “Sometimes our differences run so deep, it seems we share a continent, but not a country.”
This inaugural also brings to the Oval Office leaders of a new era – baby boomers whose philosophy and values have been shaped by events very different from those that have gone before. As it was for President Kennedy, the torch again is being passed to a new generation.
For that reason, the day is draped with even greater imagery of change than usual. President Clinton called his inaugural festivities an “American Reunion.” There is much talk of of renewal and unifying the nation. Expectations are high. There is great hope for the man from Hope, Arkansas.
… We hope Bill Clinton, as president, continues to be a politician: one who defines politics as being about the big things, vision, the future, and bold ideas that can have consequences and change the country.
Some say (Bush) will have a hard time filling Ronald Reagan’s shoes. As a showman, perhaps, but the feeling today is that George Bush will be much more of a take-charge president, and more truly a leader of all the people than Ronald Reagan.
… In the last few months president-elect Bush has traded in the nasty tone of the campaign trail for talk about his hopes and dreams for America. Through the transition there have been glimmers that Bush’s call for a “kinder, gentler nation” may be heartfelt, not just campaign sloganeering.
… We welcome the kinder, gentler nation promised by George Bush. Let all Americans offer him their hopes and prayers as he begins the job.
A sense of anticipation unparalleled in recent American history prevails across the nation today as news spread of the release of the 52 hostages and as Washington prepares for another presidential inauguration.
… the inauguration tomorrow of Ronald Reagan also represents change of a very major sort. In fact, his election means almost a complete restructuring of the political system which has been in place since 1932.
Reagan will be sorely tested in the weeks and months ahead by such intractable problems as the economy, America’s declining industrial might and the need to work out shifting relations with the Soviets and others who do not share a commitment to democracy and freedom.
There is much that is instructive of Carter’s success. It clearly demonstrates that upward mobility is still possible in American politics if the person wants to work hard enough and has a message for the American people.
But once the oath of office has been administered, President Carter will need more than good will, hard work and rhetoric to succeed at his job. Being president is infinitely more difficult than being a presidential candidate. As president, Carter will have to do more than criticize the government and propose solutions. He will have to bear the brunt of the criticism and solve problems, not merely tell us what should be done.
… And above all, the United States government which Jimmy Carter now inherits must be judicious and wise in its dealings with nations around the world so that our people and those elsewhere can live in peace, if not in harmony.
President Nixon’s inaugural address was … a lofty declaration of purpose and an appeal for broad-gauged public support. “Without the people,” he said, “we can do nothing; with the people we can do everything.”
… if there was a dominant note in Mr. Nixon’s remarks it was that we must above all strive for peace; he returned to that again and again. He promised that all the power and wisdom at his command would be devoted to advancing “the cause of peace among nations.”
… The new president also was eloquent on the need to bind up our wounds after “a long night of the American spirit.” He called for an end to stridency in dialogue on great issues, declaring, “We cannot learn from one another until we stop shouting at one another.”
The inaugural speech of President Kennedy was well received yesterday by friend and foe and in most of the countries of the free world.
As a person well-versed in the use of the English language, he gave his solemn talk pledging that the “torch” of leadership in the United States has passed to a new generation of Americans “born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a cold and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage – and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today.”
… Referring to the responsibilities of our citizens and our country, he declared, “Ask not what your country will do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” and he directed his remarks in a similar vein to the citizens of other countries.
These excerpts from Gazette editorials were compiled by Opinion Editor Stanley Moulton.