THE Speech

In thinking back on Barack's speeches of the past year -- after winning Iowa, on race, the conclusion of the primaries, and the nomination acceptance address -- Obama has set expectations so high that there is a danger that his Inaugural address will be a let down.

Fortunately, it ain't gonna happen.

Given his immense oratory talents, Obama has been able to rise to the occasion and deliver a heart-thumping, pride-inspiring, tear-jerker of an address when called upon.

I have little doubt that come Tuesday around noon he'll nail it.

From Politico...

Just hours after admitting he was intimidated by Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address, Barack Obama went to stare it down.

A competitive man by nature, Obama seems acutely aware that he’s stepping into the ring with history itself Tuesday – squaring off against not only the public’s expectations for a voice-of-God moment, but also against the addresses that came before his, the formidable and the forgettable.

Those who know him say Obama may well strive to top them all.

"The speech will describe the moment we're in and the spirit required to emerge from this crisis even stronger and more united than before," Obama spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.