Everyone who hears the new president's comments will be listening for something. Republicans would love to hear the nation's new chief executive talk about lower taxes, a stronger military, and the importance of character and integrity in the Oval Office. Democrats would prefer to hear him call for prescription drug coverage, campaign finance reform and education funding. And independents are hoping his comments reveal a commitment to bipartisanship and civility, as well as an ability to lead. But inaugural addresses usually aren't the place to talk about specific policies.
Specifics can divide people.
Instead, the new president is likely to emphasize that he will lead an administration of inclusiveness, one that seeks to represent all Americans. But while most presidents have delivered inaugural speeches filled with soaring imagery, Bush has never before demonstrated an ability to do so effectively. Even more difficult for the new president, he follows Bill Clinton, who is known for his oratory and empathy. Given the partisan nature of the past eight years, the scandals in the White House, the weird November election and the bitterness running throughout Capitol Hill, most Americans are looking for common-sense solutions, not gimmicks, crusades, politics or phony poetry.