Then and Now - The State of the Union

In researching previous State of the Union addresses from past presidents, I compared them with President Barack Obama's speech in 2009. These presidents dealt with some of the same issues Obama is dealing with today, as well as tried to comfort the United States in some of the same ways. In times of grief, war and economic downfall, it is interesting to see how previous leaders tried to help the country.


Abraham Lincoln – Dec. 8, 1863
Word count – 6,117
Time estimate – none

“To that power alone can we look yet for a time
to give confidence to the people in the contested regions that the insurgent
power will not again overrun them. Until that confidence shall be established
little can be done anywhere for what is called reconstruction.”

Theme – Time of war

In comparison to President Barack Obama, the 1863 State of the Union address given by Abraham Lincoln dealt with some similar issues. Lincoln was dealing with the Civil War and trying to bring change to the country, much like Obama. Lincoln was trying to abolish slavery with African-Americans, while Obama is trying to bring just a general betterment to the United States.


Theodore Roosevelt – Dec. 3, 1901
Word count – 12, 644
Time estimate – none

“In the midst of our affliction we reverently
thank the Almighty that we are at peace with the nations of mankind; and we
firmly intend that our policy shall be such as to continue unbroken these
international relations of mutual respect and goodwill.”
Theme – Recovery process

In 1901, Theodore Roosevelt gave the State of the Union and covered much of the same message Obama is trying to convey. Roosevelt was dealing with a grieving country and attempting to build it up after President William McKinley was shot and killed and the economy was not the best at that time. Obama is obviously dealing with the economic downfall of today, and like Roosevelt, gives us words of hope and encouragement to make it through the affliction we are facing.


John F. Kennedy – Jan. 14, 1963
Word count – 5, 396
Time estimate – none

“For 175 years we have sailed with those winds
at our back, and with the tides of human freedom in our favor. We steer our ship
with hope, as Thomas Jefferson said, "leaving Fear astern."

Theme – Hope

Very much like Obama, John F. Kennedy was well-spoken and gave inspiring speeches. In his 1963 State of the Union address, he spoke of hard work and economic recovery. “We have made a beginning – but we have only begun,” he said in his address. Obama is striving to make a beginning for the United States today, to bring change and a better country. Kennedy encouraged Americans to be proud of their country, as Obama does, and tried to convey hope, one of Obama’s main slogans during the campaign. Both Kennedy and Obama possess that quality of encouragement and positivity, while asking America to roll up their sleeves and help each other.