A plea

Like so many Americans, I am eagerly awaiting President-elect Obama's inaugural address tomorrow. Unlike many of his more ardent followers, I am particularly hopeful that he will punt his trademark mantra, "yes, we can." I have no idea why this phrase has captivated the American public. It is vague, limp, and devoid of rhetorical heft. In fact, I thought that it almost sunk his otherwise compelling victory speech in Grant Park. Rather than fall back on this tried, true, and completely exhausted admonition, I hope that Obama and his chief wordsmith, Jon Favreau, come up with something fresh and rousing.

"The New York Times" has an excellent interactive feature on inaugural words. I was struck by how good Lyndon Johnson's speech was, although it is never cited among the outstanding inaugural addresses. Perhaps the secret is in the delivery.