Inaugural Speeches: Complete Edition

by Bill Clinton

In 'Inaugural Complete Edition', readers are presented with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the defining moments of American presidential history. This comprehensive anthology encompasses the visionary promises and foundational philosophies set forth by the nation's leaders at the dawn of their administrations. The collection stands out for its diversity in literary styles—from the fervent urgency of wartime leaders to the reflective assurance in periods of peace. Each inaugural address, a standalone piece of rhetorical art, collectively provides a detailed mosaic of the evolving American identity and its values, capturing pivotal moments in the nation's trajectory from independence to contemporary times. The inclusion of speeches from such a wide array of presidents allows for a rich exploration of the changing political, social, and economic landscapes they navigated. The editors have meticulously curated speeches from figures as varied as George Washington to Barack Obama, encapsulating over two centuries of American political thought and leadership. These pieces not only reflect the individual ideologies of the presidents but also echo the historical and cultural movements of their time, tracing the nation's growth and challenges. The anthology thus serves as a prism through which to view the shifting contours of American policy and aspiration. Contributors, being leaders who shaped the course of American history, bring an unparalleled depth of perspective to the compendium. This volume is an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of American history and political science. It offers a compendium of leadership visions that, together, weave the fabric of American democracy. The breadth and depth of insights presented through these speeches provide a fertile ground for study and reflection on the principles that have guided and will continue to guide the nation. As such, 'Inaugural Complete Edition' is more than just a scholarly collection; it is a treasure trove of American oratory that invites readers to witness the enduring power of words in shaping the future. Its educational value, paired with the compelling narratives of leadership and legacy, makes this anthology a must-read for anyone looking to comprehend the full spectrum of American presidential thought and its impact on the world stage.

482 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2022

About the author

Economic expansion and the first balanced federal budget in three decades marked presidency of William Jefferson Clinton, known as Bill, who served forty-second in the United States from 1993 to 2001; the House of Representatives in 1999 impeached him on perjury and obstruction of justice charges, but the Senate acquitted him on both counts.

Born William Jefferson Blythe III, he ranked as the third-youngest president, older only than Theodore Roosevelt and John Fitzgerald Kennedy. People know him the first baby-boomer president at the end of the Cold War. He is the husband of Hillary Rodham Clinton, the junior senator from New York and a Democratic candidate in the election of 2008 in the United States.

People described Clinton as a New Democrat and knew him largely for the Third Way philosophy of governance that came to epitomize his two terms as president. They described his "centrist" policies on issues, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement. Clinton presided over the longest period of peacetime economic expansion in American history, which included a balanced budget and a reported federal surplus. Clinton reported a surplus of $559 billion at the end of his presidency, based on Congressional accounting rules. His presidency was also quickly challenged. On the heels of a failed attempt at health care reform with a Democratic Congress, Republicans won control of the House of Representatives for the first time in 40 years. In his second term he was impeached by the U.S. House for perjury and obstruction of justice, but was subsequently acquitted by the United States Senate and completed his term. Polls of the American electorate taken at this time showed that up to 70% were against pursuing the allegations. (New York Times December 21, 1998).

Clinton left office with a 65% approval rating, the highest end-of-presidency rating of any President who came into office after World War II. Since leaving office, Clinton has been involved in public speaking and humanitarian work. He created the William J. Clinton Foundation to promote and address international causes, such as treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS and global warming. In 2004, he released a personal autobiography, My Life.