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Bush’s inaugural speech
to focus on support, unity, historian says By Melissa DeLoach As president-elect George W. Bush takes the oath of office Saturday, he will without question reach out to those who did not vote for him, said Presidential Historian Paul F. Boller. “Because the election dispute was determined by the Supreme Court, he will emphasize he is a president of all the people and appeal for support and unity,” said Boller, a professor emeritus of history. Boller is writing a book entitled “Presidential Inaugurations.” The book will outline the inaugurations of all 43 presidents. Saturday’s festivities will be the basis of his final chapters. The historian said Bush’s address would not include any mention of the campaign or election. The president-elect will more likely elaborate on his campaign theme of a “compassionate conservative.” He may give some indication on specific legislation like tax cuts, Boller said. “I don’t think there will be any surprises,” he said. “He may thank his father, but that is not unusual. However, John Quincy Adams didn’t mention his father (John Adams) in his speech.” John Quincy Adams’ road to the White House was also contested. The House of Representatives finally chose him as the president. Boller said the most notable inaugural addresses include the first of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy and both of Abraham Lincoln’s addresses. “The best came in time of a crisis,” Boller said. “The country today is not in crisis. We have a good economy and foreign affairs are strong. There are problems but nothing major like a war.” Although Boller has no prediction on how long Bush’s address will be, one thing he said he is sure of is the Texas touch that will be present in Washington, D.C. This is true of Bush’s father’s inaugural speech, Boller said. But the inauguration is not just a speech. It is about celebrating a new administration and welcoming Bush as the president. At the Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball today, armadillos, roadrunners and bulls from the Fort Worth Zoo will serve as Texas ambassadors, Boller said. Also, a mule statue from Muleshoe and the mascots from the University of Texas and Texas A &M University will be on hand for the parade that will follow the inauguration. Boller taught history at TCU from 1976-1984. He was the first holder of the Lyndon B. Johnson chair of history. He has written three books on the presidency including “Presidential Anecdotes,” “Presidential Campaigns” and “Presidential Wives.” Boller said “Presidential Inaugurations” will be finished in May. Melissa DeLoach
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