Lincoln and Obama Speeches Compared

The renowned author Garry Wills has written an informative and insightful essay comparing Abraham Lincoln's speech at Cooper Union with Barack Obama's March 18th speech in Philadelphia. The article is titled "Two Speeches On Race," and it's published in the upcoming issue of the New York Review of Books.

Wills has written of Lincoln before, and his book Lincoln at Gettysburg is a classic (and a personal favorite). His new essay is somewhat reminiscent of that particular book, which provided an enlightening analysis of the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's subtle yet formidable writing skills.

In the magazine, Wills thoughtfully analyzes the speeches given by Lincoln and Obama, and notes striking similarities in what the speakers had to accomplish. For instance, both men had to deal with "an alleged connection with unpatriotic and potentially violent radicals." For Obama, it was former pastor Jeremiah Wright. And for Lincoln it was the recently executed abolitionist firebrand, John Brown.

I'm tempted to start quoting the essay at length, but it should be enjoyed in full. If you're interested in history, it's a treat.