Comments for Word Cloud Analysis of Obama's Inaugural Speech Compared to Bush, Clinton, Reagan, Lincoln's

Word Cloud Analysis of Obama's Inaugural Speech Compared to Bush, Clinton, Reagan, Lincoln's

2009-01-20T17:58:53Z

Barack Obama was just sworn in as President of the US and though he stumbled in repeating his oath, the speech that followed was delivered flawlessly and was widely praised around the web. (Several readers have told us that it wasn't Obama that stumbled, it was Justice Roberts.) There were quite a few concepts discussed that we suspect haven't been a part of past inaugural speeches. What words were used most often? We ran the full text of the speech through tag cloud generator Wordle.net for one view of the event, and just for the sake of historical context we ran George W. Bush's second inaugural speech through as well. Update: After one reader suggested it, we've also added word clouds from Bill Clinton's second inaugural speech and Reagan's first below. Second update: By reader request, we've added Lincoln's first and second inaugural speeches as well.

The most common words in the Obama and Bush speeches were dramatically different.

]]> Obama's Speech

If you want to search inside Obama's speech to see how he used these words, try using the video player below, courtesy of Delve Networks.

Bush's Speech 2005

Bill Clinton's Second Inauguration Speech

Ronald Reagan's First Inaugural Speech

Lincoln's First

Lincoln's Second

Feeling Inspired by the Events Today?

See also our post from last night 7 Online Things You Can Do to Help Obama Restore America. Check out the new WhiteHouse.gov, where the face of Presidential technology has changed dramatically as well.

Comment from Karen Roze on 2011-04-03

2011-04-04T01:32:21Z

Someone here said "He's the president and you can't change that" YES YOU CAN you take to the streets as they have in the middle east. Eygpt's army were so lowly regarded and low paid that they went with the people. Had the army not then you would have seen what we are xseeing now in Libya, Bomb people to save people! sheer madness. Yet in Baharain the US is supporting the dictator Govt there and helping SHOOT UP THE PROTESTORS! Why, because Baharain has too many US interests. It's hypocracy to the extreme, Who is the sciopath that writes Obama's teleprompter speeches? Who reallys runs the world. The Pope?

We haven't had a real President since Kennedy. Ron Paul will be voted into office in 2012 as he's wise enough galant enough to do the right thing by the country he cares for deeply and the victims of Genocide around the world by the Military Industrial Complex. I would say safe to bet at his age he would sacrifice his life just to further expose to the world what exactly has been going on for 50 years since Kennedy was taken out, Dianna was killed because she was going to go into bat for the Palestine People make doco's (frig whats Angelina Jolie doing?) which side is she on . Oh thats right related by 10th cousin removed to the Bushes or someone else for sure as is Brad?

Ron Paul for president 2012..............the only one who can restore your country to it's former glory!

Comment from yuregininsesi on 2011-01-10

2011-01-10T22:55:20Z

After reading all of the posts, I am wrong. These clouds help us understand everyone's predjudices.
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Comment from Posicionamiento Web on 2010-12-30

2010-12-31T01:29:52Z

Well Doug Hepner, unlike Bush, Obama seems to have a firm grasp on the english language... Bush stumbled through minimal sentences; to the point where there are volumes of Bush' faux pais's so it is unlikely Obama could live up to that reputation.

Comment from matt on 2009-02-17

2009-02-17T19:45:01Z

I don't get it.

What is this supposed to help me understand or think about? Why put these speeches in wordle?
@ 18 i agree, ordered list with count would make more sense, help me understand the speeches more.

just 'cause it looks interesting does not mean it is...

Comment from Luis Mondragón on 2009-02-10

2009-02-10T19:19:08Z

I suggest filtering out irrelevant words (adverbs, adjectives, pronouns, etc).

Comment from Life is poorly designed because engineers are dataheads. on 2009-02-09

2009-02-10T01:58:16Z

"Can you post real data instead of "clouds"? How about ordered lists with number of mentions, arranged by most frequent? Posted by: Isaac"

Raw data isn't meaningful without understanding, thus it must be filtered into a digestible format. While a word count would be a digestible format for some people, most people would argue it is inferior to clouds. Clouds are much easier to comprehend, with the added benefit of being enjoyable to take in. That's why when people have presentations they'll show you a chart and not a spreadsheet. And believe me, I love spreadsheets. Maybe having something like Freedom - 20 in a cloud would be slightly more informative, but it still wouldn't give you the relative values in terms of the total length of the speech--boils down to the "raw data is not useful" thing again. The only way to do it would be something like Freedom - .008% of words. And that's just lame.

Next time, find something real to gripe about.

Comment from Rodney Johnson on 2009-02-02

2009-02-02T21:48:31Z

come on... who cares about word clouds anyway!

Comment from Roberto Battellini on 2009-02-01

2009-02-01T08:28:28Z

The slides - per se - are beautiful posters!
Creative idea, thanks.

Comment from ihatetalking on 2009-01-31

2009-02-01T02:38:41Z

It's almost scary that anyone who voices an opinion that is in anyway contradictory to the "W00t thank god for obama" vibe that seems to be going on in America right now is deemed some kind of ignorant bigot and told to "...just walk away pal. Quit trying to mix shit up just to play advocate. Contrary guy. It's okay to learn from other people man, try it out sometime. It's the new thing.", as the poster in post 71 so thoughtfully put it.

Also, the whole notion that you should just shut up if you have anything slightly negative to say about Obama or his policies because "he's the President now and you can't change that", when we had to hear for who knows how long about Bush stealing the first election. Where were those comments back then?

I'm not here to bash Obama or his supporters, I'm just here to voice concern that when you can't even be honest enough with yourself to admit that while he may speak well and inspire the hope that you'll get back all the liberty and freedoms you've somehow lost over the past 8 years, keep in mind that he still is a politician and he still may be slightly out for his own interests just like EVERY other politician.

Comment from Andrew Webb on 2009-01-31

2009-01-31T23:42:36Z

A comparison with FDR's first inaugural address would be most instructive, given that our situation today is most similar to that in 1933.

Comment from pedro on 2009-01-31

2009-01-31T08:49:49Z

I think any man reguardless of IQ that would even want to take the challenge in todays social and WORLD economic strife has to be admired. Solving the problems or finding a solution without dictitorial ambitions with tyranny at his heals, as leaders in the past have done, should warrant support, not singleing out race,mocking,or irrational quick judgements. like a fireman at the top of a ladder, things look different but the fire is just as hot and dangerous, so lets get real and give our support, less chatter and serious resolutions before it becomes irreversable,Weed out more corruption, make Mars habitable quickly,we need something more to fight over, and polute..

Comment from Bernadette on 2009-01-29

2009-01-30T06:23:18Z

Comment from IAMNOBODY FROM PHILIPPINES on 2009-01-29

2009-01-29T10:57:18Z

it's such a fuck to see america on this kind of situation....i can't believe that OBAMA is the only person hu had the guts to save this so called most powerfull country from despair that Bush had done... i don't think if there are some who can't take my side.. but as student from the archipelago of the philippines,, i think we can't blame Obama if he reaaly can't meet exactly our expectations but instead we still have to THANk him for trying his best to stand as new elected powerful leader all over the country.if there is really a person to be blamed i think Bush deserved it. i behold his personality as king of crocodiles.. he done this all to us,, he's lucky that i don't meet him yet because if that time comes, i assure him he will curse himself forever. to Obama, i have nothing to say but GUD LUCK and KIP UP a gud work.. i believe in you...

Comment from Ray Terrible on 2009-01-28

2009-01-28T20:53:39Z

Well, this makes it clear. Bush loves Freedom, Obama does not. He really must be a secret Muslim terrorist.

Comment from john on 2009-01-27

2009-01-28T03:23:48Z

It would be more interesting to guess which speech cloud belonged to whom, beforehand.

Comment from php kursu on 2009-01-27

2009-01-27T12:29:35Z

thank you

Comment from Kathleen on 2009-01-25

2009-01-26T01:14:03Z

Fascinating and easier for the brain to digest, interesting to see changes in emphasis...

www.okathleen.wordpress.com

Comment from Therese on 2009-01-25

2009-01-25T16:58:37Z

As a lover of both words and my country, I see nothing wrong with anyone's words. They are afterall words, and my guess is that many people had some role in picking the words and the tone of the speaches given. Despite the fact that I do love the rhetoric and debate of all this, I am at the point in my life where I have heard so many words used to manipulate that I am more interested in the facts. I would like to find my own words to evaluate the facts. So here is a fact that I would like some of you to think about. All of the word clouds done here are all the same format and color scheme except for one. Why? I went to the site and had fun putting through different speeches. (My favorite being Kennedy's address at the Rice football game.) When the site generates the word cloud, the initial graphic is never the same. So, based on this information I can conclude that the rich, vibrant word clouds had purpose behind them. Only one, George W. Bush's cloud is different. This means that someone made the decision to make his stand out from the others. Again, I ask WHY?

Comment from Anonymous on 2009-01-24

2009-01-25T06:40:23Z

I think a more interesting experiment would have been to post the Wordles of the speeches without acknowledging the authors/speakers for a couple of weeks, and in the meantime gauge readers' responses to the words blindly. It seems from the comments here that people are overwhelmingly interpreting the Wordles based on preconceived notions of the speaker.

Comment from Anonymous on 2009-01-24

2009-01-25T06:33:22Z

What's disconcerting is the overwhelming number of Obama apologists on this site and the liberal's refusal, in general, to allow any dissent whatsoever. Josh's rhetoric might seem harsh, but he's right. Furthermore, the tone of the responses you all offered him is pathetic. Rather than answer his arguments, you all just assume you know something about his character or background and attack that. Regardless of what the media feeds you, all conservatives are not war-hungry, racist, backwoods, Southern rednecks. Or you claim that he should support Obama simply because he is now the president. That's a bit silly, no? I don't recall you all throwing your support behind Bush just because he was president. And I'm already sick of liberals tossing around the racist label the first time someone disagrees with Obama. There's many reasons to dislike Obama's policies, and they have nothing to do with race.

Comment from Therese on 2009-01-24

2009-01-25T06:17:19Z

I just put George W. Bush's first inaugural speech through the word cloud maker. The words that appeared in large print were the following: citizens, America, Americans, courage, country, ideals, freedom, compassion, duty, government, civility, many, live, work, every, God, and so on. These seem like fine words to me. We have got to keep it real folks.

Comment from Larry on 2009-01-23

2009-01-23T23:31:27Z

I find the first portion of this commentary interesting because it is related to the subject -- new ways to look at inaugural addresses in our history via the technology (art?) of word cloud visualizations.

Then it seems a couple of 3rd graders hijacked the conversation and changed the subject to how bad each other's mothers were. How about taking this tit-for-tat (or venom and spit) to one of the political sites. Here it is just bad porn (not to mention bad manners).

Comment from Mark on 2009-01-23

2009-01-23T20:39:00Z

Josh,

Do you feel as though you've been cornered, is that why you are so angry, confused, what have you? This is your country and you have a right to your opinion, that is what makes the potential of this country so great. One thing, an IQ of 116 is greater than one standard deviation above average, so the President is not an idiot. However, it would be interesting to know how you got such specific information about the President, was it "I hate America" Limbaugh? It is ashame that those on the conservative side of the political spectrum are associated with that kind of thought. Let's just see how the first one hundred days goes, if he avoids choking on a pretzel, maybe we will be able to consider things successful, however, all Bush had to do in his first days as president was keep and maybe add to the surplus the government had when Clinton left office...
Good luck!

Comment from tucson web design on 2009-01-22

2009-01-22T21:06:17Z

Very interesting to see. I thought Obama's would have been more similar to Bush's looks the most similar to Clinton's maybe?

Comment from frank on 2009-01-22

2009-01-22T20:52:44Z

Bush's tag cloud has the shape of an Iraqi shoe

Comment from SunflowerPipes on 2009-01-22

2009-01-22T19:39:17Z

This article reminds me that we have come so far in so little time. Obama is an inspiring leader and I was grateful to be present at his inauguration. I have seen a lot of comments stating that as Americans people should not have booed Bush. I think that they have forgotten what it means to be Americans. I practice dissent were I believe it is needed. There is no doubt that Bush has broken the law and betrayed the trust of the country on many occasions. Look no further than the justice department for evidence of this. I am enclosing a link to the footage I took of Bush being booed at Obama's innauguration. People look like they are just ready for Bush to go and I feel as they do. Bush Booed During Inauguration Link

Cheers,
Sunflower Pipes

Comment from claire on 2009-01-22

2009-01-22T16:37:38Z

Am I allowed to print the word clouds and use and use them in my secondary school with teen agers in alsace( France) who learn English and History ?
The proud mother of a multicoloured family

Comment from Ed Blume on 2009-01-22

2009-01-22T15:47:08Z

I know little about word clouds. Why are the words arranged as they are -- some vertical, some horizontal? Do the little words around big words link to the big words?

Comment from mrbean on 2009-01-22

2009-01-22T14:40:49Z

Do Sarah Palin, Do Sarah Palin !!!

Comment from Kenny on 2009-01-22

2009-01-22T14:22:37Z

@Josh

Liberals are not intolerant of Christians or conservatives. Many liberals are Christians. And anyone who is intolerant isn't a liberal - go look up the word in the dictionary.

Secondly, you claim that 'Obama couldn't order a Happy Meal without it being written down for him.' Have you ever read his books? I have and he is a very fine writer. Far better than most journalists and many novelists. He actually writes more of his own speeches than most politicians.

Comment from Niobe on 2009-01-22

2009-01-22T13:03:16Z

Oh man someone do a Sarah Palin wordle.

Comment from diana on 2009-01-22

2009-01-22T11:13:03Z

Hi, a comment from France ! Pretty clouds, but as some have said, without context they can be interpreted in many ways... Fun idea though for making visuals to illustrate a given text...
On a more political note, seeing B. Obama as President of the USA is a bit of fresh air compared to the stuffy appearance of former presidents and appearances aside, I'm sure he will bring change and hope for many many americans and as a nation. I'm currently reading his book (Dreams from My Father) and that puts a lot of things into context. Well done America for voting something a bit different !

Comment from Issa on 2009-01-21

2009-01-22T03:50:43Z

I'm not sure what conclusion to reach (if any), but it's certainly fun and interesting to look at these different clouds. Thanks!

Comment from Dora on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T22:41:50Z

Listen guys bigot or no bigot, the point still remains that Obama is the CURRENT president of USA and non of u can stop that.
He is simply mentaly ALERT and SOUND, which a number of you are not from the way you sound.

Comment from coffee on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T22:01:52Z

really interesting text clouds; goes to show ya what were the issues in those days

Comment from Anonymous on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T20:29:22Z

Re comment #19 by Dawn - I did Bush's 2001 Inaugural Address here: http://www.wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/457963/Bush2001Inaugural.
It is a more fair comparison than Bush's 2005 address.

Comment from value on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T18:52:21Z

My fellow Americans, I sit before you, an ardent critic of the current political paradigm. For this reason I have taken the time to correct all the contradictions in President Obama’s speech. The standard of value is the coherence and correspondence tests of truth. My corrections are in yellow, so you can read the speech corrected or as it was intended...for an audience of non-thinkers.

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.

Humility is actually a weakness. No one ever achieved anything by thinking less of their capacities. We need a man full of pride, who knows their own value, as well as their flaws. But I am sure it was just rhetoric anyway to appease conflicted Christians.

Actually just because Americans elected him does not mean they trust him. Now that's not humility, it's arrogance. The guy needs to earn our trust and respect. At this point, he is just the lesser of two evils. That huge Senate payout doesn’t give anyone confidence.

I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Thank President Bush! You’re joking. That’s not humility, that’s plain stupidity . 43rd President Bush - The worst president in history. He was also the most stupid. He wasn’t even smart enough to match the damage done by Roosevelt.

http://polly-rage.blogspot.com/2009/01/corrections-to-president-obamas.html

Comment from Jeremy on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T17:24:03Z

His speech is much closer to jimmy carters
http://img135.imageshack.us/my.php?image=carterspeechtf5.png

Comment from Dave Hodson on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T17:01:35Z

Does this include a mispronunciation cloud? Or is that what Bush's cloud is?

Comment from Marshall Kirkpatrick on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T16:59:42Z

Igor, that's a great idea - I should have done that before now.

Comment from DaleC on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T16:49:46Z

After reading all of the posts, I am wrong. These clouds help us understand everyone's predjudices.

Comment from DaleC on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T16:47:27Z

Frequency, without context, provides no understanding. These are simply interesting doodles.

Comment from Renee on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T16:45:12Z

Back to a lighter note, and a comment on the third post...
Rather than a golf club (appropriate), the cloud looks like a big foot, which is even more appropriate, considering how many times Former President Bush's words ended up placing his foot in his mouth.

Comment from Joe L on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T16:32:30Z

44 Americans Have Taken the Oath?

With all the attention John Roberts is getting for "messing up" the oath, I find it odd that no one has attempted to correct President Obama on a very big mistake he made in the first 60 seconds of his inaugural speech.

"Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath." he proclaimed.

Really? 44? Are you sure?

Grover Cleveland is rolling over in his grave.

You would think even the President would know (or his speech writer, Jon Favreau), even though he is our 44th President, only 43 Americans have now taken the oath. And that includes President Obama. Just because President Cleveland is counted twice - as the 22nd and 24th president - he is still only one American.

John Roberts made an honest mistake. He was nervous - give him a break.
President Obama's speech is now going to go down in history - with a very big error on it.

Comment from Carlenlea on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T15:24:55Z

I'd be more interested to see Obama's compared to Bush's first inaugural speech.

Comment from Alisa on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T15:15:03Z

Lets compare those speeches to that of Kennedy's inaugural speech. Obama's speech didn't say much of anything- none of speeches have said anything that is useful. Obama could not have been elected anywhere else but dumb America- where ignorance Rules.

Comment from Alisha on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T15:03:15Z

It would be an interesting project to compare all of speeches at the end of Barack's presidency. Someone with a lot of patience remember that in 4 years.

Linked to this post from my blog: http://thelishlist.blogspot.com/2009/01/obama-vs-bush-inauguration-speech-word.html

-Alisha
http://thelishlist.blogspot.com/

Comment from Timothy on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T14:37:08Z

That's really cool. It's always interesting to see how Lincoln's speeches compare to those of modern speakers.

Comment from Hugh on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T14:33:52Z

These word clouds are only superficially useful, and are actually misleading in most cases. Style of speaking, such as continually repeating yourself, would probably throw the whole thing way off.

Comment from citizen on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T13:56:05Z

I think you need to update your intro, it's misleading...
"though he stumbled in repeating his oath".
It's common knowledge that Chief Justice Roberts is the one that messed up, Obama paused so that CJR could correct himself.

Comment from Paolo on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T13:24:02Z

Great idea, indeed! Hey, in the Obama's cloud I could hardly find the word "Economy" (mid-left)... Shouldn't it be the main issue of his mandate? That's really strange, at least to me...

Comment from shishir on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T12:37:17Z

There are ten poitns to be noted in Obama speech aand we must all keep this in mind till he is in charge.
http://controversial-affairs.blogspot.com/2009/01/obamas-inaugural-address.html

Comment from Igor Schwarzmann on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T11:39:48Z

Marshall, could you place the tag clouds under CC so that they can be reused by others? Thanks.

Comment from Gina on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T11:22:01Z

I didn't find any mention of God in the speeches of the last 3 Presidents. Godless leaders in a godless society perhaps?

Comment from Anonymous on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T11:17:33Z

No, Josh, here's how it works: We don't care what Christians or conservatives do with each other (that's the tolerance part). We just don't want you telling US how to live. Wanting to act in ways that are against YOUR beliefs is not intolerant; imposing your beliefs on us IS.

Comment from Jill on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T10:32:31Z

I have never stumbled across these before. They are fascinating and beautiful. I teach English Language A level in the UK and this is a fantastic visual way to explore the lexis of these speeches which will lead us onto wonderful discussions about priorities and values. Thanks very much. I will tell all my friends!

Comment from lynx on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T09:30:56Z

Freddy, comment #14-

interesting too, that Reagan used to sleep through meetings. Wonder what he was dreaming about?

Josh-most of Barack's speeches were written by himself. Whether or not he wrote today's I don't know, but it was inspiring and uplifting. And no, the world will not be an instant paradise. Barack has never said that, he talks about the work that needs to be done, that changes that must occur, and that work and change are difficult, but a united nation (which does not mean everyone the same) but people of all colors, creeds, lifestyles being accepting of each other and working together to bring this country back into the world community, to aid those who need help, to leave a lighter footprint on the face of the earth.

Comment from Bakuvia on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T09:03:37Z

What kind of word cloud would you get if you put all the speeches together?

Comment from benard james on 2009-01-21

2009-01-21T08:10:36Z

well being happy for the swearing in of the first black american to be the president of the united statres of america infact obama kende

Comment from Philip I on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T07:46:52Z

Obama's middle name will rescue America

Comment from Ouroboros on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T06:48:59Z

Josh's text also makes for an interesting cloud.

Comment from Eli on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T06:16:13Z

Mmmm... Obama's word cloud has a prettier color scheme :P

Comment from Peter on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T04:38:13Z

word clouds are kind of worthless. an idea cloud could be useful.

Comment from Polluter1 on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T04:09:02Z

Josh , Bro- just walk away pal. Quit trying to mix shit up just to play advocate. Contrary guy. It's okay to learn from other people man, try it out sometime. It's the new thing.

Comment from Polluter1 on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T04:04:55Z

Yeah, first time for me too. Pretty cool
Peace,

Comment from dannie on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T04:03:01Z

Josh, may I ask where your findings about Obama's IQ scores come from?

Only because he hasn't offically released his SAT or IQ scores.

You stated in a previous post:
"Start thinking about what this 116 IQ idiot will do to our country with his agenda"

First off the scores aren't even a fact and even if they were, a score of 116 it's still above average.

You kinda sound like the idiot. Please, only state the FACTS.

Grade Range Percent
Genius 144 0.13%
Gifted 130-144 2.14%
Above average 115-129 13.59%
Higher average 100-114 34.13%
Lower average 85-99 34.13%
Below average 70-84 13.59%
Borderline low 55-69 2.14%
Low http://www.iqtest-center.com/iq-scores.php

Just an FYI

Comment from frankiecarl on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T03:59:02Z

Thanks, I loved this.

Comment from Polluter1 on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T03:51:18Z

How can you be intolerant of sexuality? That's just... Who made you The Guy? Brass ones pal, yikes. Keep diggin guy-

Comment from Polluter1 on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T03:47:26Z

Ok here is what happened- Obama stumbled a bit for a second, in trying to help, Justice Roberts said the words again, only in the wrong order. As to say -he fucked up; Fucked up he did. No real big deal, no harm no foul. Bigger fish to fry, que' no?

Comment from Mark on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T03:45:15Z

Read the extraordinary prophecy regarding Barack Obama that has been posted by prophet Linda Newkirk at www.prophecies.org

Also visit www.thetruthportal.com and click on the 'portal' button for the truth about Comet Holmes. Holmes shocked scientists when it brightened and expanded a million fold in 24 hours.

Comment from Polluter1 on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T03:37:32Z

Hey Josh, I think you are a bit off track Super Guy. Being liberal is not about intolerance.liberalism is the antithesis of intolerance by definition! So take it easy when you are telling people what they will or will not tolerate, that is if you would like your argument to have an ounce of credibility. But hey, that's just one guy's opinion,
I could be way off here...

Comment from Mel (New Zealand) on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T03:11:40Z

If you look at the words from the oath, it is clear that Justice Roberts messed up by changing the order of words, hence Barack chuckled when he realised it was incorrect and Justice Roberts had to correct himself. It was great to see he stopped and made the Justice realise his mistake.

Comment from REN on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T02:21:14Z

I note that there’s a Java app for this, but it would be cool to be able to produce JPEGs—without using screen captures—that one could save, say, for desktop backgrounds.

Comment from Jane on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T02:14:37Z

Here's an observation from the other side of the world. American Republican leaders tend to abuse the term 'Freedom'. Do they mean this in reference to the 'freedom' to accumulate disproportionate amounts of wealth with no interference or conscience? Congratulations for finally voting in someone who appears to demonstrate a true regard for all things humane. Another thing, nice to see a rhetoric shift from the usual 'Americans are gods gift and deserve to lead the free world crap' to a recognition of your part in the world community.

Comment from Fadzli on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T01:41:20Z

Obama's cloud is very different than the others. The words are spread out more uniformly. Is this a sign of uncertainty or just because Obama's is aimed towards a wider (I would say more global) audiences?

Comment from Cassidy on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T01:39:31Z

Dear Josh,
It's sad to think that there are still people like you in America. People who are not only intolerant to people who are different, but also can't stand people who THINK differently. Obama is the president of the United States of America, and you can't change that. The only thing you can change is your attitude. This is a wonderful opportunity for all Americans to come together and save our nation. It's a beautiful time in America, and whether you like it or not, change is coming. So stop fighting everyone, and embrace the fact your alive for such a historic moment.

Comment from Josh on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T01:24:29Z

I am a big tard.

Comment from Admin BC on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T01:02:49Z

Both democrats talk a lot about "new". Obama is all about "new" and "nation". Clinton repeats "new" and "century" more often. That's normal when you have to emphasize the need of "change".

But this FREEDOM on Bush's speech seems unproportionaly large.

Comment from Aziz Poonawalla on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T00:53:24Z

I ran Obama's speech through Wordle myself - see here:

http://blog.beliefnet.com/cityofbrass/2009/01/transcript-president-obama-ina.html

I think the white background and muted colors work better :)

Comment from Craig Eddy on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T00:50:22Z

"Liberty" and "Freedom" seem to loom large in President Bush's speech. Had to really look hard to find "freedom" in President Obama's, and didn't find liberty.

Comment from Thomas Hawk on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T00:24:55Z

nice work on Lincoln, I didn't think to compare those ones. Interesting how much war is mentioned in Lincolns second address.

Comment from REN on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T00:17:34Z

Is there an application in the works that would allow one to do this? I'd like to see them for other inaugural addresses, State of the Union addresses, and farewell addresses.

Comment from Andrew on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T00:06:34Z

Josh,

I'm liberal. I'm tolerant of Christians and conservatives. So are most Liberals.

Comment from wut on 2009-01-20

2009-01-21T00:01:19Z

Josh, your conduct in this thread is not Christlike. I'm warning you for your own good. Reference Mattew 5:22:

"But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother*will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,*' is answerable to the Sanhedrin."

Comment from josh on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:45:05Z

Hey numbnuts...Webster's refers to bigots as an ethnic or racial group. Sexuality doesn't warrant the term bigot so no I'm not a bigot according to the pros.

Comment from Josh on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:40:33Z

If I'm a Bigot because I'm intolerant of sexuality, then aren't Liberals Bigots because they're intolerant of Christians or conservatives. Works both ways my friend.

Comment from wut on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:40:14Z

Andrew, America is certainly not the "most conservative country on earth". Please take into consideration the continent of Asia, the Middle East and all the countries therein.

Comment from Gronk on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:36:35Z

Andrew didn't mention race, Josh. He said you were a bigot: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bigot

Comment from wut on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:34:45Z

Funny that people mention "Government" in Bush's speech but not the "Government" in Lincoln's, though they're equally large in display size.

I think this is a case of selective vision.

Comment from Josh on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:32:17Z

Wait, I know. You're upset about the Obama's 116 IQ comment aren't you? So did you think because he's not that smart, that equated him with being Black? Tsk tsk.

Comment from Andrew on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:30:38Z

Josh,

I actually meant bigot based on sexuality. You tried to attack him for standing up for ALL Americans. I didn't imply his race. I'm actually a Clinton supporter, I was to the very end, and I still believe that he won it due to his race. Its actually a fact mathematically, considering the percentage of them who voted for him.

Any way, in the end it was about being a Democrat, so I grudgingly supported him. I do know one thing however: I would have given McCain a chance, and wouldn't be demonizing him, even if I didn't support him. Whereas you people are intent on simply trashing him five minutes into getting into office?

The standards for Obama are indeed high. And no matter what you say, having an African American president is historical. That is hardly the reason he was elected however--especially by such a wide margin. You can continue to claim conspiracy theories, but they are completely insane.

I'm PROUD to be a Liberal! America is the most conservative country on earth, we need some liberals in office!

Comment from Josh on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:25:49Z

Bigot? I didn't say anything about his race...you did. You voted for a man based on his race? You're the Bigot!

Comment from Josh on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:24:07Z

Actually I'm young(34) and very happy. I have a good business and lots friends and family. I just don't sugarcoat my words like the libs that's all. You called me a bigot but I didn't vote for Obama based on his color. Did you? Nothing I said mentioned a thing about his race.

Comment from Andrew on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:15:11Z

Josh,

You sound like a disturbed, angry, old, bigot.

Comment from Josh on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:09:58Z

Oh, by the way, Obama didn't even write this speech. Jon Favreau was the author of those fine words. He wrote them at Obama's thinkank(Starbucks). Obama couldn't order a Happy Meal without it being written down for him.

Comment from Jared Brandt on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T23:08:46Z

Really cool and very interesting to see.

Comment from Josh on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T22:52:40Z

You guys are living in this weird fantasy world. Like this guy is gonna somehow make the world a paradise to live in. You're in for a surprise if you think their stimulus package is good for this country. You watch and see how they Tax the job creaters and pump in money we don't have by bailing out industies and forcing health care programs. I'd say the Obama followers are the truly disturbed ones. Stop with this candyass retoric about inaugural words and clouds. Start thinking about what this 116 IQ idiot will do to our country with his agenda. Seriously!

Comment from Glen on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T22:43:38Z

Thanks for the wordle, just heard the Obama speech in Australia and admire how a few choice words inspire people to think beyond themselves, be uplifted to create a different world. He spoke about the obscure people - us - who just do our daily business trying to be a citizen, ordinary people managing the day-to-day challenges with fortitude. I like that!

Comment from Michael on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T22:08:26Z

@Josh:

Are you OK? Not a single positive comment. What about everything Obama/Biden have said so far makes you think they will be "in the basement printing money"? Also, your last comment is all over the map. Sounds like the ramblings of a disturbed mind, if you ask me. Abortion and starbucks??? Seriously?

Comment from Josh on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T21:46:34Z

Obama's should have words like TAX, EVIL, BIG GOVERNMENT, COMPLY, AFFIRMATIVE, LIBERAL, HOMOSEXUAL, LESBIAN, SAME SEX, HOMELESS, ABORTION, PROTEST, STARBUCKS, ETC.

Comment from Corvida on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T21:43:56Z

I find Obama's word cloud to be the most inspiring. Bush's reminds me of Lincoln's world cloud.

Comment from Fridley on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T21:24:52Z

Would love to get a larger image of the Obama picture to use as a background.

Comment from DavidBoleyRN on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T20:38:50Z

Would be great to see all in one cloud with different colors for the words of each pres. Is that possible?

Comment from Josh on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T20:27:35Z

We should be worried about Obama and Biden going into the basement and warming up the presses to print more money at willy-nilly. The middle class tax cut won't be worth paper it's printed on once they devalue the american dollar.

Comment from Tabitha "Tabz" Smith on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T20:21:21Z

I agree - the speechs all have the same main words - "Americans, people, nation... etc."

Comment from Josh on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T20:19:54Z

This speech analysis is all crap people. As of tomorrow politics in this Country will revert to the same old stuff.
Look forward to higher taxes, a lowered US dollar and a lot of media bullshit.

Comment from Doug Heppner on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T20:17:12Z

How do you bobble repeating someone?

Comment from GD on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T20:15:35Z

Here's the tag cloud of title="Wordle: Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address">Lincoln's second inaugural address, from text copied from bartleby.com.

Comment from carmen Hughes on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T20:13:53Z

Great post, Marshall. MSNBC notes that it was indeed Justice Roberts who bobbled the 35-word oath that he provided to President Obama. BTW, love your tag cloud on the inaugural speech. :-)

Comment from Andreas on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T20:09:51Z

Note this:

Both democrats talk a lot about "new". Obama is all about "new" and "nation". Clinton repeats "new" and "century" more often. That's normal when you have to emphasize the need of "change".

But this FREEDOM on Bush's speech seems unproportionaly large.

Comment from Doug Heppner on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T20:08:42Z

I wonder if the far left will beat up on President Obama's speaking problem like they did President Bush?

Comment from GD on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T20:03:06Z

Can you run the same program on Lincoln's second inaugural address, which many commentators today mentioned as one of the most memorable presidential speeches of all time? It's at http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres32.html . Thanks.

Comment from clooney on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T19:54:16Z

doesn't make any sense at all. inaugurals are shows, don't forget.

Comment from Gareth on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T19:43:21Z

I think it's interesting that both Obama and Clinton (and Reagan, to a lesser extent) used the word "nation", but not "country", whereas Bush used "country", but doesn't appear to have used "nation": when words like that are used it usually reflects a subtle shift in emphasis from "the land" to "the people", perhaps.

Comment from Marshall Kirkpatrick on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T19:31:46Z

ok ok, you're probably right!

Comment from Marshall Kirkpatrick on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T19:30:48Z

So - I noticed that too. Wondered how much of this can be explained by partisanship + time.

Comment from Dawn on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T19:30:09Z

Interesting! But today's speech against Bush's FIRST inaugural would be a better comparison.

Comment from Isaac on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T19:29:23Z

Can you post real data instead of "clouds"? How about ordered lists with number of mentions, arranged by most frequent?

Comment from So on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T19:26:17Z

The strong words of Obama's are very similar to the strong words in the Bill Clinton's Second Inauguration Speech

Comment from pamsykes on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T19:17:58Z

I'm amused by Reagan and the big government. Never seen that one before :-)

Comment from Erik on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T19:11:49Z

The choice of font has a subtle psychological effect as well, so they should all use the same font. (Imagine if Bush's used Wingdings!)

Comment from Freddy on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T19:11:34Z

Additionnal comment about the word in center
Clinton: strong
Reagan : dreams

Comment from metaeuphoria on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T19:10:51Z

Interesting, that both Reagan and Bush's speeches hinge just one central word: government and freedom. Those words also underscore the irony in each.

Comment from Freddy on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T19:07:30Z

Notice that the word in exact center in Bush cloud is "TYRANNY". At the same place, in Obama's, is "force". Both are used to influence Others. The second one just denote more power and rectitude.

Comment from Candis Hidalgo on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T18:46:15Z

Very interesting to see the comparison. Great idea!

Just a quick comment (or clarification) based on some comments above... it is what it is. Wordle.net automatically makes the more heavily used words bigger. According to this article, they just placed the text from each speech into the program. The resulting word cloud was generated automatically from the content in each speech.

Comment from sdsah on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T18:37:12Z

Kick him when hes up. Kick while hes down. Kick him as he leaves town.

What will the media fret about without Bush?

Comment from Rudy on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T18:32:26Z

So what are you saying, Obama cared less about freedom?

Comment from id_eric on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T18:28:11Z

Great idea, thank you! It is interesting to see freedom and liberty used most in the Bush speech, but I feel he is the one who took the most freedom and liberty away!

Comment from David on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T18:27:51Z

Good to see the two wordles. As was pretty obvious from his speech, Obama used a higher level language and fuller sentences.

I don't think Obama stumbled on the oath, but rather he waited while the gentleman who said the phrases before him corrected himself.

Comment from Sandi on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T18:24:53Z

He stumbled because Chief Justice Roberts quoted the Constitutional swearing in text incorrectly.

Comment from Edmundo Llopis on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T18:23:35Z

Obama did not stumble during the swearing in process. He chuckled, and correctly spoke the oath. Chief Justice Roberts is the one who stumbled by stating the oath incorrectly.

Comment from Unsubscriber on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T18:22:26Z

You guys are really starting to reach. Wow, Obama's team managed to change a style sheet.

Comment from Dustin Woodard on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T18:20:12Z

The humor lies in the shape of the clouds. Obama's looks like a brain. Bush's looks like a golf club.

Comment from Sean on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T18:16:19Z

Both tag clouds are pretty much the same... I was expecting a humorous approach.

Comment from Seb on 2009-01-20

2009-01-20T18:15:20Z

Can you pls. use the same background for both? Makes it easier to compare. Thx.