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The Best Presidential Speeches of All Time

Presidential speeches are often remembered for one great phrase, memorable line, or rhetorical flourish that makes its way into the history books. But they should be seen as more than collections of memorable words - in fact, as documents of their time and place. Great presidential speeches are made in the context of crises, challenges, and times of great peril. But they can also inspire, uplift, and encourage. The truly great speeches manage to do both at once.

What's less well-known about many of the great addresses by presidents that they're short. Maybe the most famous speech in American history, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, is just over two minutes long. Many others, rather than being long rambles of adjectives and superlatives, are fewer than one thousand words, and lasted just 10 minutes. They didn't need thousands and thousands of words to make their point, just a few well-chosen ones given by a dynamic speaker.

Here are the greatest and most inspiring presidential speeches of all time, be sure to upvote those that inspire you the most!  

• George Eastman House

The Gettysburg Address

President Lincoln delivered his most famous speech just five months after the Battle of Gettysburg, at the dedication of the site's military cemetery. There is no existing final copy, and the five surviving manuscripts of the speech all have slightly different word choices. The speech was just 10 sentences long, and took two and a half minutes to deliver.

• White House Photographs
• National Park Service
• Public Domain

Kennedy's Inaugural Address

President Kennedy's only inaugural address was one of the shortest on record, fewer than 1,400 words and taking only 13 minutes and 42 seconds. But it perfectly encapsulated the social change, economic prosperity, and political upheaval Kennedy was walking into.

• Wally Gobetz

Washington's Farewell Address

President Washington actually wrote a version of his farewell to the American people after his first term, but decided to run for a second given the precarious state of the country. It was first published in the American Daily Advertiser newspaper, then in papers and pamphlets around the country. Washington never actually gave the address as a speech.

• NASA on The Commons

Kennedy's "We Choose to Go to the Moon" Speech

While President Kennedy had declared the United States's intention to put a man on the Moon in May 1961, the idea didn't truly resonate with the American people until his speech in September of the next year. In front of a massive crowd at Rice University, Kennedy managed to make Americans enthusiastic about spending billions of dollars on a prospect with no guarantee of success.

• Brett Gullborg

Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

President Lincoln gave his second inaugural address on March 4, 1865, as the Civil War was reaching its bloody conclusion. With reconstruction between the North and South looming, Lincoln paused to take stock of what had been lost, and what could be gained. It was just 700 words long, and took around five minutes to deliver.

• FDR Presidential Library & Museum

FDR's Infamy Speech

President Roosevelt's speech to a Joint Session of Congress the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor served to emphasize the idea of America as the victim of a cowardly sneak attack, rather than as a player in a complicated geopolitical struggle. Lasting just seven minutes, the speech let it be known that isolationism was no longer an option - and less than an hour later, the US declared war on Japan.

HeinOnline Blog

The 15 most inspiring presidential speeches in american history.

• By Tara Kibler
• February 15, 2021
• History , Political Science

Over the centuries, millions upon millions of words have been used by U.S. presidents to motivate, caution, reassure, and guide the American people. Whether written in the news, spoken at a podium, or shared on Twitter, all of these words have carried weight, each with the potential to impact the trajectory of our nation. Only a handful of times, however, has the particular arrangement and context of these words been considered truly inspiring.

This Presidents’ Day, join HeinOnline in rediscovering some of the greatest presidential speeches in American history using our   U.S. Presidential Library  and other sources.

1. Washington’s Farewell Address

Date:  September 17th, 1796

Context:  Toward the end of his second term as the first U.S. president, George Washington announced his retirement from office in a letter addressed to the American people. Though many feared for a United States without Washington, the address reassured the young nation that it no longer required his leadership. Washington also used the opportunity to offer advice for the prosperity of the country. After witnessing the growing division between the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties, much of his advice was to warn against political parties, factions, and other animosities (domestic and foreign) that would eventually undermine the integrity and efficacy of the American government.

Notable Quote:  “This spirit [of party], unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind … [but] the disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.

“Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it. It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions … A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.”

2. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

Date:  November 19, 1863

Context:  Four months after Union armies defeated Confederates at Gettysburg during the American Civil War, President Lincoln visited the site to dedicate the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. In what were intended to be brief, appropriate remarks for the situation, Lincoln used the moment to offer his take on the war and its meaning. The ten sentences he spoke would ultimately become one of the most famous speeches in American history, an inspiration for notable remarks centuries later, and even a foundation for the wording of other countries’ constitutions.

Notable Quote:  “… from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they heregave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that the dead shall not have died in vain; that the Nation shall under God have a new birth of freedom, and that Governments of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

3. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Inaugural Address

Date:  March 4, 1933

Context:  The inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt was held as the country was in the throes of the Great Depression, and as such, America anxiously awaited what he had to say. Roosevelt did not disappoint, offering 20 minutes of reassurance, hope, and promises for urgent action.

Notable Quote:  “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is … fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. And I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.”

4. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s First Fireside Chat

Date:  March 12, 1933

Context:  Just a few days after his inauguration, Roosevelt instituted what he called “fireside chats,” using the relatively new technology of radio to enter the living rooms of Americans and discuss current issues. In these moments, he could speak at length, unfiltered and uninterrupted by the press, while also offering a reassuring, optimistic tone that might otherwise have been lost in the written word. In this first fireside chat, he crafted a message to explain the American banking process (and its current difficulties) in a way that the average listener could understand.

Notable Quote:  “Confidence and courage are the essentials of success in carrying out our plan. You people must have faith. You must not be stampeded by rumors or guesses. Let us unite in banishing fear. We have provided the machinery to restore our financial system, and it is up to you to support and make it work. It is your problem, my friends. Your problem no less than it is mine. Together, we cannot fail.”

5. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” Speech

Date:  January 6, 1941

Context:  By 1941, many affected by the Great Depression had experienced economic recovery, but another world-changing phenomenon had reared its head—Hitler and his Nazi regime. World War II was raging in Europe and the Pacific, but the United States had thus far remained largely neutral. In light of the atrocities occurring overseas, Roosevelt sought to change that. He crafted his State of the Union address that January to highlight four freedoms which are deserved by all humans everywhere. The “Four Freedoms” speech, as it was ultimately known, later became the basis for  America’s intervention in World War II  and significantly influenced American values, life, and politics moving forward.

Notable Quote:  “In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression—everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way—everywhere in the world. The third is freedom from want—which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peace of time life for its inhabitants—everywhere in the world. The fourth is freedom from fear—which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction, armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor—anywhere in the world.”

6. Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” Speech

Date:  December 8, 1953

Context:  During World War II, Roosevelt formally authorized the Manhattan Project, a top-secret U.S. effort to weaponize nuclear energy. By 1945,  America had successfully created the atomic bomb , and President Truman had authorized its detonation in Japan’s Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leveling the two cities and killing hundreds of thousands of people. Following the end of World War II, political and economic differences between the United States and Soviet Union drove the two countries to another war soon after, but this time, the Soviet Union had their own atomic bomb as well. The world was teetering on a frightening ledge built by access to nuclear power, causing President Eisenhower to launch an “emotion management” campaign with this speech to the United Nations about the very real risks but also peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Notable Quote:  “… the whole book of history reveals mankind’s never-ending quest for peace and mankind’s God-given capacity to build. It is with the book of history, and not with isolated pages, that the United States will ever wish to be identified. My country wants to be constructive, not destructive. It wants agreements, not wars, among nations. It wants itself to live in freedom and in the confidence that the peoples of every other nation enjoy equally the right of choosing their own way of life. … The United States knows that if the fearful trend of atomic military build-up can be reversed, this greatest of destructive forces can be developed into a great boon, for the benefit of all mankind.”

7. Eisenhower’s Farewell Address

Date:  January 17, 1961

Context:  As he came to the end of his term, President Eisenhower found himself in a nation much stronger, much richer, and much more advanced than when he began. Prepared as early as two years in advance, his farewell address acknowledged the pride all should have in these achievements, but also served to ground the American people in sobering reality—that how the United States uses this power and standing will ultimately determine its fate. Like Washington, his address was one of caution against dangers such as massive spending, an overpowered military industry, and Federal domination of scientific progress (or vice versa, the scientific-technological domination of public policy). In all things, he stressed the need to maintain balance as the country moves forward, for the preservation of liberty.

Notable Quote:  “Down the long lane of the history yet to be written America knows that this world of ours, ever growing smaller, must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect. Such a confederation must be one of equals. The weakest must come to the conference table with the same confidence as do we, protected as we are by our moral, economic, and military strength. That table, though scarred by many past frustrations, cannot be abandoned for the certain agony of the battlefield.”

8. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address

Date:  January 20, 1961

Context:  A few days after Eisenhower’s farewell speech, he turned over his office to the youngest-ever elected president, John F. Kennedy. Kennedy now found himself faced with the monumental task of strengthening the United States while also quelling American anxieties about the Cold War and avoiding nuclear warfare. His speech thus focused on unity, togetherness, and collaboration both domestically and abroad.

Notable Quote:  “In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”

9. Kennedy’s “We Choose to Go to the Moon” Speech

Date:  September 12, 1962

Context:  In the name of national security, the United States and USSR set their sights on spaceflight as a top priority during the Cold War. To the surprise (and fear) of people around the globe, the Soviet Union launched the first-ever artificial satellite in 1957, then sent the first human being into space in 1961, signaling to onlookers that its nation was a technological force to be reckoned with. Kennedy was determined to come up with a challenge in space technology that the United States actually stood a chance to win. In the early ’60s, he proposed that America focus on putting a man on the moon. In an uplifting speech at Rice University, Kennedy reminded his listeners of the country’s technological progress so far and of his administration’s determination to continue the pioneering spirit of early America into the new frontier of space.

Notable Quote:  “We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.”

Read about America’s successful moon landing in this blog post.

10. Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society” Speech

Date:  May 22, 1964

Context:  Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as President in 1963, immediately following  Kennedy’s assassination . Johnson vowed to continue the former president’s work on poverty, civil rights, and other issues. Inspired in part by FDR’s New Deal, he devised a set of programs intended to completely eliminate poverty and racial injustice. In 1964, he formally proposed some specific goals in a speech to the University of Michigan, where he coined the lofty ideal of a “Great Society.”

Notable Quote:  “Your imagination, your initiative, and your indignation will determine whether we build a society where progress is the servant of our needs, or a society where old values and new visions are buried under unbridled growth. For in your time we have the opportunity to move not only toward the rich society and the powerful society, but upward to the Great Society.”

11. Lyndon B. Johnson’s “We Shall Overcome” Speech

Date:  March 15, 1965

Context:  By the 1960s, blacks in areas of the Deep South found themselves disenfranchised by state voting laws, such as those requiring a poll tax, literacy tests, or knowledge of the U.S. constitution. Furthermore, these laws were sometimes applied subjectively, leading to the prevention of even educated blacks from voting or registering to vote. Inspired (and sometimes joined) by Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., protests were planned throughout the region. Eight days after racial violence erupted around one of these protests in Selma, Alabama, President Johnson addressed Congress to declare that “every American citizen must have an equal right to vote” and that discriminatory policies were denying African-Americans that right.

Notable Quote:  “What happened in Selma is part of a far larger movement which reaches into every section and State of America. It is the effort of American Negroes to secure for themselves the full blessings of American life. Their cause must be our cause too. Because it’s not just Negroes, but really it’s all of us, who must overcome the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice. And we shall overcome …

“This great, rich, restless country can offer opportunity and education and hope to all, all black and white, all North and South, sharecropper and city dweller. These are the enemies: poverty, ignorance, disease. They’re our enemies, not our fellow man, not our neighbor. And these enemies too—poverty, disease, and ignorance: we shall overcome.”

12. Reagan’s D-Day Anniversary Address

Date:  June 6, 1984

Context:  During World War II, the Allied forces attacked German troops on the coast of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. A turning point for the war, the day came to be known as D-Day, and its anniversary is forever acknowledged. On its 40th anniversary, President Ronald Reagan honored the heroes of that day in a speech that also invoked a comparison of World War II’s Axis dictators to the Soviet Union during the ongoing Cold War. This reminder to the Allies that they once fought together against totalitarianism and must continue the fight now helped contribute to the ultimate dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Notable Quote:  “We look for some sign from the Soviet Union that they are willing to move forward, that they share our desire and love for peace, and that they will give up the ways of conquest. There must be a changing there that will allow us to turn our hope into action. We will pray forever that some day that changing will come. But for now, particularly today, it is good and fitting to renew our commitment to each other, to our freedom, and to the alliance that protects it. We are bound today by what bound us 40 years ago, the same loyalties, traditions, and beliefs. We’re bound by reality. The strength of America’s allies is vital to the United States, and the American security guarantee is essential to the continued freedom of Europe’s democracies. We were with you then; we are with you now. Your hopes are our hopes, and your destiny is our destiny.”

13. Reagan’s Berlin Wall Speech

Date:  June 12, 1987

Context:  With the fall of Nazi Germany at the end of World War II, Western powers and the Soviet Union sought to establish systems of government in their respective occupied regions. West Germany developed into a Western capitalist country, with a democratic parliamentary government, while East Germany became a socialist workers’ state (though it was often referred to as communist in the English-speaking world). Many experiencing hunger, poverty, and repression in the Soviet-influenced East Germany attempted to move west, with the City of Berlin their main point of crossing. Ultimately, the Soviet Union advised East Germany to build a wall on the inner German border, restricting movement and emigration by threat of execution for attempted emigrants. Seen as a symbol of Communist tyranny by Western nations, the Berlin Wall persisted for nearly three decades. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan visited West Berlin and called upon Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev to take down the wall as a symbol of moving forward.

Notable Quote:  “We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

14. George W. Bush’s Post-9/11 Speech

Date:  September 11, 2001

Context:  On September 11, 2001, the United States experienced  the single worst terrorist attack in human history , where four American planes were hijacked and flown into American buildings, killing nearly 3,000 people. Viewers around the world watched the news as five stories of the Pentagon fell and the World Trade Center buildings collapsed entirely. Later that evening, President George W. Bush addressed the nation with a brief but powerful message that chose to focus not on fear, but on America’s strength in unity.

Notable Quote:

“These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.”

15. Obama’s “More Perfect Union” Speech

Date:  March 18, 2008

Context:  While campaigning for the presidency in 2008, Barack Obama came under fire for his relationship with pastor Jeremiah Wright, who had been heard to denounce the United States and accuse the government of racial crimes. To officially address the relationship and condemn Wright’s inflammatory remarks, Obama crafted a speech that discussed the history of racial inequality in America as well as the dissonance between that history and America’s ideals of human liberty. Importantly, however, he also highlighted the necessity for a unified American people to effectively combat those issues, rather than more racial division.

Notable Quote:  “[T]he remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren’t simply controversial. They weren’t simply a religious leader’s effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead, they expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country—a view that sees white racism as endemic, and that elevates what is wrong with America above all that we know is right with America ….

“[These] comments were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity; racially charged at a time when we need to come together to solve a set of monumental problems—two wars, a terrorist threat, a falling economy, a chronic health care crisis and potentially devastating climate change; problems that are neither black or white or Latino or Asian, but rather problems that confront us all ….

“The fact is that the comments that have been made and the issues that have surfaced over the last few weeks reflect the complexities of race in this country that we’ve never really worked through—a part of our union that we have yet to perfect. And if we walk away now, if we simply retreat into our respective corners, we will never be able to come together and solve challenges like health care, or education, or the need to find good jobs for every American.”

Read about Barack Obama’s presidency in this blog post.

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Celebrate Presidents Day with these 10 historic speeches

Reflecting back on our nation’s greatest leaders..

Kristen Hubby

Posted on Feb 20, 2017     Updated on May 24, 2021, 11:27 pm CDT

Presidents Day is time to reflect and show appreciation for our nation’s greatest leaders, those who have led the country and lifted the people up with their inspiring words and courageous actions.  Acast , the Swedish podcast platform, recently released a new series, Presidents’ Day Collection , highlighting the most influential presidential speeches. The collection, which was done in collaboration with the National Archives, dates back to JFK’s memorable inaugural address in 1961.

“We thought, let’s do something political, but what everyone can feel good about, which is reminding people how powerful the U.S. presidents and the presidential post is,” said Caitlin Thompson, Acast’s U.S. director of content. “That this can be a clarion call to be optimistic and get people to work together.”

Listed below are Acast’s 10 most influential speeches from former U.S. presidents in the past 50 years to rouse inspiration and positivity that is sometimes forgotten.

1) John F. Kennedy

Screengrab via Presidents’ Day Collection/Acast

Former President John F. Kennedy was sworn in as president Jan. 20, 1961, as the 35th president of the United States. His inaugural address was memorable for many reasons, including his use of the phrase “my fellow citizens,” which was last issued by George Washington and rejected by former presidents due to its informal nature.

Here’s the final thrust of the address .

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility–I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it–and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.

2) Richard Nixon

President Richard Nixon delivered his first inauguration address Jan. 20, 1969. Nixon’s presidency was, of course, one of the most controversial, resulting in resignation. Despite the Nixon administration continuing the war in Vietnam in 1973, his inauguration address talked of peace and solidarity.

We are caught in war, wanting peace. We are torn by division, wanting unity. We see around us empty lives, wanting fulfillment. We see tasks that need doing, waiting for hands to do them. To a crisis of the spirit, we need an answer of the spirit. And to find that answer, we need only look within ourselves.

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3) Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter was sworn in as the 39th president of the United States on Jan. 20, 1977. However, his inaugural address was not the pick for the podcast series. Instead, they chose his famous “Crisis of Confidence” address to the nation that was televised on July 15, 1979.

Little by little we can and we must rebuild our confidence. We can spend until we empty our treasuries, and we may summon all the wonders of science. But we can succeed only if we tap our greatest resources — America’s people, America’s values, and America’s confidence. I have seen the strength of America in the inexhaustible resources of our people. In the days to come, let us renew that strength in the struggle for an energy secure nation.

4) George H.W. Bush

President George H.W. Bush’s inaugural address on Jan. 20, 1989, carried on his campaign’s promise for a “kinder, gentler” nation and also emphasized the need to tackle the federal budget deficit.

Some see leadership as high drama and the sound of trumpets calling, and sometimes it is that. But I see history as a book with many pages, and each day we fill a page with acts of hopefulness and meaning. The new breeze blows, a page turns, the story unfolds. And so, today a chapter begins, a small and stately story of unity, diversity, and generosity — shared, and written, together.

5) George W. Bush

President George W. Bush gave one of the most memorable speeches at the Islamic Center of Washington, D.C., on Sept. 17, 2001, six days after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a failed hijacking that resulting in a deadly crash in Pennsylvania.

In his speech, Bush stated “Islam is peace,” that the millions of Muslims in the U.S. are an “incredibly valuable contribution to our country,” and that American’s should treat each other with respect. In a time of crisis, Bush gave the speech to comfort the wounded country and bring the people together.

Jenna Bush, his daughter, recently shared the text of the speech  after President Trump issued his controversial travel ban.

“This is not the America I know…” just a reminder this am to teach acceptance and love to our kids for all races, all religions.. pic.twitter.com/32XohAGMv7 — Jenna Bush Hager (@JennaBushHager) January 31, 2017

6) Lyndon B. Johnson

President Lydon B. Johnson, or LBJ, was the 36th president of the United States. His speech on the Voting Rights Act before Congress on March 15, 1965, was one week after Bloody Sunday, where peaceful protestors were beaten in the famous walk from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery. His speech stated there “is only an American problem” when it comes to segregation and racism, delivering notes of unity, stating all Americans have the right to vote.

This was the first nation in the history of the world to be founded with a purpose. The great phrases of that purpose still sound in every American heart, North and South: “All men are created equal”—”government by consent of the governed”—”give me liberty or give me death.” Well, those are not just clever words, or those are not just empty theories. In their name Americans have fought and died for two centuries, and tonight around the world they stand there as guardians of our liberty, risking their lives. Those words are a promise to every citizen that he shall share in the dignity of man. This dignity cannot be found in a man’s possessions; it cannot be found in his power, or in his position. It really rests on his right to be treated as a man equal in opportunity to all others. It says that he shall share in freedom, he shall choose his leaders, educate his children, and provide for his family according to his ability and his merits as a human being.

7) Gerald Ford

Gerald Ford was the 38th president of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977. His inaugural remarks speech on Aug. 9, 1974, was impactful in the way he addressed the nation as “a straight talk among friends.”

As we bind up the internal wounds of Watergate, more painful and more poisonous than those of foreign wars, let us restore the golden rule to our political process, and let brotherly love purge our hearts of suspicion and of hate.

8) Ronald Reagan

The 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, made iconic remarks at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin on June 12, 1987.  Reagan addressed the leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, to open up the Berlin Wall in 1987 saying, “Tear down this wall! “Tear down this wall!”

9) Bill Clinton

The 42nd president of the United States, Bill Clinton, became the first Democrat to serve as president in more than a decade when he took the oath of office. Clinton delivered his inaugural address on Jan. 20, 1993, focusing on “American renewal.” Maya Angelou recited a poem, becoming the first poet at an inauguration address since Robert Frost spoke during John F. Kennedy’s address in 1961.

Today we do more than celebrate America. We rededicate ourselves to the very idea of America, an idea born in revolution and renewed through two centuries of challenge; an idea tempered by the knowledge that, but for fate, we, the fortunate, and the unfortunate might have been each other; an idea ennobled by the faith that our Nation can summon from its myriad diversity the deepest measure of unity; an idea infused with the conviction that America’s long, heroic journey must go forever upward.

10) Barack Obama

President Barack Obama made history as the first black president of the United States, and his first inaugural address on Jan.ry 20, 2009, recognized the financial crisis the nation was facing.

We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

“Whether you like any one of those presidents or not, you can’t deny the fact that their words were sort of filled with hope and optimism, and some leadership,” said Thompson. “I think, you know, we felt like it was a good time to remember that this Presidents Day.”

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Kristen Hubby is a tech and lifestyle reporter. Her writing focuses on sex, pop culture, streaming entertainment, and social media, with an emphasis on major platforms like Snapchat, YouTube, and Spotify. Her work has also appeared in Austin Monthly and the Austin American-Statesman, where she covered local news and the dining scene in Austin, Texas.

15 Most Notable Presidential Speeches That Shaped History

Presidential speeches have long played a significant role in shaping American history. They can inspire, unite, or challenge the nation, reflecting the values and beliefs of the time. These speeches often mark pivotal moments , providing insight into the country’s past and guiding its future.

Examining the most notable presidential speeches offers a unique lens into the key moments that have defined the United States. Understanding these speeches helps to appreciate the impact of strong leadership and eloquent expression in times of crisis or triumph. These speeches are more than just words; they are a testament to the power of communication in the highest office.

1) Gettysburg Address – Abraham Lincoln

The Gettysburg Address is one of the most famous speeches in American history. Delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, the speech was part of the dedication ceremony for the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Lincoln’s address followed a two-hour speech by Edward Everett. In contrast, Lincoln spoke for only a few minutes. His speech, however, made a lasting impact.

He began with “Four score and seven years ago,” referencing 87 years since the Declaration of Independence. Lincoln emphasized the principles of equality and liberty that the nation was founded on.

The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War. Lincoln honored the fallen soldiers and urged the living to continue the fight for the nation’s survival. His words underscored the importance of unity and democracy.

Lincoln’s concise and powerful speech highlighted the sacrifices made for freedom and equality. It remains a defining moment in American rhetoric, showcasing Lincoln’s eloquence and deep sense of purpose. The Gettysburg Address continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection in American history.

2) Inaugural Address – John F. Kennedy

On January 20, 1961, John F. Kennedy delivered his inaugural address after being sworn in as the 35th President of the United States.

Kennedy, at 43, was the youngest man elected to the office and the first Irish Catholic president.

In his speech, Kennedy called for unity and collective responsibility. He emphasized the importance of freedom and the need to support allies.

He famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

His address marked a pivotal moment, signaling a new era of American politics and global diplomacy.

Kennedy encouraged Americans to work together to overcome challenges and pursue peace. He also reached out to Communist nations, urging cooperation for world stability.

Kennedy’s inauguration set a tone of hope and progress for his administration and remains a memorable moment in U.S. history.

3) I Have a Dream – Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963. This took place during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The speech is one of the most iconic in American history.

King spoke about his vision for a future where all people would be treated equally. He dreamed of a day when everyone, regardless of race, would have the same opportunities and rights.

The speech was delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. King referenced the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He emphasized the need for justice and freedom for African Americans.

His words resonated deeply with the thousands of people who gathered that day. “I have a dream” became a rallying cry for the Civil Rights Movement. King’s dream was for a nation where people would be judged by their character and not by their skin color.

The “I Have a Dream” speech remains a symbol of hope and equality. It continues to inspire generations to fight for civil rights. King’s powerful message is still relevant today as people strive for justice and equality.

4) Farewell Address – George Washington

George Washington’s Farewell Address, published in 1796, was a letter to the American people. He decided not to seek a third term and wanted to outline his thoughts and advice for the future of the nation.

In the address, Washington warned against political parties . He believed they could divide the country and create unnecessary conflict.

He also emphasized the importance of unity. Washington felt that the young nation needed to stay united to thrive and grow stronger.

Foreign alliances were another concern. Washington advised against forming permanent alliances with other countries, fearing they might drag the United States into conflicts.

Washington’s Farewell Address remains a significant document. It reflected his hopes and concerns for America and is studied for its historical importance.

5) Pearl Harbor Address – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered the Pearl Harbor Address on December 8, 1941. He spoke to a joint session of Congress the day after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.

Roosevelt described December 7, 1941, as “a date which will live in infamy.” He outlined the events of the attack and highlighted its unprovoked nature.

The speech was brief, lasting about seven minutes. Roosevelt sought to rally the nation and requested Congress to declare war on Japan. His clear and direct language aimed to unify Americans in the face of war.

The attack on Pearl Harbor led to the United States entering World War II. This speech marked a crucial moment in U.S. history, showing Roosevelt’s leadership during a time of crisis.

6) Tear Down This Wall – Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan’s “Tear Down This Wall” speech was delivered on June 12, 1987, at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin. This speech is one of the most memorable moments of his presidency .

Reagan addressed Mikhail Gorbachev, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, urging him to open the Berlin Wall. The wall had separated East and West Berlin since 1961.

The key line from the speech, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” symbolized a strong stance against communism. This speech came during a tense period of the Cold War.

Reagan’s speech bolstered the morale of those living under Soviet influence. It is considered a turning point in the Cold War, signaling a push for freedom and democracy.

The speech echoed the sentiments of John F. Kennedy’s earlier visit to Berlin in 1963. Kennedy had also delivered a famous speech at the Berlin Wall, declaring, “Ich bin ein Berliner” (“I am a Berliner”). Reagan’s words similarly resonated with the people of Berlin.

In the years following Reagan’s speech, the Berlin Wall eventually fell on November 9, 1989. This event marked the beginning of the end for the Soviet Union and the reunification of Germany.

7) Checkers Speech – Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon’s “ Checkers Speech ” took place on September 23, 1952. He addressed the nation on television as a candidate for Vice President. Nixon was accused of improper use of funds given by his supporters.

In his speech, Nixon aimed to clear his name from these accusations. He detailed his personal finances and explained that the only gift he received was his dog, Checkers.

This speech was crucial for Nixon. It helped him gain public sympathy and saved his political career . The term “Checkers Speech” comes from the reference to his dog, Checkers. It became one of the most memorable moments in American political history.

The speech marked a new era in political communication. It was the first nationally televised address, reaching a wide audience. Nixon’s sincere and personal approach resonated with many Americans. This helped set a precedent for future political speeches on television.

8) Berlin Speech – John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy delivered his famous Berlin speech on June 26, 1963, in West Berlin. This speech is widely regarded as one of the most iconic moments of the Cold War era.

In his address, Kennedy expressed solidarity with the people of West Berlin, who were living under the looming threat of the Berlin Wall, erected by East Germany.

Kennedy famously declared, “Ich bin ein Berliner,” which translates to “I am a Berliner.” This phrase underscored his support for the city’s residents and their struggle for freedom.

Kennedy’s speech emphasized the importance of freedom and democracy. He used the word “freedom” multiple times, reinforcing his message against the oppressive communist regime in East Berlin.

The speech took place at the steps of Rathaus Schöneberg, the city hall of West Berlin. Thousands of Berliners gathered to hear him, and his words were met with widespread applause and appreciation.

His use of German phrases and his direct address to the people of Berlin made the speech particularly poignant. It symbolized the unity between the United States and West Berlin during a period of significant tension and division in Europe.

Kennedy’s Berlin speech remains a powerful symbol of the fight for freedom and the resilience of the human spirit against tyranny.

9) First Inaugural Address – Franklin D. Roosevelt

On March 4, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his first inaugural address as the 32nd President of the United States . The country was in the depths of the Great Depression, facing severe economic hardships.

Roosevelt’s speech aimed at restoring hope and confidence among the American people. He famously stated, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” This phrase became one of the most memorable in American history.

Roosevelt addressed the need for immediate action to combat the economic crisis. He called for a comprehensive plan to revive the failing economy. He proposed bold measures, emphasizing that leadership and unity were essential for recovery.

The speech also criticized the greedy practices that had led to the economic collapse. Roosevelt promised that his administration would bring about the necessary changes. His words resonated with many Americans who were looking for strong leadership.

This inaugural address marked the beginning of Roosevelt’s New Deal programs . These programs would later reshape the country’s social and economic landscape. By addressing both fears and hopes, Roosevelt’s address remains a powerful example of presidential rhetoric during a time of crisis.

Roosevelt’s ability to communicate clearly and inspire confidence played a crucial role in easing the nation’s fears. His first inaugural address set the tone for his presidency and left a lasting impact on American history.

10) Four Freedoms Speech – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered the Four Freedoms Speech on January 6, 1941. It was part of his State of the Union address. This speech is famous for its articulation of four fundamental freedoms.

The four freedoms outlined by Roosevelt are: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. These freedoms were presented as rights everyone in the world should enjoy.

Roosevelt’s speech was aimed at garnering support for American involvement in World War II. He wanted to prepare the nation for the possibility of entering the conflict. His words were meant to inspire and rally the American people.

The first freedom, freedom of speech, emphasizes the right to express opinions without censorship. The second, freedom of worship, highlights the right to practice any religion. The third, freedom from want, relates to economic stability. The fourth, freedom from fear, pertains to worldwide reduction of armaments.

Roosevelt’s vision expanded the conversation beyond American borders. He intended these freedoms to resonate globally. The speech left a lasting impact on both national policy and international human rights discussions.

11) Second Inaugural Address – Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln delivered his second inaugural address on March 4, 1865. This speech took place as the Civil War was nearing its end. Only 41 days later, Lincoln was assassinated .

In this brief but powerful speech, Lincoln focused on healing the nation. He acknowledged the shared suffering caused by the war. His aim was to promote peace and unity among Americans.

Lincoln’s speech didn’t celebrate victory. Instead, he highlighted the sorrow and loss felt by both sides. This somber tone was intended to bring the country together.

A famous line from the address is “With malice toward none, with charity for all.” This line captures Lincoln’s vision for reconciliation. He wanted to end bitterness and promote compassion.

Delivered in Washington, D.C., the speech became a historic moment. Today, it’s remembered as one of Lincoln’s most significant addresses. The text of the speech is engraved in the Lincoln Memorial . This ensures its message endures.

12) Silent Majority Speech – Richard Nixon

On November 3, 1969, President Richard Nixon addressed the nation with what would become known as the “Silent Majority” speech.

Nixon appealed to a group he described as the “silent majority” of Americans who did not publicly voice their opinions. He sought their support for his policies, especially regarding the Vietnam War.

The speech was delivered amid widespread protests and national division. Nixon argued against a swift withdrawal from Vietnam. He believed it would harm the nation’s reputation and betray its allies.

He called for national solidarity. Nixon’s appeal was an effort to unify the country and gain backing for his administration’s strategy.

This speech is often remembered for its direct appeal to the common citizen. Nixon’s call to the silent majority aimed to rally those who felt left out of the noisy debates of the time.

The term “silent majority” now holds a lasting place in American political language. It reflects the power of unspoken public opinion. Nixon’s speech remains a pivotal moment in his presidency and American history.

13) Sputnik Crisis Speech – John F. Kennedy

In the wake of the Sputnik Crisis, John F. Kennedy addressed the American people and Congress. This moment was pivotal, as the Soviet Union had just launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, into space.

Kennedy’s speech highlighted the urgency for the United States to advance its own space technology. He emphasized that the Sputnik launch was not just a scientific achievement but also a demonstration of Soviet technological superiority.

Kennedy called for increased funding for space research and education. He argued that the U.S. needed to close the technological gap to ensure national security and global leadership.

The speech rallied the nation, sparking a renewed vigor in scientific and educational endeavors. Kennedy’s vision and leadership were crucial in setting the stage for America’s eventual triumph in the space race.

His words inspired a generation of scientists, engineers, and students. This speech is remembered as a turning point in American history, leading to the creation of NASA and significant advancements in space exploration.

14) Vietnam War Speech – Lyndon B. Johnson

On September 29, 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson delivered a significant speech about the Vietnam War. He spoke to the American people about the importance of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Johnson believed that, without intervention, Communism would spread through Southeast Asia.

The President addressed the concerns of the American public. He explained the reasons behind sending American troops to Vietnam. He stated that peace could be achieved when North Vietnam was ready to negotiate.

Johnson emphasized the readiness of the U.S. and South Vietnam to engage in peaceful negotiations. He firmly believed that American military actions were necessary to maintain global stability.

15) Inaugural Address – Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson delivered his First Inaugural Address on March 4, 1801. Sworn in as the third President of the United States, Jefferson stood before a politically divided nation.

He emphasized unity, famously stating, “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.” This was a call for bipartisan cooperation and national harmony.

Jefferson addressed the principles that guided him. He spoke about justice, equality, and the importance of a government that represents all citizens. He encouraged civility among the people despite their political differences.

He acknowledged the contentious election against John Adams. Despite the heated political climate, Jefferson stressed the value of peaceful and democratic debate. He reassured the nation of his commitment to upholding these values.

Jefferson’s speech remains an important moment in American history. It reflects his vision for a united and fair society. This address is often cited as a powerful example of presidential leadership and wisdom.

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14 best presidential speeches in history.

• Post author: Oleksandra Mamchii
• Post published: October 23, 2023
• Post category: Blog / History
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Words have value. Therefore, one of the main indicators of a strong leader is their capacity to persuade others of their goals and ideas, inspire them, and direct them toward a shared objective.

Here are some illustrious presidential quotes from the past, ranging from Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” to Ronald Reagan’s “Tear Down This Wall” and Emmanuel Macron’s 2018 speech at the US Congress.

Presidents throughout history have influenced the populace and the country through their words. There have only been a few occasions when the words said by the presidents over the previous 200 years have been exploited to their full potential.

Also Read: List of Presidents of the United States: Washington to Biden

1) Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 “Gettysburg Address”

Following the Battle of Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a two-minute address at a cemetery dedication for the Union War on November 19, 1983. Lincoln delivered a brief speech on the “New Birth of Freedom” and wasn’t even the event’s keynote speaker, but it has since grown to be considered one of the most powerful and unforgettable in American history.

“Four hundred and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal,” Lincoln said, in part.

2) Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ‘Day Of Infamy’ Speech In 1941

The day after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and precipitated the United States’ entry into World War II, on December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered a well-known speech to a joint session of Congress. The opening sentence is frequently the one that is most frequently quoted, “Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”

3) John F. Kennedy’s 1961 Inauguration Address

In 1961, during his first 14-minute address as commander in chief, President John F. Kennedy used the memorable phrase “My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country” to motivate both children and adults to engage in volunteer work and civic engagement. The group Kennedy addressed was what he described as “a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage.”

4) John F. Kennedy’s Space Effort Address

Kennedy said, “We chose to undertake the other things in this decade, not because they are simple, but because they are difficult…  Prior generations ensured that our nation saw the first waves of the Industrial Revolution, the first waves of modern invention, and the first waves of nuclear power. And this generation does not plan to flounder in the wake of the new space age; rather, we aspire to participate in it and lead it.”

We were in a new era of technology and space exploration, which is why it was significant. Americans were given the impression by President Kennedy that there was nothing they couldn’t accomplish or a difficulty they couldn’t overcome. Before Vietnam, Watergate, the passing of our heroes like Jack and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., and before any of these events, there was a time when they all believed that, if they worked together, they could achieve their loftiest aspirations.

5) The “We Shall Overcome” Speech By Lyndon B. Johnson In 1965

Civil rights activist John Lewis and more than 500 marchers were assaulted on March 7, 1965, a day that came to be known as “Bloody Sunday,” as they prepared to march from Selma to Montgomery to register African Americans to vote. Eight days later, President Lyndon B. Johnson spoke before a joint session of Congress to call for the adoption of legislation that would ensure everyone’s access to the polls.

Johnson said that “every American citizen must have an equal right to vote” and that “what happened in Selma is part of a far larger movement that reaches into every section and state of America,” while borrowing the slogan “We Shall Overcome” from black leaders battling for equal rights. On August 6, 1965, Johnson subsequently signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 into law.

6) The 1987 “Tear Down This Wall” Address By Ronald Reagan

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan visited Berlin, Germany, to mark the city’s 750th anniversary. At the time, the Berlin Wall had been severing the city in half for almost 26 years, acting as both a physical barrier and a powerful symbol of the divide between the communist Soviet bloc and the democratic capitalist bloc. The most well-known words of Reagan’s presidency are perhaps those he spoke when standing barely 100 yards from the barrier during a speech: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”

7) George W. Bush’s Speech Following The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

On the morning of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush was in Florida visiting an elementary school. He ultimately took Air Force One back to Washington, D.C., determined to get back to the White House, and delivered a detailed prime-time speech from the Oval Office to a terrified nation.

“Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, and our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts,” Bush stated. “Evil, disgusting acts of terror abruptly terminated thousands of lives. We were shocked by the images of aircraft crashing into buildings, fires raging, and enormous structures falling. We also felt deep grief and a calm, uncompromising rage. The purpose of these mass murders was to send our country into an uproar and cause it to flee. However, they fell short because our nation is robust,” he added.

8) Dwight Eisenhower’s ‘Atoms For Peace’ Address To The United Nations

Eisenhower said, “I feel compelled to talk in a vocabulary that is, in a way, fresh today. One that I would have hoped to never use, having spent so much of my life in the military. The language of nuclear conflict is that new language. The United States wants to project more than just might against the ominous backdrop of the atomic bomb; it also wants to convey a desire and hope for peace. The United States commits before you, and hence before the rest of the world, that it will do everything in its power to assist in resolving the terrifying nuclear problem.”

Despite his belief in the political potency of nuclear weapons, Eisenhower discusses their perils in this address. He stresses the need to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and suggests that the US and the USSR work together to shrink their nuclear arsenals. Remember that in 1953, there were only 1,300 nuclear weapons worldwide, but there are now more than seven times as many.

9) Ronald Reagan’s Remarks at D-Day’s 40th Anniversary Ceremony

Reagan said, “The rangers glanced up and saw the enemy soldiers at the edge of the cliffs firing down at them and hurling grenades, and the American rangers started to ascend. They launched rope ladders over the cliff’s face and started to haul themselves up. A replacement ranger would step in after one fell. A ranger would grab another rope after cutting the first one, then start climbing once more. They ascended, fired back, and maintained their balance. The rangers eventually pushed themselves over the top one by one, and by taking control of the hard soil at the top of these cliffs, they started to retake control of Europe. You all understood that certain things are worth dying for (for veterans). A person should die for their nation, and democracy is the most morally upright form of governance that has ever been created.”

Reiterating his call for the West to “renew our commitment to each other, to our freedom, and to the alliance that protects it” at the conclusion of that speech, President Reagan told our Allies that “we were with you then, and we are with you now,” which helped to forge the alliance that would ultimately defeat the Soviet Union and bring an end to the Cold War. In many respects, the “boys of Pointe du Hoc” rescued the world more than once.

10) Ronald Reagan’s Speech On The Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster

Reagan said, “The bold, not the weak-hearted, will inherit the future. We were being pulled into the future by the Challenger crew, and we’ll keep doing that. By the way they lived their lives, the Challenger crew of the space shuttle honored us. As they said farewell and got ready for their journey this morning, slipping the shackles of Earth to meet the face of God, we will never forget them or the last time we saw them.”

We frequently consider presidents to be partisan leaders in the current climate of political polarization. The president’s position as “comforter in chief” is nonetheless one of his or her most significant duties. The best presidents are characterized by their capacity to put politics aside in times of sorrow in order to soothe a nation and remind us that, in the end, we are all Americans, whatever our differences.

11) Barack Obama’s ‘A More Perfect Union’ Speech

Obama said, “I have never been so naive to imagine that we can move past our racial differences on a single election cycle or with a single candidate, particularly a candidacy as flawed as mine, contrary to the contention of some of my detractors, black and white. However, I have made it clear that I really believe that through working together, we can heal some of our old racial scars and that there is really no other option—a belief steeped in my trust in God and my confidence in the American people. If we want to keep moving toward a more ideal marriage, we have no choice but to. America can change, as we have seen and know. That is the real brilliance of our country. We have the boldness to aspire for what we can and must do tomorrow because of what we have already accomplished.”

Why It Was Important: According to conventional thinking, speaking about race is not advised. But Obama embraced the challenge rather than avoiding it. Being uniquely positioned to do so, he invited listeners to places many have never been—a predominantly black church, an awkward conversation with a beloved relative of a different race, the kitchen tables of white Americans who feel resentful and left behind—and he recounted Americans’ frequently differing perspectives.

In order to understand the current structural injustices experienced by African Americans and other people of color, he encouraged us to be open and honest about our past. Obama thought that most Americans were prepared to hear the truth and make a decision, to get over the racial impasse, face our difficulties, and respond appropriately. He was direct, honest, and nuanced in his approach.

12) The Farewell Address Of George Washington

This address was actually a letter that was printed and reproduced in national newspapers. Many of the points made by Washington were noteworthy. Even though many people at the time wanted the Big Man to hold the position for the rest of his life, he first declared that he would not run for a third term. It was a magnificent act of humility and wisdom that put an end to any remaining notions of American monarchy and established a genuinely republican atmosphere for the country.

Washington also forewarned against the emergence of factions, or what we euphemistically refer to as political parties today, as well as engaging in a number of other unsavory activities that his successors nevertheless engaged in. However, the speech demonstrated why George Washington is still regarded as our greatest president.

13) Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address

Lincoln was a skilled raconteur and public speaker. He could tell a joke or tale quickly, and he was also a fantastic speaker. Lincoln frequently kept his remarks brief and to the point, which is uncommon and appreciated among politicians. In that sense, his second inaugural address, which he gave only a few weeks before being assassinated, was typical, but it also showed the strength of his leadership in the way he tried to chart a route for a post-Civil War America.

By the time Lincoln delivered this address, the outcome of the war was all but certain, and he was already considering the difficult, protracted road that lay ahead for the country as a whole to recover from its wounds.

“Let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and orphan, to do all that may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations,” the Apostle Paul said. “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right,

“Let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all that may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations,” the Declaration of Independence reads. “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right,”

14) French President Emmanuel Macron’s 2018 Speech at US Congress

On April 25, 2018, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke in front of the US Congress. Macron emphasized the strong historical bonds between France and the US that are founded on a commitment to equality, tolerance, and freedom. 

Regarding current global issues, including terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and climate change, Macron voiced worry. He argued in favor of a robust global strategy to deal with these problems and emphasized the significance of upholding democracy and battling false news. 

He urged for the transition to a low-carbon economy and emphasized the need to preserve the environment for future generations. In particular, in the Sahel area, Macron lauded the cooperation between French and American forces in fending off shared dangers.

Macron continued by reiterating the strength of the bond between France and the United States and his belief in their capacity to work together to overcome obstacles.

Also Read: Top 5 Reasons Why USA is Still in Syria

In conclusion, the greatest presidential addresses in history have transcended the constraints of their eras to stand as timeless examples of the hopes, resiliency, and values of the country. These speeches have had a profound impact on the American spirit, from the somber reflections of Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War to the visionary appeals for exploration and unity made by John F. Kennedy, and from the passionate resolve of Franklin D. Roosevelt in the face of adversity to the unwavering dedication of Lyndon B. Johnson to civil rights.

These speeches also serve as examples of the value of leadership during times of crisis and transformation. They serve as a reminder that the proper words, when said with passion and empathy, have the power to mend broken hearts, spark hope, and unite a nation to face its toughest obstacles.

As we think back on these inspiring speeches, we are reminded that a country’s path is characterized not only by its landmarks but also by the knowledge and inspiration that its leaders have shared. We discover the tenacity, bravery, and lasting spirit that characterize the American experience in these verbally preserved events. These speeches act as lighthouses, pointing the path toward a more equitable and prosperous future while asking us to embrace the principles that have created the country and guided us through the difficulties of history.   

What Famous Speeches Altered the Course of History?

In addition to many others, notable speeches include Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “Only thing we have to fear is fear itself” (1933), Winston Churchill’s “Blood, Sweat, and Tears” (1940), Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” (1963), Harvey Milk’s “Hope Speech” (1978), Margaret Thatcher’s “The Lady’s Not for Turning” (1980), and Nelson Mandela’s upon his release from prison in 1990.

Which Eminent Speeches Still Hold True Today?

We are still motivated by those remarks today. Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” address both continue to have an impact on people today. Less well-known talks like Nora Ephron’s graduation speech and Hillary Clinton’s “Human Rights Are Women’s Rights” are seen as motivational.

Which Speech In History Has Garnered The Most Notoriety?

One of the greatest speeches in human history is the “I Have a Dream” address given by the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., on August 28, 1963.

Oleksandra Mamchii

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Famous speeches from every US president

Presidential speeches have been an invaluable part of U.S. democracy since Washington's inaugural address on April 30, 1789. While much of the oral tradition has remained unchanged, the evolution of mass communication has turned speeches into conversations. Using historical documents, government and political science websites, and news articles, Stacker curated a gallery of famous speeches from every U.S. president.

Whether presented as an inaugural address, a message to Congress, a State of the Union, or a response to a national event, presidential speeches are snapshots of the nation's values and challenges at a given point in time. They have been used to unite what seemed like an irrevocably divided country. They hold Americans accountable to the country's founding values and signal the adoption of new ones.

In the throes of crises, death, scandal, and disillusionment, presidents have had to find the right words to quell fears, assert changes, and heal morale. In peacetime and moments of relative prosperity, presidents have used speeches to celebrate or to galvanize the country behind a greater good, a call to action, or a reason for hope.

Each speech, especially in moments of tribulation, marks the evolution of America. They are important not just for what they communicate in the moment, but for what they communicate about that moment when viewed retroactively through the lens of history.  

Presidents throughout history have found new ways to communicate with the country. From the regular use of radio with Franklin D. Roosevelt's Fireside Chats to Kennedy's first live, unedited television broadcast  to constant and immediate communication enabled by social media, technology has shaped presidential correspondence with the nation.

It has also empowered Americans to gauge accuracy and transparency. Real-time fact-checking, whether by organizations like FactCheck.org or by individuals, is becoming synonymous with presidential rhetoric.

Read on to understand what these speeches were about and how they relate to particular moments in U.S. history.

You may also like:   Experts rank the best U.S. presidents of all time

George Washington

- Speech name: Farewell address - Date delivered: Sept. 19, 1796

One of the greatest things Washington ever did for the office of the presidency was quit. By refusing to serve as president for a third term, Washington established a precedent for limiting executive power and signaled the value of the transition of power. Washington's farewell address , which was printed in papers, not delivered in person, cautioned against "pretended patriotism," political divisions, and permanent foreign alliances. Washington questioned whether his words would have an enduring impact, but it's easy to appreciate their timeless relevance even two centuries later.

- Speech name: Inaugural address - Date delivered: March 4, 1797

Second in a long line of inaugural addresses that praised the principles of the Constitution, Adams' speech also warns against losing perspective on the nation's hard-won liberties. Corruption, fraud, and terror are among the evils that threaten the Constitution and those who lead by it.

Thomas Jefferson

- Speech name: First inaugural address - Date delivered: March 4, 1801

In his first inaugural address , Jefferson presented his goals for the presidency and objectives for the nation. This included unifying Republicans and Federalists, establishing equal rights, and upholding the tenets of the Constitution.

James Madison

- Speech name: Special message to Congress on the foreign policy crisis—war message - Date delivered: June 1, 1812

In this message, Madison asks Congress to declare war against Great Britain, citing four justifications, including impressment, illegal blockades, the Orders in Council, and British responsibility for inciting warfare among Native Americans. The House of Representatives voted 79-49 in favor of war . While the British revoked the Orders in Council in an attempt to avoid war, word reached the United States too late. June 18 marked the beginning of the War of 1812.

James Monroe

- Speech name: Seventh annual message - Date delivered: Dec. 2, 1823

Layered into a routine annual message to Congress , Monroe outlined the philosophy and tenets for what would eventually be known as the Monroe Doctrine . This doctrine—named after Monroe but written by then-Secretary of State John Quincy Adams—established the United States as a sphere of influence in the Western Hemisphere and warned against European colonization in the New World. Monroe also asserted that any encroachment on the Western Hemisphere would be considered "dangerous to our peace and safety" and acted upon accordingly. Since this speech, the Monroe Doctrine has largely shaped U.S. foreign policy.

John Quincy Adams

- Speech name: Speech to the U.S. House of Representatives on Foreign Policy - Date delivered: July 4, 1821

John Quincy Adams' most referenced speech was actually delivered when he served as the secretary of state, not the U.S. president. He praised America's dedication to freedom and peace—not just her own, but of those around the world. "She goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all." Considered to be, at best, ineffective and at worst, a failure, Adams' legacy is defined more so by his diplomatic success before and after his presidency—including his facilitation of America's expansion west to the Pacific, and his vocal opposition to slavery—than his time in office.

Andrew Jackson

- Speech name: Second annual message to Congress - Date delivered: Dec. 6, 1830

The United States was fervently embracing an attitude of territorial expansion when Andrew Jackson took office in 1829. A champion of the cultural shift toward frontier life, Jackson initiated the Indian Removal Act of 1830 , allowing the government to remove Native Americans, at times forcibly, from territories within state borders in exchange for unsettled land west of the Mississippi. Just several months after signing and enacting the Indian Removal Act, Jackson delivered his "Second Annual Message to Congress" in which he defends the policy, lauds its early success, and reinforces the belief that all parties involved stood to benefit from it.

Martin Van Buren

- Speech name: Inaugural address - Date delivered: March 4, 1837

Van Buren, the first president born an American citizen, used his inaugural address to assure the nation that he could represent and serve everyone. He talked about the country's growth over the last 50 years and celebrated unique success. He delineated the roles of state and federal government. He also vowed to maintain the status quo of slavery in the country, appealing to skeptical constituents in the South.

William Henry Harrison

- Speech name: Inaugural address - Date delivered: March 4, 1841

At just over two hours, William Henry Harrison's inaugural address—and the only speech he gave as president of the United States—is the longest in history. Harrison's presidential tenure, however, is the briefest in history, cut short when he died from pneumonia 31 days into his term. Invoking parallels to Roman emperors and immovable European monarchies, Harrison spoke of the dangers of the presidency and called for term limits to avoid corruption. The most prescient forewarning in Harrison's inaugural address, which was delivered 20 years before the start of the American Civil War, comments on the dangers of disunion among the states.

- Speech name: Address upon assuming the office of president of the United States - Date delivered: April 9, 1841

John Tyler became the first vice president to assume the office of the president after William Henry Harrison's death in 1841, establishing the precedent for presidential succession. Instead of an inaugural address, Tyler delivers a statement to Congress acknowledging the novelty of the situation and vows to uphold the ideal of his predecessor.

James K. Polk

- Speech name: Inaugural address - Date delivered: March 4, 1845

Polk's inaugural address aptly captures the spirit of the nation at that point in time, which was growing rapidly with an appetite for more. He celebrates the annexation of Texas and of the opportunities that Oregon will afford. Besides celebrating expansion, he also outlines his opposition to a national bank. Polk reestablished the Independent Treasury system, which remained in place until 1913.

Zachary Taylor

- Speech name: Inaugural address - Date delivered: March 5, 1849

Zachary Taylor died just 16 months into his term. Like his predecessors, Taylor expressed his gratitude to the country, his reverence for the office of the presidency, and his determination to uphold the values outlined in the Constitution.

Millard Fillmore

- Speech name: Message regarding compromise with Texas - Date delivered: Aug. 6, 1850

In this message to Congress , Fillmore expressed his support of the Compromise of 1850 . He recommended that Congress overturn the Wilmot Proviso, making Texas open to slavery. Fillmore also asked that Texas be paid to give up parts of New Mexico. Congress paid Texas $10 million for the territory.

Franklin Pierce

- Speech name: Message regarding disturbances in Kansas - Date delivered: Jan. 24, 1856

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 allowed citizens of Kansas and Nebraska, rather than the federal government, to decide whether to permit or prohibit slavery within the boundaries of those territories. As a result, pro-slavery and anti-slavery advocates fought to establish political dominance in the state. Clashes grew more violent, and in 1856, Pierce addressed Congress on the extent of the civil unrest.

James Buchanan

- Speech name: Message to Congress transmitting the constitution of Kansas - Date delivered: Feb. 2, 1858

James Buchanan is  widely regarded as one of the worst presidents of all time, in many cases earning the title of worst. His message to Congress regarding the recent elections in Kansas helps to illustrate why. It was well-known that voter fraud was rampant —in favor of pro-slavery factions—in the recent vote on whether Kansas should be a slave state. Despite knowing this, Buchanan supported the vote and the territory's new Constitution. He urged Congress to approve the controversial legislation, looking for the fastest way to make the conflict in Kansas disappear.

Abraham Lincoln

- Speech name: Gettysburg Address - Date delivered: Nov. 19, 1863

It's possible that no speech has done more with less. Lincoln's speech at Gettysburg is regarded as one of the most influential in American history, and he wasn't even the top-billed speaker that day. Edward Everett, a politician from Massachusetts, delivered the program's official two-hour Gettysburg address. But it was Lincoln's two-minute remarks , in which he spoke of the country's unique founding values of liberty and equality for all and the need to protect and unite the nation under those values, that have resonated throughout history.

Andrew Johnson

- Speech name: Veto message on civil rights legislation - Date delivered: March 27, 1866

In the wake of the Civil War, Congress proposed the Civil Rights Act to provide newly freed slaves with federal citizenship and expand the impact of the pre-existing Freedmen's Bureau . Johnson vetoed the legislation reasoning in his message to Congress that it operated "in favor of the colored and against the white race." Johnson's veto message challenged the whole necessity of citizenship for newly freed slaves and even questioned if they were worthy of that privilege. Congress overrode Johnson's veto on April 9, 1866, enacting legislation that would take over 100 years fully actualize.

Ulysses S. Grant

- Speech name: Announcement of Fifteenth Amendment ratification - Date delivered: March 30, 1870

In this speech, Grant announced the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment , which established universal black male suffrage. Grant called the 15th Amendment the greatest civil change and most important event since the birth of the nation. He warned those privileged citizens who have long enjoyed the country's freedoms and the right to express their opinions through voting not to stand in the way of the newly enfranchised. Grant also referenced Washington's belief that a successful government can only be sustained by an enlightened populace. Grant challenged everyone "to see to it that all who possess and exercise political rights shall have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge which will make their share in the Government a blessing and not a danger."

Rutherford B. Hayes

- Speech name: Prohibition of federal employees' political involvement - Date delivered: June 22, 1877

In 1877, to stifle corruption and dismantle the spoils system, Hayes issued an executive order barring federal employees from involvement in political activities such as the management of political organizations, campaigns, conventions, or caucuses. Additionally, those in office could not be removed for political reasons. The order marked a significant moment for civil service reform and laid the groundwork for the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.

James A. Garfield

- Speech name: Inaugural address - Date delivered: March 4, 1881

Garfield was shot four months into his term by Charles J. Guiteau. Guiteau sought to exact retribution against the president for not being appointed a consulship in Europe. Succumbing to his wounds two months later, after a total of just six months in office, Garfield's most memorable speech is his inaugural address . Garfield celebrated the rights of African Americans now written into the Constitution but rebuked persistent attempts being made in parts of the country to prevent them from exercising these rights. "Freedom can never yield its fullness of blessings," Garfield stated, "so long as the law or its administration places the smallest obstacle in the pathway of any virtuous citizen."

Chester A. Arthur

- Speech name: Veto of the Chinese Exclusion Act - Date delivered: April 4, 1882

The Chinese Exclusion Act was the first prohibitive immigration law passed in the United States. Laborers on the West Coast blamed Chinese immigrant workers for their economic hardships even though they comprised less than 1% of the population . The Chinese Exclusion Act initially proposed to suspend Chinese immigration for 20 years. To the dismay of American laborers, Arthur vetoed the first bill , concerned that 20 years was too long and could prove to be permanently damaging to trade relations with China. Arthur eventually signed a bill that suspended immigration for 10 years and denied citizenship for current Chinese residents.

Grover Cleveland

- Speech name: Message regarding U.S. labor force - Date delivered: April 22, 1886

Cleveland asserted that laborers were an indispensable part of the country's strength and prosperity. In considering their contributions to the growth of the U.S., Cleveland proposed the creation of a government committee that would operate under the Bureau of Labor to resolve disputes between labor and capital. Cleveland stated that a laborer's demands "should be met in such a spirit of appreciation and fairness as to induce a contented and patriotic cooperation in the achievement of a grand national destiny."

Benjamin Harrison

- Speech name: Message regarding Valparaiso incident - Date delivered: Jan. 25, 1892

During a period of escalating tension between the United States and Chile, beginning with the Itata incident and reaching its peak with the Valparaiso incident , both countries were inching closer to waging war. Harrison sent a special message to Congress , urging them to take "appropriate actions" against Chile, expressing support for war and severing diplomatic relations. War was averted after Chile agreed to terms of a U.S. ultimatum.

- Speech name: Message regarding Venezuelan-British dispute - Date delivered: Dec. 17, 1895

The United States got involved in an ongoing boundary dispute between Venezuela and Britain during Cleveland's second presidential term. Venezuela appealed to the U.S. to intervene in the territorial dispute for nearly two decades before Cleveland made his appeal to Congress regarding the matter. In this message , he invoked the Monroe Doctrine as justification for involvement, specifically to create a commission that would assess and enforce their findings "by every means." The U.S. established itself internationally as a power in the Western Hemisphere, willing to use the Monroe Doctrine to preserve that status.

William McKinley

- Speech name: Speech in Buffalo, New York - Date delivered: Sept. 5, 1901

On Sept. 5, 1901, six months into his second term, McKinley spoke at the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. His remarks , shaped by his first term spent navigating foreign policy and fighting the Spanish American War, focus on progress in business, avoidance of war, and building goodwill internationally. "The period of exclusiveness is past. The expansion of our trade and commerce is the pressing problem." McKinley was shot the next day and died from his wounds eight days later.

Theodore Roosevelt

- Speech name: Message regarding meatpacking plants - Date delivered: June 4, 1906

Many experts regard Theodore Roosevelt as one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history . Among his many enduring accomplishments, his advocacy for consumer protection endures. In 1906, after revelations of the dangerous and unsanitary conditions of stockyards and meatpacking plants , Roosevelt addressed Congress , calling for immediate legislation to regulate the industry. Later that month, Roosevelt signed the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act, which required transparent product labeling and federal inspection of all plants engaged in interstate commerce.

William H. Taft

- Speech name: Message regarding income tax - Date delivered: June 16, 1909

In this speech , Taft proposed two tax-related pieces of legislation. First, that Congress ratify the Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution, permitting the collection of personal federal income tax. This was viewed by supporters as a better way to generate income instead of relying heavily on tariffs. Second, that all corporations, except banks, pay a 2% tax on net income.

Woodrow Wilson

- Speech name: Wilson's Fourteen Points - Date delivered: Jan. 8, 1918

Wilson's famous "Fourteen Points" outlined his plan for peace to end World War I, albeit in broad terms. Recognizing that America's prosperity would come to rely more substantially on international relations, Wilson's "Fourteen Points" served as a framework for ensuring international cooperation. He believed his most important point was the development of a League of Nations —a governing body of united nations tasked with mitigating war by solving disputes between countries. The United Nations replaced the League of Nations at the end of World War II.

Warren G. Harding

- Speech name: Opening speech of the Conference on the Limitation of Armament - Date delivered: Nov. 12, 1921

In 1921, building on pursuing peace in the wake of World War I, Harding convened a disarmament conference in Washington. In attendance were military powers, including Belgium, China, Great Britain, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Japan. In his opening remarks, Harding asked the group to collectively commit to peacetime and quell the fears of the post-war world with a reduction in firepower. The results were several disarmament treaties signed by those world powers present that day.

Calvin Coolidge

- Speech name: First annual message - Date delivered: Dec. 6, 1923

Coolidge's first annual message was the first speech to be broadcast via radio to the entire nation, making advantageous use of the medium's rapidly growing popularity. It is estimated that 2.5 million radios existed in the U.S. at that time , while a mere 5,000 existed just three years prior. Coolidge paid homage to his predecessor William G. Harding who died in office six months earlier, expressed his support of prohibition and pushed for continued restrictions on immigration.

Herbert Hoover

- Speech name: Message regarding the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act - Date delivered: June 16, 1930

A year into the Great Depression, against the advice of economists, Hoover signed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which raised tariffs in an attempt to generate revenue for the federal government. In his message to Congress , Hoover states that no tariff bill is or will ever be perfect, but this particular one is necessary to combat the economic crisis gripping the nation. As economists had warned, trade partners retaliated by raising their own tariffs, halting international trade, and driving the U.S. into an even deeper economic depression.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

- Speech name: Fireside Chat 1: On the Banking Crisis - Date delivered: March 12, 1933

Roosevelt's presidency spanned an unprecedented three terms (and election to a fourth he did not live to to see the end of). In those 12 years, he gave many influential speeches that shaped the nation and the world. His inaugural address is well-known for his affirmation that "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Just as familiar is his designation of Dec. 8, 1941, as "a day that will live in infamy." But perhaps most notable is FDR's first Fireside Chat . Speaking directly to the American public at one of the lowest points in the nation's history, FDR used the power of mass communication to calm fears, explain politics, inform, update, and uplift. It was a novel way of leading the country, and Roosevelt hosted 30 fireside chats in total.

Harry S. Truman

- Speech name: Statement by the president announcing the use of the A-bomb at Hiroshima - Date delivered: Aug. 6, 1945

Sixteen hours after the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Truman addressed the nation , explaining its unprecedented power and the need to keep the technology behind this new weapon secret. "The Japanese began the war from the air at Pearl Harbor. They have been repaid many fold. And the end is not yet," Truman warned. Three days later, a second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

- Speech name: Chance for Peace - Date delivered: April 16, 1953

Following the death of Joseph Stalin, Eisenhower delivered his "Chance for Peace'' speech, also referred to as the "Cross of Iron" speech. Eisenhower spoke of the dangers of an arms race with the Soviet Union, stating "every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed... under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron."

John F. Kennedy

- Speech name: Address on the space effort - Date delivered: Sept. 12, 1962

Seventeen months after Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space, Kennedy outlined a plan to put a man on the moon . He galvanized the country with a desire for greatness, the likes of which the world had never seen. He reminded everyone that Americans do things like go to the moon, "not because they are easy, but because they are hard." It is those hard things, Kennedy attested, that the entrepreneurial spirit of America was best suited to achieve.

Lyndon B. Johnson

- Speech name: Speech before Congress on voting rights - Date delivered: March 15, 1965

In the wake of violence against civil rights protesters in Selma, Alabama, Johnson addressed Congress requesting their help to pass voting legislation that would allow all citizens to register and cast a vote free from harassment and discrimination. Johnson expressed that pervasive discrimination and constitutional infringements were not a regional problem, but a problem the whole country shared responsibility in correcting. "It is wrong—deadly wrong—to deny any of your fellow Americans the right to vote in this country. There is no issue of states' rights or national rights. There is only the struggle for human rights," Johnson urged.

Richard M. Nixon

- Speech name: Address to the nation announcing decision to resign the office of president - Date delivered: Aug. 8, 1974

Less than a month after the House Judiciary Committee voted for three articles of impeachment,  Nixon announced his resignation  on national television. "I have never been a quitter. To leave office before my term is completed is abhorrent to every instinct in my body." Nixon stated. "But as President, I must put the interests of America first." It was the first time in U.S. history that a president resigned, affirming that no person was above the law.

Gerald R. Ford

- Speech name: Remarks in Helsinki - Date delivered: Aug. 1, 1975

Ford signed the controversial Helsinki Accords on Aug. 1, 1975. Among other things, the accords were a vehicle by which the U.S. and the Soviet Union could further pursue détente . In his remarks that day , Ford spoke about U.S. commitment to human rights, fundamental freedoms, and restoring diplomacy. "If the Soviet Union and the United States can reach agreement so that our astronauts can fit together the most intricate scientific equipment, work together, and shake hands 137 miles out in space, we as statesmen have an obligation to do as well on Earth."

Jimmy Carter

- Speech name: Crisis of Confidence - Date delivered: July 15, 1979

In the midst of the  energy crisis , America, Carter believed, was also suffering from a crisis of confidence. The country's trust in the government was eroded. Belief in the American way of life wavered. Faith that the future would be better than the present waned. Carter reminded Americans over a television broadcast of his "Crisis of Confidence" speech that this was the country that put a man on the moon and fought for civil rights. He assured the nation that overcoming the energy crisis would be another milestone in a long history of American resilience.

Ronald Reagan

- Speech name: Address on the Space Shuttle Challenger - Date delivered: Jan. 28, 1986

At times, presidents throughout history needed to play the role of spiritual advisor. While some called upon their own religious beliefs to offer words of healing, at the core of these messages was a universal, human connection and expression of compassion. The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster was one such moment for Reagan . He commended on the bravery of the crew, noting that their lives and ultimately their sacrifices, which would never be forgotten, were part of a sacred tradition of pioneering and exploration. Reagan also spoke directly to the children of the country, reminding them to have courage and understand that Americans bear great risks in pursuit of greater rewards.

George H. W. Bush

- Speech name: Address to the nation on the invasion of Iraq - Date delivered: Jan. 16, 1991

After five months of failed negotiations with Saddam Hussein and following Iraq's invasion of neighboring Kuwait, Bush announced the aerial invasion of Iraq . His goals were outlined clearly: restore peace to Kuwait upon ousting Hussein and his forces and ensure Iraq's compliance with U.N. resolutions. This marked the beginning of the Persian Gulf War that would last 42 days but impact relations in the region for decades to come .

Bill Clinton

- Speech name: State of the Union Address - Date delivered: Jan. 27, 1998

What makes Clinton's 1998 State of the Union Address impressive is that it came just one day after his response to allegations about his sexual misconduct with then-intern Monica Lewinsky. On the heels of the infamous "I did not have sexual relations with that woman," Clinton showcased his persuasive speaking skills and delivered a thoughtful, focused State of the Union on preparing the country for prosperity in the 21st century.

George W. Bush

- Speech name: Address on the U.S. response to the attacks of Sept. 11 - Date delivered: Sept. 22, 2001

Bush addressed the nation after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001—the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil. His message focused on helping and healing and invoked sentiments of the enduring strength of the country. Eleven days later, Bush addressed Congress proposing the War on Terror to defeat Al Qaeda and defend the American way of life: "These measures are essential. But the only way to defeat terrorism as a threat to our way of life is to stop it, eliminate it, and destroy it where it grows."

Barack Obama

- Speech name: Remarks at the 50th anniversary of the Selma marches - Date delivered: March 7, 2015

From announcing the death of Osama Bin Laden to honoring the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting, Obama's legacy is largely defined by the poignant speeches he delivered. Historian Douglas Brinkley said of Obama : "I don't know of any president who has put that kind of work into his speeches." Experts rank his remarks at the 50th Anniversary of the Selma march among the most influential speeches of his presidency. He asserted that one of the greatest forms of patriotism, as demonstrated at Selma 50 years earlier, is to believe that America can always evolve and to hold it to newer, higher standards.

Donald J. Trump

- Speech name: Speech Urging Supporters to Go Home - Date delivered: January 6, 2021

Before Congress certified Joe Biden as the next president of the United States and the rightful winner of the 2020 election, Donald Trump spoke to his followers at a "Save America" rally to present evidence of how the election was "stolen." "We will never concede; it doesn't happen. You don't concede when there's theft involved," he said. In the hour-long speech laden with violent, combative rhetoric, Trump made a single early reference to peaceful protestation. He concluded the rally by encouraging his supporters to "fight like hell" and to march down Pennsylvania Avenue. Hours later, thousands of insurrectionists stormed and breached the U.S. Capitol building. Instead of admonishing the mob's actions, Trump's speech urging his supporters to leave struck an empathetic tone; he told them he loved them and thought they were very special. In this speech lasting just under a minute, Trump again reiterated his belief that the election was fraudulent. 

- Speech name: Remarks on the Continued Battle for the Soul of the Nation - Date delivered: September 1, 2022

This speech, delivered two months before the 2022 midterm elections, was Biden's appeal to the American public to uphold the core tenets of democracy—what he describes as the soul of the nation . In a rare bit of presidential rhetoric, Biden explicitly names a group of American citizens—Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans—as a direct threat to democracy. This plea to not only preserve but win the battle for America's soul came at a time when more than 70% of Republicans believed Biden did not legitimately win the 2020 presidential election. Throughout the speech, Biden repeatedly refers to political violence—an ever-present threat amid the political climate of his first term. These mentions are references to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol building and a warning against future politically motivated violence instigated by extremists, which experts say is on the rise.

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The first amendment, looking at 10 great speeches in american history.

August 28, 2017 | by NCC Staff

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech certainly ranks highly in the pantheon of public speaking. Here is a look at the Dream speech and other addresses that moved people – and history.

King’s “Dream” speech from August 28, 1963 topped the list, followed by John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inaugural address and Franklin Roosevelt’s first inaugural address in 1933. In fact, three of King’s speeches were included in the top 50 speeches listed by the experts.

The eclectic list included public speeches from Barbara Jordan, Richard Nixon, Malcom X and Ronald Reagan in the top 10 of the rankings.

Link : Read The List

Public speaking has played an important role in our country’s story. Here is a quick look at some of the landmark speeches that often pop up in the discussion about public rhetoric.

1. Patrick Henry. “ Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death .” In March 1775, Henry spoke to a Virginia convention considering a breakaway from British rule. “The war is actually begun. The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms,” said Henry, who spoke without notes. “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!”

2. George Washington’s first inaugural address . In 1789, the First President addressed the First Congress after his inauguration, setting the precedent for all inaugural speeches to follow. Washington enforced the need for the Constitution, concluding that “Parent of the Human Race  … has been pleased to favor the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquillity, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government for the security of their union and the advancement of their happiness.”

3. Frederick Douglass. “ The Hypocrisy Of American Slavery .” In 1852, Douglass was invited to speak at a public Fourth of July celebration in Rochester, N.Y. Instead of talking about the celebration, Douglass addressed the issue that was dividing the nation. “I will, in the name of humanity, which is outraged, in the name of liberty, which is fettered, in the name of the Constitution and the Bible, which are disregarded and trampled upon, dare to call in question and to denounce, with all the emphasis I can command, everything that serves to perpetuate slavery,” he said.

4. Abraham Lincoln. “ The Gettysburg Address .” The best known of Lincoln’s speeches was one of his shortest. Lincoln was asked to make a few remarks in November 1863 after featured speaker Edward Everett spoke for about two hours. “Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal,” Lincoln said in his opening paragraph. He spoke for two minutes.

5. William Jennings Bryan. “ Cross of Gold Speech .” A lesser-known contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1896, Bryan created a sensation with his speech that condemned the gold standard and held the promise of debt relief for farmers. “We shall answer their demands for a gold standard by saying to them, you shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns. You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold,” Bryan said with his arms spread in a crucifix-like position.

6. FDR’s first inaugural address . In 1933, the new President faced a nation in the grips of a deep economic recession. “First of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself -- nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance,” Roosevelt said as he opened his powerful speech. The inaugural set the agenda for FDR’s 12 years in office.

7. Richard Nixon’s Checkers speech . Facing controversy as a vice presidential candidate, Nixon showed how television could be used as a powerful communications tool. In a stroke of political genius, Nixon spoke to the nation about his family finances, and then said the only gift he wouldn’t return was Checkers, the family dog.

8. JFK’s first inaugural address . The well-written 1961 speech is considered one of the best inaugural speeches ever. Rhetoric expert Dr. Max Atkinson told the BBC in 2011 what made the Kennedy speech special. “Tt was the first inaugural address by a U.S. president to follow the first rule of speech-preparation: analyze your audience - or, to be more precise at a time when mass access to television was in its infancy, analyze your audiences.”

9. Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech . King’s speech at the Lincoln Memorial in August 1963, in front of 250,000 people, is also one of the most-analyzed speeches in modern history. But King hadn’t included the sequence about the “Dream” in his prepared remarks. Singer Mahalia Jackson yelled for King to speak about “the Dream,” and King improvised based on remarks he had made in earlier speeches.

10. Ronald Reagan in Berlin . President Reagan appeared at the 750 th birthday celebration for Berlin in 1987, speaking about 100 yards away from the Berlin Wall. Reagan first cited President Kennedy’s famous 1963 speech in Berlin, and then asked, “General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” A Reagan speech writer later said the State Department didn’t want Reagan to use the famous line, but Reagan decided to do it anyway.

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We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom — symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning — signifying renewal, as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago. The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe — the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God. We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans — born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage — and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge — and more. To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do — for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder. To those new States whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom — and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside. To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required — not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich. To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge — to convert our good words into good deeds — in a new alliance for progress — to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbours know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house. To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support — to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective — to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak — and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run. Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction. We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed. But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course — both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war. So let us begin anew — remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belabouring those problems which divide us. Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms — and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations. Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce. Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah — to "undo the heavy burdens -. and to let the oppressed go free." And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavour, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved. All this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be finished in the first 1,000 days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin. In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe. Now the trumpet summons us again — not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are — but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation" — a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself. Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort? In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility — I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavour will light our country and all who serve it — and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

• Daniel Webster's "Seventh of March" Speech
• FDR's Infamy Speech

This public-domain content provided by the Independence Hall Association , a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1942. Publishing electronically as ushistory.org. On the Internet since July 4, 1995.

Kennedy's Inaugural Address

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Presidential Speeches

November 19, 1863: gettysburg address, about this speech.

Abraham Lincoln

November 19, 1863

Four months after the Battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln joined in a dedication of a national cemetery on a portion of the battlefield. The speech he delivered that day would become one of the most famous speeches given by a U.S. President.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

More Abraham Lincoln speeches

Which ones are the very best?

Throughout American history, our presidents have delivered some of the world’s most memorable and inspirational speeches. Which ones drove the nation and the world to greatness? Which were the most motivating? Here are excerpts from 10 of our favorites. We have selected two by Abraham Lincoln , two by John F. Kennedy , three by Ronald Reagan and one each by Theodore Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Several historic addresses are not included, including Richard Nixon ’s famed Checkers speech, George Washington ’s Farewell Address and Jimmy Carter ’s Malaise speech. Why not? Perhaps we should have included Harry Truman ’s Truman Doctrine challenge or Woodrow Wilson 's Declaration of War on Germany. These and so many others marked important turning points in American history. However, today let’s consider the ten greatest presidential speeches that challenged us to greatness ... and inspired the entire world.

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

On November 19, 1863, Lincoln spoke at the dedication of the National Cemetery in Gettysburg , Pennsylvania . While his speech itself was only two minutes long, it is considered one of the most powerful ever delivered – and has been memorized by school children ever since. Here, in its entirety is Lincoln ’s Gettysburg Address, which we rank as the most powerful and memorable presidential speech ever delivered:

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty , and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate   –   we can not consecrate   –   we can not hallow   –   this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us   –   that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion   –   that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain   –   that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom   –   and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Lyndon Johnson's "We Shall Overcome" Speech

In the mid-1960’s America was convulsed in race riots and freedom marches. On March 15, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson, a Southerner from a slave state, Texas, asked Congress and all Americans to unite in the cause of equal rights for every American. Johnson pointedly used the phrase “We Shall Overcome” which had been used by civil rights leaders and asked the nation not to think in terms of black and white, north and south, but as Americans.

I speak tonight for the dignity of man and the destiny of Democracy. I urge every member of both parties, Americans of all religions and of all colors, from every section of this country, to join me in that cause.

At times, history and fate meet at a single time in a single place to shape a turning point in man's unending search for freedom. So it was at Lexington and Concord . So it was a century ago at Appomattox . So it was last week in Selma , Alabama . There, long suffering men and women peacefully protested the denial of their rights as Americans. Many of them were brutally assaulted. One good man – a man of God – was killed.

There is no cause for pride in what has happened in Selma . There is no cause for self-satisfaction in the long denial of equal rights of millions of Americans. But there is cause for hope and for faith in our democracy in what is happening here tonight. For the cries of pain and the hymns and protests of oppressed people have summoned into convocation all the majesty of this great government – the government of the greatest nation on earth.

Our mission is at once the oldest and the most basic of this country – to right wrong, to do justice, to serve man. In our time, we have come to live with the moments of great crises. Our lives have been marked with debate about great issues, issues of war and peace, issues of prosperity and depression.

But rarely in any time does an issue lay bare the secret heart of America itself. Rarely are we met with a challenge, not to our growth or abundance, or our welfare or our security, but rather to the values and the purposes and the meaning of our beloved nation. The issue of equal rights for American Negroes is such an issue. And should we defeat every enemy, and should we double our wealth and conquer the stars, and still be unequal to this issue, then we will have failed as a people and as a nation. For, with a country as with a person, "what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

There is no Negro problem. There is no Southern problem. There is no Northern problem. There is only an American problem.

And we are met here tonight as Americans – not as Democrats or Republicans. We're met here as Americans to solve that problem. This was the first nation in the history of the world to be founded with a purpose.

The great phrases of that purpose still sound in every American heart, North and South: "All men are created equal." "Government by consent of the governed." "Give me liberty or give me death." And those are not just clever words, and those are not just empty theories. In their name Americans have fought and died for two centuries and tonight around the world they stand there as guardians of our liberty risking their lives. Those words are promised to every citizen that he shall share in the dignity of man.

The last time a President sent a civil rights bill to the Congress it contained a provision to protect voting rights in Federal elections. That civil rights bill was passed after eight long months of debate. And when that bill came to my desk from the Congress for signature, the heart of the voting provision had been eliminated.

This time, on this issue, there must be no delay, or no hesitation, or no compromise with our purpose. We cannot, we must not, refuse to protect the right of every American to vote in every election that he may desire to participate in.

We must not wait another eight months before we get a bill. We have already waited 100 years and more and the time for waiting is gone.

It is the effort of American Negroes to secure for themselves the full blessings of American life. Their cause must be our cause, too.

Because it's not just Negroes, but really it's all of us, who must overcome the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice.

And we shall overcome.

John F. Kennedy's Inauguration Address

Young, handsome with a young family and a beautiful wife, John F. Kennedy embodied the fresh optimism that had marked the 1960s. On January 20, 1961, he took the oath of office as the 35th President of the United States , the youngest president in U.S. history, He ushered the nation into a new era – and challenged them to think first of their country.

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility — I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it — and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.

Theodore Roosevelt, Five Minutes After Being Shot

Fiery orator, dramatic speaker Theodore Roosevelt was shot by a narchist John Schrank as the president rose to give an address in Milwaukee on October, 14, 1912. Schrank had stalked the Roosevelt for thousands of miles before getting a clear shot at him – and was immediately arrested. He spent the rest of his life in a mental institution. Roosevelt, on the other hand, propelled America into world power status and ended up on Mount Rushmore with Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln.

Friends, I shall ask you to be as quiet as possible. I don't know whether you fully understand that I have just been shot; but it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose. But fortunately I had my manuscript, so you see I was going to make a long speech, and there is a bullet - there is where the bullet went through - and it probably saved me from it going into my heart. The bullet is in me now, so that I cannot make a very long speech, but I will try my best.

And now, friends, I shall have to cut short much of that speech that I meant to give you, but I want to touch on just two or three points.

In the first place, we do not regard as essential the way in which a man worships his God or as being affected by where he was born. We regard it as a matter of spirit and purpose. Now, friends, in the same way I want our people to stand by one another without regard to differences or class or occupation.

I ask you to look at our declaration and hear and read our platform about social and industrial justice.

And now, friends, I want to take advantage of this incident to say a word of solemn warning to my fellow countrymen. First of all, I am telling you the literal truth when I say that my concern is for many other things. It is not in the least for my own life. I want you to understand that no man has had a happier life than I have led; a happier life in every way. I am in this cause with my whole heart and soul.

What I care for is my country.

Ronald Reagan's Remarks at the Brandenburg Gate

At the end of World War II, Europe was divided. No nation was more negatively affected than Germany – a free, democratic republic in the west, but the east under authoritarian, Communist control, ruled by the Soviet Union . When President Reagan took office, he committed not only to bringing freedom to Czechoslovakia , Poland , Hungary and all the other nations under Soviet domination, but to bring down the entire “Evil Empire” Soviet system. While Franklin D. Roosevelt led America to victory in World War II and Lincoln gets the credit for holding America together in the War Between the States, it is Reagan whose strategies won the 40-year-long Cold War. There is no more memorable and symbolic moment of his influence than his June 12, 1987 speech at the Berlin Wall, the most visible symbol of the Soviet “Iron Curtain.” There, he challenged Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev to bring down the concrete and barbed-wire barrier that barred East Germans from even being able to visit West Berlin.

We believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace.

There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace.

General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate.

Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate.

Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!

Abraham Lincoln’s 2nd Inaugural Address

The Union’s victory was only a month away as President Lincoln began his second term as president of a bitterly divided United States . The South had been devastated. The border states – Missouri , Kentucky , Maryland – were only marginally loyal to Washington . Texas stood ready to become an independent republic again. Here, on March 4, 1865 , Lincoln wishes for an end to hostilities and the reunification of Americans.

Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away.

Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman’s 250 years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said 3,000 years ago, so still it must be said “the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.”

With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.

Ronald Reagan's 40th Anniversary of D-Day Speech

Ronald Reagan was perhaps as effective an orator as any president. On June 6, 1984, the 40 th anniversary of D-Day – the Allied Invasion of Nazi-Occupied France, Reagan gave a powerful tribute to a group of American Army Rangers who assaulted an impossible Nazi stronghold – Pointe Du Hoc, a sheer 100-foot cliff between Omaha and Utah beaches. Thousands of American soldiers on the beaches were being mowed down by machine gunners atop the bluff. The Rangers scaled the cliffs, took the position, then without reinforcements or resupply for two days, fended off relentless German counterattacks. Only 90 of the 225 Rangers survived.

These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war.

Gentlemen, I look at you and I think of the words of Stephen Spender’s poem. You are men who in your ‘lives fought for life…and left the vivid air signed with your honor’…

Forty summers have passed since the battle that you fought here. You were young the day you took these cliffs; some of you were hardly more than boys, with the deepest joys of life before you. Yet you risked everything here. Why? Why did you do it? What impelled you to put aside the instinct for self-preservation and risk your lives to take these cliffs? What inspired all the men of the armies that met here? We look at you, and somehow we know the answer. It was faith, and belief; it was loyalty and love.

The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or on the next. It was the deep knowledge — and pray God we have not lost it — that there is a profound moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. You were here to liberate, not to conquer, and so you and those others did not doubt your cause. And you were right not to doubt.

John F. Kennedy's Decision to Go to the Moon

On April 12, 1961, the Soviets, who occupied much of eastern Europe and had nuclear missiles aimed at America , launched the first man into space, Yuri Gagarin. Then the Communist propagandists proclaimed that Gagarin had looked around the cosmos and seen no God. In actuality, Gagarin, a devout Russian Orthodox Christian, never made the claims the officially atheist Soviet government attributed to him. However, the Soviets used the successful space flight for the maximum propaganda purposes. Communist Party Chairman Nikita Khrushchev touted the Soviet triumph as prime evidence of Communism’s superiority. On May 25, 1961, President Kennedy spoke in Houston , declaring that America would go to the moon. And then we did. The Soviets never made it.

But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask why climb the highest mountain? Why, 35 years ago, fly the Atlantic ? Why does Rice play Texas ?

We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.

Because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills.

Because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept – one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor Address

On December 7, 1941, the United States was shocked by a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor , Hawaii , that sank the pride of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Our great battleships were destroyed and thousands of lives were lost. Overnight, America united in desire to enter World War II. Here is what President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared to the nation:

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

Always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this, the American people in their righteous might will win – through to absolute victory.

We will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

With confidence in our armed forces – with the unbounding determination of our people – we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God!

Ronald Reagan's "Space Shuttle Challenger" Address

On January 28, 1986, millions of Americans witnessed the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger just 73 seconds after it lifted off from Kennedy Space Center . Just a few hours after the disaster, President Reagan spoke to the nation:

We’ve grown used to wonders in this century. It’s hard to dazzle us. But for 25 years the United States space program has been doing just that. We’ve grown used to the idea of space, and perhaps we forget that we’ve only just begun. We’re still pioneers. They, the members of the Challenger crew, were pioneers.

The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave. The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we’ll continue to follow them.

We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for the journey and waved goodbye …

And ‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’ to ‘touch the face of God.’

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Joint Press Conference with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi © Copyright 2001-Present. American Rhetoric by Michael E. Eidenmuller All rights reserved. Will you join us in lighting the way for the leaders of tomorrow? Historic speeches. President Kennedy believed in the power of words -- both written and spoken -- to win votes, to set goals, to change minds, to move nations. He consistently took care to choose the right words and phrases that would send the right message. This section presents some of John F. Kennedy's most historic speeches; view a broader selection of his pre-presidential speeches and presidential speeches in our Speeches section. For a complete record of President Kennedy's public statements, see the  Public Papers of the Presidents . Courtesy of Google, six of these speeches have been translated into twelve languages.  Acceptance of Democratic Nomination for President July 15, 1960 Address to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association September 12, 1960 The City Upon a Hill Speech January 9, 1961 Inaugural Address January 20, 1961 Address to Joint Session of Congress May 25, 1961 Address at University of Washington November 16, 1961 Address at Independence Hall July 4, 1962 Address at Rice University on the Nation's Space Effort September 12, 1962 Address During the Cuban Missile Crisis October 22, 1962 Address at Vanderbilt University May 18, 1963 American University Commencement Address June 10, 1963 Televised Address to the Nation on Civil Rights June 11, 1963 Remarks at the Rudolph Wilde Platz, Berlin June 26, 1963 Address Before the Irish Parliament June 28, 1963 Televised Address on Nuclear Test Ban Treaty July 26, 1963 Remarks at Amherst College on the Arts October 26, 1963 Listen to Some of the Most Famous Presidential Speeches From History You’ve likely heard snippets of these famous addresses—now’s your chance to tune into the full versions. Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is one of the most notable presidential addresses in history, but that doesn’t mean other U.S. presidents haven’t had their fair share of memorable speeches . The podcast platform Acast gathered up one such speech from each president since John F. Kennedy through Barack Obama, collecting audio from some of the most important addresses of the last 50 years. The first speech— JFK’s inaugural address —is only 14 minutes long. Even if you’ve never tuned into the whole thing, you’ve probably heard one snippet of it repeated often. The speech contains the famous quote, “My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” Most recordings in the collection are inaugural addresses, but a few notable speeches midway through presidents’ tenures made the cut, like the voting rights speech Lyndon B. Johnson delivered to Congress in 1965 and Jimmy Carter’s 1979 “Crisis of Confidence” speech. In Johnson’s speech , he urged Congress to create the Voting Rights Act of 1965. That act, which became effective on August 6 of that same year, guaranteed racial minorities the right to vote and put an end to southern states’ discriminatory voting practices. According to the National Archives , “The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was the most significant statutory change in the relationship between the federal and state governments in the area of voting since the Reconstruction period following the Civil War.” Carter’s speech—famously also known as his “Malaise” speech , even though that word itself isn’t in his address—addressed the nation’s low morale after the 1970s energy crisis and ensuing recession. Before giving the speech, Carter had retreated to Camp David, where he sought advice from a whole spectrum of people. His address earned him a brief popularity boost. Take a listen to some of the things our past leaders have had to say to the country. All 10 can be found here . And if that’s too modern, there are some audio files available of presidential speeches from the early 20th century here . A version of this story originally ran in 2017; it has been updated for 2024. Nation & World Hall of Fame Village Presidents' Day: Some of the greatest speeches given by U.S. presidents Today is Presidents' Day. Here are some of the greatest speeches given by past U.S. presidents: Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" in 1863: "Four Score and Seven Years Ago" was an unforgettable line in this speech at a Civil War battlefield. At 271 words, it was concise and inspiring. Theodore Roosevelt's "The Man in the Arena" in 1910: Roosevelt, giving a speech in France, spoke out against those looking down on others who are trying to make the world a better place. Parts of the speech have been quoted by Richard Nixon, used in the 1995 World Cup, and tattooed on Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth. John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech in 1961: Kennedy used his first speech as president to encourage Americans to take part in public service. "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country" was a memorable line. Ronald Reagan's "Berlin Wall" speech in 1987: The president had questioned why the wall was there throughout his term and his speech helped spark protests which to the wall being torn down in 1989. "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall" was a memorable line. Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Pearl Harbor Address" in 1941: Franklin D. Roosevelt gave an important message to the country on the day after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, which led to the United States entering World War II. "Yesterday, Dec. 7th, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan" was a memorable line. George W. Bush's address to the nation after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks: The president looked to lift up the country after terrorists attacked New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania in the morning. "Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness and a quiet, unyielding anger," he said. Barack Obama's "A More Perfect Union" speech in 2008: Obama addressed controversial remarks made by Jeremiah Wright, his former pastor, at a campaign speech. "But the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren't simply controversial. They weren't simply a religious leader's effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead, they expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country — a view that sees white racism as endemic, and that elevates what is wrong with America above all that we know is right with America," he said. These are just some of the greatest speeches in U.S. presidential history.  Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8667 or [email protected] On Twitter @bduerREP World War II ‘A Date Which Will Live in Infamy.’ Read President Roosevelt’s Pearl Harbor Address P resident Franklin Roosevelt called the unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor a “date which will live in infamy,” in a famous address to the nation delivered after Japan’s deadly strike against U.S. naval and military forces in Hawaii. He also asked Congress to declare war. As the nation reflects on the anniversary of the surprise attack that led America to join World War II, here is the transcript of President Roosevelt’s speech, which he delivered in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 8, 1941—one day after the assault: “Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives: Yesterday, December 7th, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack. It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island. And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation. As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.” More Must-Reads from TIME Heman Bekele Is TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year The Reintroduction of Kamala Harris The 7 States That Will Decide the Election Why China Won’t Allow Single Women to Freeze Their Eggs Is the U.S. Ready for Psychedelics? The Rise of a New Kind of Parenting Guru The 50 Best Romance Novels to Read Right Now Can Food Really Change Your Hormones? Contact us at [email protected] History Classics Your Profile Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window) Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window) Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window) Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window) Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window) This Day In History History Podcasts History Vault Abraham Lincoln’s Most Enduring Speeches and Quotes By: Aaron Randle Updated: February 7, 2024 | Original: January 26, 2022 There’s perhaps no better way to grasp Abraham Lincoln ’s outsized American legacy than through his writing. From his time as a 20-something political hopeful to his tragic death, Lincoln was a voluminous writer, authoring hundreds of letters, speeches, debate arguments and more. Despite very little formal schooling, the 16th president was an avid reader who from a young age understood the transformative power of words. “Words were Lincoln’s way up and out of the grinding poverty into which he had been born,” wrote historian and author Geoffrey Ward. “If the special genius of America was that it provided an environment in which ‘every man can make himself,’ as Lincoln believed, pen and ink were the tools with which he did his self-carpentering.” While he often expressed himself with humor and folksy wisdom, Lincoln wasn’t afraid to wade into lofty territory. His writings show how his thoughts on the thorny issues of the day—like slavery, religion and national discord—evolved over time. He penned some of America’s most monumental expressions of statecraft, such as the Gettysburg Address , widely hailed for its eloquence and clarity of thought. His prose, infused with his deep love of poetry, helped him in his efforts to reach—and heal—a fractured nation. Here are a few excerpts of Lincoln’s writings, both famous and lesser-known. On the Fractured Nation The  ‘House Divided’ Speech:  As America expanded West and fought bitterly over whether new territories could extend the practice of slavery, Lincoln spoke out about what he saw as a growing threat to the Union. Many criticized this speech  as radical, believing—mistakenly—that Lincoln was advocating for war. The 'Better Angels of Our Nature' speech:  By the time Lincoln was first sworn into office , seven states had already seceded from the Union. During his first address as president, he tried to assure the South that slavery would not be interfered with, and to quiet the drumbeat of war by appealing to “the better angels of our nature.” Was Abraham Lincoln an Atheist? As a young man, Lincoln openly admitted to his lack of faith. As a politician, he spoke about God but refused to say he was a Christian. Lincoln‑Douglas Debates Background and Context for the Debates As the architect of the Kansas‑Nebraska Act, Douglas was one of the most prominent politicians in the country and seen as a future presidential contender. The controversial 1854 law repealed the Missouri Compromise and established the doctrine of popular sovereignty, by which each new territory joining the Union would […] The Gettysburg Address: Hailed as one of the most important speeches in U.S. history, Lincoln delivered his brief, 272-word address at the dedication of the Gettysburg battlefield , the site of more than 50,000 casualties. By alluding to the Declaration of Independence , he redefined the war as a struggle not just to preserve the Union, but for the fundamental principle of human freedom. On Religion During his younger years, the future President remained notoriously noncommittal on the topic of religion—so much so that even his close friends were unable to verify his personal faith. At times, wrote Lincoln scholar Allen Guelzo, “He would actually be aggressive on the subject of unbelief,” asserting that the Bible was just a book or that Jesus was an illegitimate child. This lack of clarity on his beliefs—Was he an atheist? A skeptic?—proved a political liability early on. After failing to win election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1843, a worried Lincoln expressed fears that his lack of religiosity might have been to blame: Lincoln won that House seat three years later, but not without his opponent, a revivalist preacher, accusing him of being a religious scoffer. Instead of dismissing the allegation, as he might have before, the future President wrote a public message directly to his constituency to deny any disrepect, while still avoiding pinning himself down to one personal faith: By his first inauguration, Lincoln had evolved to making full-throated avowals of faith, even declaring that adherence to Christianity was critical to the Union's survival. On Racial Inequality It might seem that the author of the Emancipation Proclamation , the president hailed as “the Great Liberator,” would have clear and consistent views on racial justice and equality. Not exactly. From the onset, Lincoln always opposed the idea and existence of slavery . As early as 1837, when addressing Congress as a newly-elected member of the Illinois General Assembly, the 28-year-old Lincoln proclaimed the institution to be “founded on both injustice and bad policy.” Nearly two decades later, he continued to reject it on moral and political grounds: Nonetheless, despite his deep opposition to slavery, Lincoln did not believe in racial equality. He made this point clear during his famed debates against rival Stephen A. Douglas during their race for the U.S. Senate seat from Illinois: Lincoln struggled to articulate a vision for how free Black Americans could integrate into white-dominated U.S. society. Under constant political pressure to offset his push for emancipation, Lincoln frequently floated the idea of resettling African Americans elsewhere —to Africa, the Caribbean or Central America. As early as 1854, he articulated this idea: Lincoln’s views on race equality continued to evolve until his death. In his last public address, just four days before his assassination, Lincoln seemed to denounce a future in which newly freed Black Americans were barred from a chance at equal access to the American dream. In that same speech, Lincoln also teased the idea of Black suffrage , particularly maddening one attendee. Listening from the crowd, Confederate sympathizer  John Wilkes Booth heard the assertion and remarked, “That is the last speech he will make.” Lincoln’s Humor An essential facet of Lincoln the man—and a huge contributor to his political success—was his witty, folksy humor and his talent for mimicry. An inveterate storyteller, Lincoln skillfully spun up puns, jokes, aphorisms and yarns to offset dicey social and political situations, ingratiate himself with hostile audiences, endear himself with the common man and separate himself from political opponents. As a lawyer , Lincoln always made a point to speak plainly to the judge and jury, avoiding obscure or high-minded legal jargon. One day in court, another lawyer quoted a legal maxim in Latin, then asked Lincoln to affirm it. His response: “If that’s Latin, you had better call another witness.” So captivating and engaging was Lincoln’s banter that even his vaunted Senate opponent Stephen A. Douglas begrudgingly acknowledged its effectiveness. Douglas likened it to "a slap across my back. Nothing else—not any of his arguments or any of his replies to my questions—disturbs me. But when he begins to tell a story, I feel that I am to be overmatched." Humor played a key role, historians say, in Lincoln’s victory over Douglas in their famed 1858 debates. In one instance, he colorfully undercut Douglas’s arguments for the Dred Scott Supreme Court decision as “as thin as the homeopathic soup that was made by boiling the shadow of a pigeon that had starved to death.” And when hecklers followed a Douglas jibe by calling Lincoln “two-faced,” the future president famously defused the attack with his famed self-deprecating humor: “If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one?”  HISTORY Vault: Abraham Lincoln A definitive biography of the 16th U.S. president, the man who led the country during its bloodiest war and greatest crisis. Sign up for Inside History Get HISTORY’s most fascinating stories delivered to your inbox three times a week. By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Networks. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States. More details : Privacy Notice | Terms of Use | Contact Us The Eisenhowers These speeches reflect Dwight D. Eisenhower's values and accomplishments as a military leader, statesman, and thirty-fourth President of the United States. It is hoped that they will serve to stimulate and encourage the reader to learn more about this man who led the greatest military expeditionary force in history -- a man who dedicated his life to the cause of universal freedom and to public service. Video Format Dwight D. Eisenhower taking the Oath of Office of the President of the United States, 1953 Audio Format Remarks After the Unconditional Surrender of Arms of Italy, September 8, 1943 Order of the Day, June 6, 1944 V-E [Victory in Europe] Day Statement, May 8, 1945 101st Airborne Division Citation Ceremony, ca. 1945 Guildhall Address, London, England, June 12, 1945 Campaign speech in Detroit, Michigan regarding ending the Korean conflict, October 24, 1952 "The Chance for Peace" (also known as the Cross of Iron speech), April 16, 1953 Radio Report to the Nation, August 6, 1953 State of the Union Address, January 1, 1954 (in two parts) State of the Union Address, January 6, 1955 (in two parts) Review of the State of the Union Message, January 5, 1956 Radio and Television Report to the American People on the Developments in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, October 31, 1956 Radio and Television Address to the American People on the Situation in Little Rock, Arkansas, September 24, 1957 Statement by the President following the Landing of U.S. Marines at Beirut, July 15, 1958.  Address to the Third Special Emergency Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, August 13, 1958 Radio and Television Report to the American People Regarding the Situation in the Formosa Straits, September 11, 1958 Satellite SCORE Goodwill message, President Eisenhower's message is the first voice to be transmitted in space, December 19, 1958 Radio and Television Report to the American People on Security in the Free World, March 16, 1959 Address to the American People on the Need for an Effective Labor Bill, August 6, 1959 Address at Eisenhower Presidential Library Groundbreaking Ceremony, October 13, 1959 State of the Union Address, January 7, 1960 (in two parts) Radio and Television Report to the American People on the Events in Paris, May 25, 1960 Address before the 15th General Assembly of the United Nations, September 22, 1960 Farewell Address to the American People, January 17, 1961 Pre-Presidential Speeches Selection of Eisenhower's Pre-Presidential speeches Presidential Speeches The text to most of the public messages and statements of the President of the United States that were released by the White House during the Eisenhower Administration, January 20, 1953 through January 20, 1961, may be found in the eight volumes, Public Papers of the Presidents: Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953-61. The items in these volumes are presented in chronological order, rather than being grouped in classes. Most needs for a classified arrangement are met by the subject index volume, The Cumulated Indexes to the Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Eisenhower. "The Public Papers of the Presidents: The American Presidency Project" is an online resource that has consolidated, coded, and organized into a single searchable database the messages and papers of the Presidents Washington - Obama. You may conduct text searches of the Eisenhower speeches in the Presidential Papers of the Presidents online at The American Presidency Project . 1953 Inaugural Address 1953 State of the Union Address Chance For Peace Address Atoms For Peace Address 1954 State of the Union Address 1955 State of the Union Address 1956 State of the Union Address 1957 State of the Union Address 1957 Inaugural Address 1958 State of the Union Address 1959 State of the Union Address 1960 State of the Union Address Farewell Address Post-Presidential Speeches Selection of Eisenhower's Post-Presidential speeches State of the Union Address, January , 1957 (in two parts) Election 2024 Entertainment Newsletters Photography AP Buyline Personal Finance AP Buyline Shopping Press Releases Israel-Hamas War Russia-Ukraine War Global elections Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East Delegate Tracker AP & Elections 2024 Paris Olympic Games Auto Racing Movie reviews Book reviews Financial Markets Business Highlights Financial wellness Artificial Intelligence Social Media Jill Biden’s speech at convention honors President Biden and marks an end for the first lady, too President Joe Biden, left, and first lady Jill Biden walk down the stairs of Air Force One upon arrival to Joint Base Andrews, Md., en route to the White House, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are greeted by Commander, 89th Airlift Wing Colonel Angela Ochoa, second from left, and Flight Line Protocol, 89th Airlift Wing SSgt Ariana Pezzato, left, upon their arrival to Joint Base Andrews, Md., en route to White House Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Copy Link copied CHICAGO (AP) — Jill Biden once said that she knew marrying Joe Biden – then a senator from Delaware -- would mean “a life in the spotlight that I had never wanted.” On Monday night, now very accustomed to that spotlight, the first lady will stand before the Democratic National Convention to do her part to highlight her husband’s 50 years of public service as his presidency begins to draw to a close. Her words will mark the beginning of an end for her, too. Before the president walks across the stage at the United Center to deliver the keynote speech on the convention’s opening night, the first lady will use her address to speak to his character and reiterate her support for Vice President Kamala Harris, according to a person familiar with the first lady’s remarks. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a speech not yet delivered. Jill Biden will urge Americans to unite with “faith in each other, hope for a brighter future, and love for our country,” said the person, quoting from the first lady’s prepared remarks. President Biden endorsed Harris shortly after he dropped out of the presidential race in July, and she has succeeded him as the Democratic Party’s nominee. In the weeks before Biden decided to leave the race, the first lady had declared that she was “all in” on her husband’s reelection plan, even as Democrats began calling on him to drop out following his disastrous performance in a debate against Republican Donald Trump on June 27. Biden himself had brushed aside those calls, repeatedly insisting that he was staying in the race. His wife, one of his fiercest supporters and defenders, backed him up. “For all the talk out there about this race, Joe has made it clear that he’s all in,” the first lady told a crowd in Wilmington, North Carolina, on July 8. “That’s the decision that he’s made, and just as he has always supported my career, I am all in, too.” Biden pulled the plug on his campaign on July 21. The first night of the four-day Democratic convention was rearranged after Biden bowed out. Now it will honor his record of public service, including six terms as a U.S. senator from Delaware, eight years as vice president and one four-year term as president. Jill Biden was with her husband through it all and now both are figuring out what they want to accomplish in the time they have left in the White House. During the remaining months of the administration, which ends in mid-January, aides say Jill Biden will continue work on her favored causes: supporting military families through her Joining Forces initiative, reducing cancer’s toll through the Biden Cancer Moonshot , advancing research into women’s health under an effort launched in November 2023, and increasing opportunities for education. She is also expected to campaign for Harris this fall. The first lady charted a new path for presidential spouses when she became the first to hold a paying job outside the White House. She is an English and writing professor at Northern Virginia Community College, where she has taught since 2009, and has been working on her lesson plans for the coming fall semester, aides said. As first lady, Jill Biden traveled to over 40 states, over 200 towns and cities, and 19 countries, most recently leading a delegation to support Team USA at the Olympic Games in France. She spent the first year of the administration traveling around the United States encouraging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In 2022, she traveled to Ukraine after Russia’s military invasion to show U.S. support for Ukrainians. Was Trump's Jan. 6 Crowd Bigger Than for MLK's 'I Have a Dream' Speech? According to the national park service, the march on washington in august 1963 drew an estimated crowd of 250,000 people., jordan liles, published aug. 8, 2024. About this rating During a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago Club on Aug. 8, 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the crowd during his speech at the Ellipse in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021, was larger than the number of people who gathered for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on Aug. 28, 1963. However, this assertion was false. According to the available estimates and data for both events, King's crowd size at the very least doubled that of Trump's. The disparity possibly was far greater, as we detail later in this story.  Trump's Jan. 6 speech took place the same day some of his supporters breached the U.S. Capitol to protest the 2020 election results — a protest based on false claims of massive voter fraud. Both inside and outside the Capitol, his supporters engaged in a violent and deadly riot , including the assault of at least 140 law enforcement officers . We emailed Trump's campaign to ask for evidence regarding his claim but did not receive a response within several hours. Trump's Answer Featured False Claims About the Capitol Riot During the news conference at Trump's club, an unidentified reporter in the room asked him about remarks he made minutes earlier, saying, "Mr. President, you just said that there was a peaceful transfer of power last time when you left office." The reporter mentioned the violence of Jan. 6, 2021, and asked, "How is that peaceful transfer of power?" During Trump's answer, he claimed, "Nobody was killed on Jan. 6." According to information previously reported by The New York Times , Fox News and FactCheck.org , among other outlets, such a statement is false. Then, Trump said he spoke the words " peacefully and patriotically " during his speech regarding his supporters' demonstrations, omitting the fact he repeatedly and baselessly told his supporters the 2020 election would feature massive voter fraud. He also neglected to mention that he told his crowd on Jan. 6 that he would walk to the Capitol with them, then didn't. Trump told the same crowd on the Ellipse, among other similar remarks, "We fight like hell. And if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore." Further, regarding a peaceful transfer of power, Trump failed to attend the inauguration of his successor, U.S. President Joe Biden. Trump's answer to the reporter continued with him speaking about his supporters who participated in the Capitol riot — people who seemingly believed his false claims about massive voter fraud. Trump himself repeated those untrue claims to his supporters for months leading up to the 2020 election, before inviting those supporters for his Jan. 6 rally. He told the reporter, "I think that the people of Jan. 6 were treated very unfairly and, they were there to complain, not through me. They were there to complain about an election." Trump's Jan. 6 Crowd Size Claims Continuing with his answer, Trump mentioned the size of the crowd for his Jan. 6 speech: The biggest crowd I've ever spoken to … I was in, at the Mall. I was at the Washington Monument. I was at the whole thing. I had crowds, I don't know who's ever had a bigger crowd than I had, but I had it many times. The biggest crowd I've ever spoken before was that day. And I'll tell you, it's very hard to find a picture of that crowd. You see the picture of a small number of people relatively going to the Capitol. But you never see the picture of the crowd, the biggest crowd I've ever spoken, I've spoken to the biggest crowds. Nobody's spoken to crowds bigger than me. His remark claiming that "it's very hard to find a picture of that crowd" was not entirely true. In fact, the official Trump account @TeamTrump on X posted a photo ( archived ) aiming to show a glimpse at the day's crowd size, taken before the start of his rally and showing the Washington Monument, near the site of Trump's speech on the Ellipse. The post read, "This is what Democracy looks like." Reuters photojournalist Carlos Barria captured a wider picture of the same portion of the crowd taken at an unknown time on the day of the rally. The New York Times published a large version of the same photo. Near the end of Trump's answer at his club, he compared his speech's crowd size to that of King's "I Have a Dream" speech. King delivered his famous speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington. Trump told reporters: If you look at Martin Luther King, when he did his speech, his great speech, and you look at ours, same real estate. Same everything. Same number of people, if not, we had more. And they said, "He had a million people," but I had 25,000 people. But when you look at the exact same picture, and everything's the same, because it was the fountains, the whole thing, all the way back from Lincoln to Washington. And you look at it, and you look at the picture of his crowd, my crowd, we actually had more people. They said I had 25,000 and he had a million people. And I'm ok with it because I liked Dr. Martin Luther King. Crowd Estimates for 1963's March on Washington The March on Washington in 1963 drew crowds estimated at more than 200,000 people. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University published the number of "more than 200,000 demonstrators." The National Park Service reported "an estimated 250,000 people" attended the march. Meanwhile, the NAACP said "the rally drew over 260,000 people from across the nation." The Getty Images image-licensing websites hosts several historical photos showing the massive gathering on the day of King's speech. Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. waves to supporters on Aug. 28, 1963, on the Mall in Washington. (Image courtesy Getty Images) One photo displays a high-angle view of the crowd. (Image courtesy Kurt Severin/Three Lions/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Trump's Crowd Size Estimates for Jan. 6 As for Trump's speech on the Ellipse on Jan. 6, no credible estimates came close to that of King's. The Washington Post reported Trump's crowd size simply as "thousands of supporters amassed on the Ellipse near the White House." The New York Times reported "tens of thousands of Trump supporters" gathered in Washington for the rally. The Times also noted of Trump's remark at Mar-a-Lago in August 2024 that the House Jan. 6 committee estimated his speech drew a crowd of "approximately 53,000 supporters."  Prior to Trump's Jan. 6 speech, the pro-Trump group Women for America First requested from the National Park Service a permit for the Ellipse, including upping its estimate of rally attendees on Jan. 3 from 5,000 to 30,000. The NPS stopped publicly providing crowd estimates for gatherings around the National Mall after a controversy involving the Million Man March in 1995. The Associated Press reported on the day after Trump's speech and the Capitol riot that Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy " said law enforcement's intelligence estimates of the potential crowd size in the run-up to the protests 'were all over the board,' from a low of 2,000 to as many as 80,000." "187 MINUTES OF DERELICTION." Govinfo.gov , https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-J6-REPORT/pdf/GPO-J6-REPORT-2-7.pdf#page=10. Broadwater, Luke. "Jan. 6 Rally Organizers Lied About Plan to March to the Capitol, Report Finds." The New York Times , 18 Dec. 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/18/us/politics/jan-6-capitol-rally-report.html. Bump, Philip. "Trump Is Mad the Media Isn't Covering the Real Story from Jan. 6: Crowd Size." The Washington Post , 10 Jan. 2022, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/01/10/trump-is-mad-media-isnt-covering-real-story-jan-6-crowd-size/. Cameron, Chris. "These Are the People Who Died in Connection With the Capitol Riot." The New York Times , 5 Jan. 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/05/us/politics/jan-6-capitol-deaths.html. Demirjian, Karoun. "Inside the Capitol Siege: How Barricaded Lawmakers and Aides Sounded Urgent Pleas for Help as Police Lost Control." The Washington Post , 9 Jan. 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/inside-capitol-siege/2021/01/09/e3ad3274-5283-11eb-bda4-615aaefd0555_story.html. Farley, Robert. "How Many Died as a Result of Capitol Riot?" FactCheck.Org , 1 Nov. 2021, https://www.factcheck.org/2021/11/how-many-died-as-a-result-of-capitol-riot/. Jacobo, Julia. "This Is What Trump Told Supporters before Many Stormed Capitol Hill." ABC News , 7 Jan. 2021, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-told-supporters-stormed-capitol-hill/story?id=75110558. Jalonick, Mary Clare. "FACT FOCUS: Trump's Misleading Claims about the Jan. 6, 2021, Attack on the Capitol." The Associated Press , 5 July 2024, https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-fact-check-trump-biden-rioters-0b3406e02c86bd057e15c9d8c16ccd51. Javaid, Maham. "What Are Magnetometers, or Mags?" The New York Times , 29 June 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/28/us/what-are-magnetometers-mags.html. Lee, Jessica. "Did Trump Tell Supporters to Storm the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021?" Snopes , 6 Jan. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-speech-jan6/. "LIVE: Trump's First Press Conference since Harris Picked Walz (FULL STREAM)." YouTube , The Associated Press, 8 Aug. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma_xCjJHdFc. "Live Updates: Trump and Harris Have Agreed to Participate in a Presidential Debate on Sept. 10." The Associated Press , 8 Aug. 2024, https://apnews.com/live/trump-harris-vp-pick-election-updates. Long, Colleen, et al. "Capitol Police Rejected Offers of Federal Help to Quell Mob." The Associated Press , 7 Jan. 2021, https://apnews.com/article/capitol-police-reject-federal-help-9c39a4ddef0ab60a48828a07e4d03380. "March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (U.S. National Park Service)." National Park Service , https://www.nps.gov/articles/march-on-washington.htm. Morrison, Aaron. "At March on Washington's 60th Anniversary, Leaders Seek Energy of Original Movement for Civil Rights." The Associated Press , 23 Aug. 2023, https://apnews.com/article/march-on-washington-mlk-dream-speech-sharpton-062039daf026d65cbbae914456ba0543. Naylor, Brian. "Read Trump's Jan. 6 Speech, A Key Part Of Impeachment Trial." NPR , 10 Feb. 2021. NPR , https://www.npr.org/2021/02/10/966396848/read-trumps-jan-6-speech-a-key-part-of-impeachment-trial. Nuckols, Ben. "Inaugural Crowds Sure to Be Huge, but How Huge?" The Associated Press , 19 Jan. 2017, https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-government-7afad98b7d78423cbb5140fe810e3480. Pagones, Stephanie. "DC Police Identify Capitol Hill Riot Victims Who Suffered Fatal 'Medical Emergencies' during Unrest." Fox News , 7 Jan. 2021, https://www.foxnews.com/us/police-capitol-hill-medical-emergencies-deaths. Qiu, Linda. "Trump Claims Jan. 6 Crowd Rivaled the 1963 March on Washington. Estimates Say Otherwise." The New York Times , 8 Aug. 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/08/us/politics/trump-jan-6-mlk-crowds.html. Rabinowitz, Hannah, et al. "US Attorney Says Untold Number of Police Officers Injured While Protecting Capitol on January 6 | CNN Politics." CNN , 4 Jan. 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/04/politics/january-6-prosecutions-justice-department/index.html. "Review of the U.S. Department of the Interior's Actions Related to January 6, 2021." Office of the Inspector General for U.S. Department of the Interior , 18 Dec. 2023, https://www.doioig.gov/sites/default/files/2021-migration/SpecialReview_Review%20of%20the%20U.S.%20Department%20of%20the%20Interior%E2%80%99s%20Actions%20Related%20to%20January%206%2C%202021.pdf. "Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump Attend a Rally Organized..." Reuters Pictures , Carlos Barria/REUTERS, 6 Jan. 2021, https://pictures.reuters.com/archive/USA-CAPITOL-SECURITY-RC2H2L9L8V2Y.html. @TeamTrump. "This Is What Democracy Looks Like." X , 6 Jan. 2021, https://x.com/TeamTrump/status/1346830582257496065. "The 1963 March on Washington." NAACP , https://naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/1963-march-washington. "US Election: Trump Tells Protesters in DC 'We Will Never Give up, We Will Never Concede' | FULL." YouTube , Global News, 6 Jan. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBH7ql34Ex0. By Jordan Liles Jordan Liles is a Senior Reporter who has been with Snopes since 2016. Article Tags Democratic National Convention speakers include Biden, Obama and the Clintons Several prominent Democratic figures are set to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this month, two sources familiar with the plans told NBC News. President Joe Biden, former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have been confirmed as speakers at the convention. Obama and the Clintons delivered speeches during the 2020 DNC, which was largely held virtually to prevent the spread of Covid-19 amid the pandemic. A source familiar said that former President Jimmy Carter’s grandson Jason Carter is also confirmed to be speaking as a representative for his grandfather. The convention, which is scheduled for Aug. 19-22 in Chicago, takes place weeks after Biden announced his withdrawal from the race following widespread calls from Democrats to drop out after his disastrous June debate performance against former President Donald Trump. His campaign suffered major losses in donations and some backers withdrew their support for the president amid the fallout.Vice President Kamala Harris, who ran unopposed for the Democratic presidential nomination after Biden dropped out of the race, secured the majority of delegate votes to win the nomination during the virtual voting process earlier this month. The Harris campaign last week announced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate . Harris, who is the first Black woman and first Indian American in U.S. history to secure a major party’s presidential nomination, will formally accept the Democratic Party’s nomination at the convention. The momentum leading up to the convention has surged since Harris announced her presidential campaign last month, with a significant increase in requests for entry into the main event space at the United Center and other convention-related events in the city, people close to the convention and event planning told NBC News. The Harris campaign raised a historic $310 million last month , and $36 million in the 24 hours after she announced Walz as her running mate. Yamiche Alcindor is an NBC News Washington correspondent. Summer Concepcion is a politics reporter for NBC News. Jill Biden's speech at convention honors President Biden and marks an end for the first lady, too Jill Biden will do her part to highlight President Joe Biden's 50 years of public service when she addresses the Democratic National Convention in Chicago CHICAGO -- CHICAGO (AP) — Jill Biden once said that she knew marrying Joe Biden – then a senator from Delaware -- would mean "a life in the spotlight that I had never wanted.” On Monday night, now very accustomed to that spotlight, the first lady will stand before the Democratic National Convention to do her part to highlight her husband's 50 years of public service as his presidency begins to draw to a close. Her words will mark the beginning of an end for her, too. Before the president walks across the stage at the United Center to deliver the keynote speech on the convention's opening night, the first lady will use her address to speak to his character and reiterate her support for Vice President Kamala Harris, according to a person familiar with the first lady’s remarks. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a speech not yet delivered. Jill Biden will urge Americans to unite with “faith in each other, hope for a brighter future, and love for our country,” said the person, quoting from the first lady's prepared remarks. President Biden endorsed Harris shortly after he dropped out of the presidential race in July, and she has succeeded him as the Democratic Party's nominee. In the weeks before Biden decided to leave the race, the first lady had declared that she was “all in” on her husband's reelection plan, even as Democrats began calling on him to drop out following his disastrous performance in a debate against Republican Donald Trump on June 27. Biden himself had brushed aside those calls, repeatedly insisting that he was staying in the race. His wife, one of his fiercest supporters and defenders, backed him up. “For all the talk out there about this race, Joe has made it clear that he’s all in,” the first lady told a crowd in Wilmington, North Carolina, on July 8. “That’s the decision that he’s made, and just as he has always supported my career, I am all in, too." Biden pulled the plug on his campaign on July 21. The first night of the four-day Democratic convention was rearranged after Biden bowed out. Now it will honor his record of public service, including six terms as a U.S. senator from Delaware, eight years as vice president and one four-year term as president. Jill Biden was with her husband through it all and now both are figuring out what they want to accomplish in the time they have left in the White House. During the remaining months of the administration, which ends in mid-January, aides say Jill Biden will continue work on her favored causes: supporting military families through her Joining Forces initiative, reducing cancer's toll through the Biden Cancer Moonshot , advancing research into women’s health under an effort launched in November 2023, and increasing opportunities for education. She is also expected to campaign for Harris this fall. The first lady charted a new path for presidential spouses when she became the first to hold a paying job outside the White House. She is an English and writing professor at Northern Virginia Community College, where she has taught since 2009, and has been working on her lesson plans for the coming fall semester, aides said. As first lady, Jill Biden traveled to over 40 states, over 200 towns and cities, and 19 countries, most recently leading a delegation to support Team USA at the Olympic Games in France. She spent the first year of the administration traveling around the United States encouraging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In 2022, she traveled to Ukraine after Russia's military invasion to show U.S. support for Ukrainians. Trending Reader Picks These Trump Media investors are unfazed by losses Aug 17, 12:17 PM Harris leads overall but not on economy: POLL Aug 18, 12:01 AM Trump continues personal attacks toward Harris Aug 17, 9:03 PM NYPD rescues family from NYC home invasion Aug 17, 8:50 PM Airport conveyor belt cause of death revealed Aug 9, 8:42 PM ABC News Live 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events Trump gives economic speech in North Carolina as more polls show Harris gaining ground Laura Barrón-López Laura Barrón-López Matt Loffman Matt Loffman Winston Wilde Winston Wilde Mekhi Hill Mekhi Hill Leave your feedback Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/trump-gives-economic-speech-in-north-carolina-as-more-polls-show-harris-gaining-ground The top issue for many voters, the economy, took center stage as former President Trump returned to campaign in a battleground state for the first time this month. His North Carolina rally followed a scattershot news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate and a meandering conversation with Elon Musk on X. Laura Barrón-López reports. Read the Full Transcript Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. Geoff Bennett: The top issue for many voters, the economy, took center stage today, as former President Donald Trump returned to campaign in a battleground state. Amna Nawaz: His North Carolina rally followed a scattershot news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate and a meandering conversation with Elon Musk on X in just the last week. Laura Barron-Lopez has our look tonight at the latest. Laura Barron-Lopez: Donald Trump back on the campaign trail, trying to get back on message. The former president rallied in a battleground state for the first time in a week-and-a-half. Donald Trump, Former President of the United States (R) and Current U.S. Presidential Candidate: Kamala Harris won't end the economic crisis. She will only make it worse. In Asheville, North Carolina this afternoon, he talked about the economy, one of the top issues for voters. And he slammed his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, for her economic record. Donald Trump: If Harris wins this election, the result will be a Kamala economic crash, a 1929-style depression, 1929. When I win the election, we will immediately begin a brand-new Trump economic boom. It'll be a boom. We're going to turn this country around so fast. Notable after the economy today got a bit of good news, inflation falling below 3 percent for the first time since 2021. But it wasn't all economy, as Trump repeated his list of grievances. Trump was joined at the rally by far right Republican candidate for governor Mark Robinson, who has previously sparked controversy for his comments on religion, LGBTQ rights and civil rights. Today, he stuck to the economic theme. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R-NC), Gubernatorial Candidate: What we see here with the weaponization of government, it does not jibe with being able to have a good economy. Robinson's presence, alongside Trump's recent attacks on Harris, has some Republicans warning the party could alienate voters. Fmr. Gov. Nikki Haley (R-SC): What Donald Trump needs to do is go out there and campaign every single day, telling the American people exactly what Kamala Harris has said. Former candidate Nikki Haley and others have criticized Trump for veering away from the issues. Fmr. Gov. Nikki Haley: The campaign is not going to win talking about crowd sizes. It's not going to win talking about what race Kamala Harris is. It's not going to win talking about whether she's dumb. It's not. You can't win on those things. Those GOP alarm bells come as Harris is gaining momentum. Not only in North Carolina, but in every battleground state but one, according to The Cook Political Report. Only Nevada shows a Trump lead. Harris is even tied in Georgia, and in the days leading up to the Democratic National Convention, the Harris wall's ticket closing the enthusiasm gap. Excitement amongst Democrats and independents for the Harris versus Trump contest has jumped double digits since June, when President Joe Biden was still in the race. Being president is about who you fight for, and she's fighting for people like you. Looking to keep the momentum going, the Harris campaign today announced a $90 million ad buy that will flood the airwaves after the party convention next week. Also, prominent Republicans, including former elected officials and party leaders, even actor Mark Hamill, held a Republicans for Harris Zoom to rally support. Organizers said more than 70,000 people joined the call. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), Vice Presidential Candidate: Kamala Harris now is standing here in Michigan asking us for a promotion. I think it's time to say to Kamala Harris, no thank you. You are fired. And both running mates were on the trail. In Michigan, Republican V.P. nominee J.D. Vance confronted criticisms that Trump has been distracted. Sen. J.D. Vance: I think that Donald Trump has earned the right to run the campaign that he wants to run. And, look, if you listen to what Donald J. Trump says, if you look at what I say, we are prosecuting the case against Kamala Harris on policy. While Tim Walz's, Harris' V.P. pick, headlines fund-raisers in both Denver and Boston. Harris herself was off the trail, but plans to lay out her own economic message later this week, just like former President Trump, also in North Carolina. And for the former president, the specter of his legal battles still clouds his election calendar. The Manhattan judge who convicted Trump said today that he will not step aside from the case. And, for now, Trump's sentencing is still set for September 18, just a week after the first presidential debate with Vice President Harris. For the PBS "News Hour," I'm Laura Barron-Lopez. Listen to this Segment Watch the Full Episode Laura Barrón-López is the White House Correspondent for the PBS News Hour, where she covers the Biden administration for the nightly news broadcast. She is also a CNN political analyst. Matt Loffman is the PBS NewsHour's Deputy Senior Politics Producer Winston Wilde is a coordinating producer at PBS News Weekend. Mekhi Hill is a production assistant at the PBS NewsHour. Support Provided By: Learn more More Ways to Watch Educate your inbox. Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Advertisement Supported by What to Know About the Democratic National Convention Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, will be the stars in Chicago. Share full article By Maggie Astor The Democratic National Convention is almost upon us, following the Republican convention last month. Once it’s over, it will be a 75-day sprint to Election Day. Here is what to know about the convention. When is the Democratic National Convention? The convention will run from Monday, Aug. 19, through Thursday, Aug. 22. Where is it? It will be held at two venues in Chicago: The United Center, an arena on the city’s West Side, will host evening events — that is, the prime-time programming and speeches intended for public consumption. McCormick Place, which is downtown near Lake Michigan, will host daytime events, largely official party business and meetings. Who will be there? Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, will be the stars, and President Biden is expected to speak as well. But the full list and schedule of the speakers has not yet been released, and Ms. Harris’s campaign and the Democratic National Convention committee have declined so far to confirm any names besides Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz. Republicans, during their convention, didn’t publicize their speaking schedule until close to the start of each night’s programming. Typically, though, conventions feature a wide array of prominent people within the party, such as governors, members of Congress and former elected officials. Spouses of the nominees and other family members often speak or make appearances. And Americans who aren’t famous generally get some stage time as well, speaking about personal experiences that touch the themes and policies the nominee wants to emphasize. We are having trouble retrieving the article content. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber?  Log in . Want all of The Times?  Subscribe . 212 IMAGES Obama's Best Speeches -- The Definitive Ranking 10 Historic Presidential Speeches: The Best Speeches by U.S. Presidents The Best of President Reagan's Freedom Speeches 10 Modern Presidential Speeches Every American Should Know One of The Greatest Speeches Ever by President Obama President Obama's Greatest Speeches COMMENTS The 20 Best Presidential Speeches Of All Time Famous quote: "With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes." 554 votes. The 15 Most Inspiring Presidential Speeches in American History 15. Obama's "More Perfect Union" Speech. Date: March 18, 2008. Context: While campaigning for the presidency in 2008, Barack Obama came under fire for his relationship with pastor Jeremiah Wright, who had been heard to denounce the United States and accuse the government of racial crimes. 10 Historic Presidential Speeches: The Best Speeches by U.S. Presidents 5) George W. Bush. President George W. Bush gave one of the most memorable speeches at the Islamic Center of Washington, D.C., on Sept. 17, 2001, six days after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 ... 15 Most Notable Presidential Speeches That Shaped History 1) Gettysburg Address - Abraham Lincoln. The Gettysburg Address is one of the most famous speeches in American history. Delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, the speech was part of the dedication ceremony for the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Lincoln's address followed a two-hour speech by ... Presidential Speeches Famous presidential speeches. Use the "Filter" button to select a particular president and find the speech you want. Animate Background. Off. President. George Washington. ... Search Presidential Speeches. May 31, 2024: Remarks on the Middle East. video icon audio icon transcript icon. March 7, 2024: State of Union Address. 10 Modern Presidential Speeches Every American Should Know I think a hallmark of the speeches that we remember the most by presidents from both parties are ones that not only address the circumstances at hand, but also give people some hope. — Margaret ... 14 Best Presidential Speeches In History 5) The "We Shall Overcome" Speech By Lyndon B. Johnson In 1965. Civil rights activist John Lewis and more than 500 marchers were assaulted on March 7, 1965, a day that came to be known as "Bloody Sunday," as they prepared to march from Selma to Montgomery to register African Americans to vote. Famous Speeches From Every US President John Tyler. - Speech name: Address upon assuming the office of president of the United States. - Date delivered: April 9, 1841. John Tyler became the first vice president to assume the office of the president after William Henry Harrison's death in 1841, establishing the precedent for presidential succession. Looking at 10 great speeches in American History 9. Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech. King's speech at the Lincoln Memorial in August 1963, in front of 250,000 people, is also one of the most-analyzed speeches in modern history. But King hadn't included the sequence about the "Dream" in his prepared remarks. Singer Mahalia Jackson yelled for King to speak about "the Dream ... "Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You" John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961. We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom — symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning — signifying renewal, as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago. November 19, 1863: Gettysburg Address The speech he delivered that day would become one of the most famous speeches given by a U.S. President. Presidential Speeches | Abraham Lincoln Presidency November 19, 1863: Gettysburg Address The 10 Greatest US Presidential Speeches of All Time Throughout American history, U.S. presidents have delivered some of the world's most memorable and motivational speeches. Here are inspiring excerpts from 10 of our favorites. Presidential Speeches In 1964 and 1965, President Lyndon Johnson called on Americans' "better angels" with speeches on the "Great Society" and… Upcoming Videos "Government is the Problem" Greatest Recorded Speeches in American History (1933-2008) America's major events told through the words of its leaders, since the widespread adoption of the film camera as a communication tool. Through the speeches ... Barack Obama 475+ Speeches Top 100 Speeches. GWB Speeches. Movie Speeches. Rhetorical Figures. 9/11 Speeches. Over 475 Barack Obama Speches in Text, Audio, Video - American Rhetoric. Historic Speeches Historic Speeches. President Kennedy believed in the power of words -- both written and spoken -- to win votes, to set goals, to change minds, to move nations. He consistently took care to choose the right words and phrases that would send the right message. This section presents some of John F. Kennedy's most historic speeches; view a broader ... Listen to Some of the Most Famous Presidential Speeches From History The first speech— JFK's inaugural address —is only 14 minutes long. Even if you've never tuned into the whole thing, you've probably heard one snippet of it repeated often. The speech ... 7 of FDR's Most Inspiring Speeches This is more than a political campaign; it is a call to arms. Give me your help, not to win votes alone, but to win in this crusade to restore America to its own people.". 2. First Inaugural ... U.S. presidential history has so many great speeches. Here are some 0:26. Today is Presidents' Day. Here are some of the greatest speeches given by past U.S. presidents: Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" in 1863: "Four Score and Seven Years Ago" was an ... Franklin Roosevelt Infamy Speech: Pearl Harbor Transcript As the nation reflects on the anniversary of the surprise attack that led America to join World War II, here is the transcript of President Roosevelt's speech, which he delivered in Washington ... Abraham Lincoln's Most Enduring Speeches and Quotes The Gettysburg Address: Hailed as one of the most important speeches in U.S. history, Lincoln delivered his brief, 272-word address at the dedication of the Gettysburg battlefield, the site of ... Speeches Pre-Presidential Speeches. Selection of Eisenhower's Pre-Presidential speeches. Presidential Speeches. The text to most of the public messages and statements of the President of the United States that were released by the White House during the Eisenhower Administration, January 20, 1953 through January 20, 1961, may be found in the eight volumes, Public Papers of the Presidents: Dwight D ... From Obama to Steve Jobs: The greatest commencement speeches of ... Jobs told graduates during his 2005 commencement speech that the key to success is finding what you love, and loving what you do. Key quotes: "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living ... Jill Biden's speech at convention honors President Biden and marks an Before the president walks across the stage at the United Center to deliver the keynote speech on the convention's opening night, the first lady will use her address to speak to his character and reiterate her support for Vice President Kamala Harris, according to a person familiar with the first lady's remarks. Was Trump's Jan. 6 Crowd Bigger Than for MLK's 'I Have a Dream' Speech During a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago Club on Aug. 8, 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the crowd during his speech at the Ellipse in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021, was larger ... Democratic National Convention speakers include Biden, Obama and the Obama and the Clintons delivered speeches during the 2020 DNC, which was largely held virtually to prevent the spread of Covid-19 amid the pandemic. ... President Joe Biden, and Bill Clinton ... Jill Biden's speech at convention honors President Biden and marks an Before the president walks across the stage at the United Center to deliver the keynote speech on the convention's opening night, the first lady will use her address to speak to his character and ... Trump gives economic speech in North Carolina as more polls show ... The top issue for many voters, the economy, took center stage as former President Trump returned to campaign in a battleground state for the first time this month. His North Carolina rally ... The Vice President's Biggest Speech In July 1988, George H.W. Bush was famous but unknown—and down in the polls by 17 points. ... The Vice President's Biggest Speech. Share. Resize. Listen (1 min) Advertisement. Democratic National Convention: What to Know For example, at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, Kristin Urquiza gave a widely publicized speech in which she blamed then-President Donald J. Trump for her father's death from Covid. assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis