Inauguration speeches by US presidents are intended to inspire, to define values, to offer a vision, rather than to announce specific legislation or political initiatives. President Clinton's speech yesterday was thoroughly within this canon. It emphasised community, opportunity and racial harmony and highlighted educational attainment, the information revolution and work over welfare. These were all persistent themes of his first presidency which are set to continue to define his second one.
The speech was overwhelmingly for his American audience. There was little or no reference to international events, priorities or dangers. He did, however, underline the leadership role of the US by of the "world's indispensable nation" and its strong economy. Implicit in the speech is the desire to see that role continue. Mr Clinton offers his seconds term as transitional to the next millennium, setting themes that will continue to define world affairs. It assumed that successful achievement of these objectives will guarantee international leadership for the US in the years to come.
Those observing the inauguration ceremony from outside may be struck not only by its solemnity and patriotism, but on this occasion by the combination of confidence and defensiveness in the message delivered by Mr Clinton. Confidence in its sweep through US history and in the capacity to address urgent issues of educational change, welfare reform, community resources and technological opportunity; but defensiveness in the face of growing illiteracy, racial division, national disintegration and, as he put it, petty political bickering and extreme partisanship between the Democratic presidency and the Republican Congress.
It is precisely on his capacity to tackle these issues and bend them to the will set out in yesterday's speech that Mr Clinton's presidency will eventually be judged. There are few clues so far as to how he intends to do so. The State of the Union address next month will spell out some of this in detail, such as his proposal for tax credits in education and the ambitious plan to provide an Internet connection for all US schools. He will have to work closely with Congress on these and most other matters where he hopes to earn a place at least in the second rank in the historical roll call of US presidents.
His ability to capture the Republican agenda and turn it to his own advantage was the key to his recovery from the low point of two years ago to the solid second term victory officially conferred yesterday. If he is to earn the recognition of history he will have to harness Republican support as well as to outwit them tactically. He will also have to put the embarrassment of the Paula Jones case and rows over campaign financing behind him.
Much will depend on whether the US economy continues its relative buoyancy; but the fruits of growth have not been evenly distributed; if there is to be more equality it will be necessary for Mr Clinton to go beyond tactical politics into a more genuinely visionary leadership. He also has an opportunity to apply US pressure to shape the international agenda and help to resolve some of its conflicts. His continuing commitment to bringing a lasting peace to this country has earned him sympathy and appreciation here.