Did Biden’s speech get the job done? Political pros say ‘yes’

How did Joe Biden do on his Inauguration Day? If veteran Democratic strategist Bob Shrum is a barometer, the new president didn’t just do well — he made history.

“It was incredibly moving, one of the great inaugural addresses of all time. It had so many grace notes. It really met the moment,” Shrum told InsideSources. “Not since JFK have I heard an inaugural address that was so extraordinary.”

Strong words from a consultant who’s worked on eight Democratic presidential campaigns, and who now serves as director of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future.

“Joe Biden set out to remind Americans of our shared values in the wake of many months of pain, suffering, and division — and his unique understanding of what it takes to emerge from personal crisis,” said Lynda Tran, founding partner at 270 Strategies in Washington, D.C. “On all fronts, his speech rose to the challenge, combining his signature optimism with a realism about what we face today and what it will take from all Americans for us to come out the other side stronger than ever.”

Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: Bringing America together. Uniting our people.

And uniting our nation.

I ask every American to join me in this cause.

— From President Joe Biden’s Inaugural Address Republican strategists weren’t as effusive in their praise. While many concede that Biden spoke well, they have serious questions about how he’ll actually govern.

“Biden’s speech brought calm to a volatile moment,” said Alex Castellanos, who worked on the George W. Bush and Mitt Romney presidential campaigns. “It was a workmanlike speech that did what it needed to do, no more and no less. I expect that what he says throughout his presidency will sound like this. But what he actually does — won’t.”

Michael Biundo of RightVoter was a senior adviser on Trump’s 2016 campaign and he echoed Castellanos on Biden’s approach.

“President Biden set out to deliver a speech of unity, inclusion, and set a tone that is one of calm. I think for the most part he achieved that,” Biundo said. “The big test now is not what he said today but how he governs tomorrow and going forward.”