The elements of styling a great inaugural address

At his inauguration in 1961, President John F. Kennedy delivered what is considered to be one of the greatest inaugural addresses.

Speechwriter Ted Sorensen spoke with Clinton speechwriter Ted Widmer earlier this week about what went into the creation of that speech, and what elements all great inaugural addresses should possess.

Follow the link to read or listen to John F. Kennedy's inaugural address.

Guests

• Ted Sorensen: Special counsel and adviser to President John F. Kennedy
• Ted Widmer: Adviser and speechwriter to President Clinton

More from MPR

• Lessons learned from the Bay of Pigs
  November 10, 2008
• A quintessentially American story
  July 29, 2008
• Fergus Falls band to march in inauguration
  December 8, 2008
• John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address
  January 16, 2009

Resources

• John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
• About Ted Sorensen