The Listno. 250

Vince Gray's most timeless inaugural speech lines

Photo: Jay Westcott

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On Sunday, D.C. inaugurated its sixth mayor, Vince Gray, who marked the occasion with an address focused on inclusiveness. In fact, the speech was so inclusive, most any political candidate in any city at any time in American history could have delivered most of it. (Change “city” to “school” and you’d have a killer student council president speech.) Drawing from his prepared remarks, here are some of Mayor Gray’s finest and most vague platitudes.

  1. The we-are-so-similar platitude

    "There is far more that brings us together than there is that drives us apart."

  2. The our-people-are-so-resilient platitude

    "Our people are just as hard-working, just as resilient, just as hopeful, and just as optimistic as anywhere else."

  3. The we-all-must-sacrifice platitude

    "Dealing with them will require patience and sacrifice from every one of us."

  4. The we-cannot-do-it-alone platitude

    "But we also know that we cannot do this alone. No mayor and council can."

  5. The we-must-come-together platitude

    "But there is no question in my mind that our challenges can and will be met—if we all come together to make that happen."

  6. The no-time-for complacency-sports-metaphor platitude

    "Now is not the time for complacency, nor the time to sit on the sidelines."

  7. The new-chapter-in-our-city platitude

    "Today we begin a new chapter in the history or our city … one defined by a sense of common purpose, shared sacrifice and communities united."

  8. The obligatory nod-to-Kennedy platitude

    "And to ask not what your city can do for you, but what you can do for your city."

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  1. MrMcG MrMcG

    M McGillicuddy

    Jan 03, 2011 - 03:21:59 PM

    Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh gave the best speech during that event. Instead of simply grandstanding or just using these opportunities to give shout-outs to their families, chums+homies, the others should have followed Cheh's example and spoken like a citizen of the District speaking to other citizens about the concerns we all share. Marion Barry does this all the time. Fenty lost his knack for doing this well before the fall; others should take note if only for the latter reason.

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