The Inauguration: Washington, Jackson and Obama: Men of Myth

    Barack Obama's inauguration will be just the third of its type in American History. By "type" I mean the inauguration of a person who has become an American political myth BEFORE becoming president of the United States.  The other two who could proclaim mythical status before holding office were George Washington and Andrew Jackson. All three share some things in common. All three had worked hard to make themselves into "myths" (although they may not have favored that word) before assuming office. Washington had spent his whole life making himself into the solid "father" of his country, avoiding any actions that would suggest he was uncertain about anything or that he was weak and vulnerable like most mortals. Jackson relished his fame as both an Indian fighter and as hero of the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. He made no attempts to correct exaggerated reports about his bravery and democratic principles. Barack Obama made himself a myth by writing two books -- "Dreams from my Father" and "The Audacity of Hope" -- and by discussing race when necessary while simultaneously rejecting the role of being merely a racial candidate.

   All three were feted by their nation. Washington took an eight-day journey from Mount Vernon to New York City (the first capital) in the spring of 1789 that was nothing less than a coronation processional. Celebrated at every town through which he passed, Washingtion was received by thousands of admirers at New York harbor upon his arrival, and was the object of an emotional inauguration, at the end of which Robert R. Livingston turned to the crowd and proclaimed: "Long live George Washington, President of the United States." Mobs of Andrew Jackson supporters overwhelmed Washington, D. C., in 1833, drinking and reveling in their triumph, leading the famous newspaper editor Amos Kendall to sum it up: "It was a proud day for the people. General Jackson is their own president." Obama's inauguration has already been even more broadly attended and celebrated.

   George Washington was embraced because voters believed he would bring stability and order to a fledgling government and nation. Citizens waxed enthusiastic over Andrew Jackson because he embodied the bold spirit of nineteenth-century individual heroism (a spirit sparked by Napoleon), and more importantly because he was seen as the embodiment of democracy. Barack Obama is embraced for both of these reasons:  stability/order and democracy. Unlike the other two, Obama also carries with him, for the nation, a spirit of "hope" that has not often infected American politics.

   In some ways, therefore, Barack Obama emerges as the greatest mythic figure to enter the White House. We can only hope that the people of the United States can live up to the myth that they (and he) have created. For his part, it seems likely he will deliver the best he can, which will be something far short of all that is hoped for; for our part, if we deliver even a little of the involvement and engagement he and others have called for, American democracy and society can be transformed for the better.