The Inauguration Seminar

January 11, 2009 - Lucy

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The Inauguration Seminar began today. We arrived at the University of the District of Columbia at 8 o’clock, and after an introduction by the Seminar staff (with information on what to expect while in Washington D.C.), we had short lectures by Professors Steve Bell and Michael Genovese, the two scholars in residence here at the Washington Center. They gave very interesting introductions to the two themes of the seminar: the Media and the Presidency, and the Peaceful Transition of Power.

One of the major questions posed during the Seminar is: what makes a great President? Power? Leadership? How will President Obama fare? Professor Genovese writes in his book "Memo to the President" that a in order to be an effective leader, one must have a knowledge of self, the system, and the world. This must be matched with an almost unattainable combination of intellect, personality, and of course, circumstance. The context of a Presidency makes or breaks a leader-the question is, does Obama face an insurmountable challenge with the country that he is inheriting? Does he have the right combination to pull the country out of the mess we find ourselves in? Will his administration crumble, or will he rally the nation like FDR did during the Great Depression?

As we consider these questions, we also must remember why Obama was elected, and what is arguably his greatest strength: his ability to inspire and build upon hope. A simple idea, perhaps- but to us, the most powerful.

The pictures are from our tour of the Washington monuments.

-Lucy

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