COMMENTARY: An all-cliché presidential inaugural address

As your 45th president, I pledge to continue the American Way to the best of my ability. If necessary, I will bite the bullet, but I will never cut and run. I will demonstrate the courage of my convictions.

For those adversaries of the United States who think we are down and out, that we are down in the mouth, my message is this: your days are numbered. The enemies at the gate will eat crow and will soon face the music.

At home, we must cease fouling our own nest and get our act together. We will go whole hog, go for broke; then, we will truly hit pay dirt. We are not in a rut; we are in the groove.

Dr. Samuel B. Hoff

My team is not a bunch of Johnny-come-latelys — they know the ropes. My administration will keep its eyes peeled and will leave no stone unturned.

To the Congress, let me state this loud and clear: this is our moment of truth; it’s now or never. Get off the fence! Out with the Old Guard! It’s time to play our trump card, to put up or shut up.

Some think we are facing the quiet before the storm, but I can read the tea leaves better than most. To our rank and file supporters: rather than standing pat, we need to stir up a hornet’s nest. Once we get others to see the light, the sky is the limit.

Forget all that stuff about tightening your belt or fighting uphill battles or going around in vicious circles. Rather, join me in the power of wishful thinking, and you can bet your bottom dollar that we will succeed.

Well, my fellow citizens, the zero hour is upon us. Let us go forth together.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Samuel B. Hoff is George Washington Distinguished Professor of History and Political Science and Law Studies director at Delaware State University. The A-to-Z list of clichés used are from “The Dictionary of Clichés” by James Rogers (1985).