Room for Debate: What Should Obama Say?

Avoid the Lincoln Quote

William Kristol, The Weekly Standard

Fondly do I hope — fervently do I pray — that Obama doesn't shrink from tough-minded and hard-headed policies.

Renew Faith in the American Dream

Douglas Brinkley, historian

Go ahead and quote from Lincoln and King but also squeeze in a line from Cesar Chavez, Eleanor Roosevelt and Susan B. Anthony.

Acknowledge the Divisions

Jeff Shesol, author, "Supreme Power"

Obama — the fighter, not the uniter — needs to tell us what he can achieve despite the lack of unity.

Revive the Spirit of Unity

Linda Chavez, former Reagan official

Obama needs to show us that he still deplores the "politics of cynicism" and is ready to work with Republicans.

What I'd Like to Hear, But Won't

Michael C. Dawson, author, "Blacks In and Out of the Left"

Obama's supporters will hear some of what they wish to see over the next four years. But much of the hope that was generated in 2008 will prove to be unfulfilled.

Talk About the Role of Government

Drew Westen, author, "The Political Brain"

Obama needs to make a case for why the measure of a government is not its size but whether it creates prosperity and security.