Olbermann talks with Obama advisor David Axelrod

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Still trying to figure out whether the occasion is comparable to ‘Woodstock or a religious pilgrimage,’ MSNBC anchor Keith Olbermann poses the question to Obama senior advisor David Axelrod.

‘What we’re seeing is, I think, is the personification of what the founding fathers had in mind,’ Axelrod said. ‘We’re seeing millions of Americans who feel as if they personally were part of changing the course of this country and changing the course of history. There’s been such cynicism and such detachment on the part of so many. And one of the things that animated our campaign was this pushback, people saying, You know what? We’re going to take control back and we’re going to change this country. And they’re all here, it seems like. That has made this an extraordinary event.’

Olbermann took the opportunity to ask Axelrod what the tone of Obama’s inaugural address will be.

‘I think he’s going to talk about where we are as a country but also who we are as a people,’ Axelrod said. ‘So it will be a sober speech but also a hopeful speech. And I think he’s going to summon us to live up to the responsibilities that we all have to get this country moving again. It’s not just going to be the president of the United States, it’s not just going to be government. But it’s going to be our financial sector, our business sector and individuals all across this country who are going to have to pitch in to turn this thing around. I think he believes we can. And I think he believes we will but we have to be serious and focused.’

-- Maria Elena Fernandez