Lincoln's Greatest Speech

Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural speech, dated March 4, 1865, is delivered here by actor Richard Dreyfuss and closely analyzed by bestselling Lincoln biographer Ronald C. White. Taking Lincoln's 700-word address one sentence or paragraph at a time, White makes viewers appreciate once again how America's 16th president set the tone for national civility and reconciliation with his rhetorical nuances and inclusive language. White makes the excellent point that many people at the inauguration were disappointed when they didn't hear a victory speech crowing about the South's defeat in the recently-concluded Civil War. But Lincoln's measured, calming language, which invoked common principles for the entire nation, was clearly the more healing approach. Which is not to say that Lincoln didn't include some tough talk: he called out slavery as a national evil and denounced the recklessness of those who would go to war with their brothers to defend that evil. But he did not speak in terms of geographical or cultural division in America (he did not refer to the “South,” but rather a “part” of the country going rogue). White also highlights some of Lincoln's gifts as a writer-orator, such as his use of alliteration and his repetition of certain words. Directed by Ken Kebow, this illuminating documentary also features a separate conversation with White and Dreyfuss. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Keogh)