(3) Base Camp

If you haven't noticed, the man has a way with words.

Obama's 2009 inaugural address is short and uses basic vocabulary. In fact, critics of the speech accused it of being too simplistic, too clichéd, and too idealistic.

Here's the thing: understanding the speech does require a lot of historical context. Obama uses grand rhetoric and metaphors to make veiled references throughout the speech, mostly regarding the state of the economy, the Iraq War, and the culture of Washington.

Rule of thumb: if you don't quite understand what he's saying, it's probably a criticism of George W. Bush.

Don't shoot the messenger.