The figures are in. President Obama’s inaugural address was the most watched event in the history of the internet. Millions waited for what was potentially supposed to be the most inspirational speech in our recent history. We watched, waited, and it never came. No memorable lines like Roosevelt’s “nothing to fear but fear itself.” There were few moments when the crowd who came to applause actually applauded. While the media noted how the speech was a good one, they also noted how it was less dramatic than his previous speeches.

At first I felt the same way. I felt, in a sense, let down. But then it dawned on me. Much of the critique of President Obama’s detractors has been of the following sort “it’s all smoke and mirrors,” “the country is being swept up by this motivational speaker.” This was in fact a very exciting speech precisely because there was no drama to get lost in. There was no quotable quote that sounded good but meant nothing. There was only matter of fact. Let’s get down to business.

When G-d asked Moshe to lead the people out of Egypt he was nervous that he wasn’t inspiring enough. He was kaved peh, heavy tongued. G-d told Moshe not to worry; the people ultimately need somebody who is real. The Jewish people of the Bible and of the Talmud have always been led by the prophet, the priest and the scholar not the ra-ra demagogue.

In 2009 we search high and far for the fanciest means to be inspired. Why can’t we find inspiration in the simplicity? By delivering a relatively bare bones speech President Obama has actually inspired us.