“We face a deficit of trust… close that credibility gap…” with Pres. Obama as ambitious as ever. Climate change? That’s right.
But nuclear energy? Yep. Clean coal? An oxymoron if ever there was one, but Pres. Obama talked about it, delivering a conservative speech for a Democrat. It’s a wonder Gov. Bob McDonnell, who offered the Republican rebuttal, had anything left to say. Obama talking about tax cuts… tax cuts… tax cuts…
Obama was optimistic, while conceding mistakes and tough times. It seemed that everyone in the Chamber understood the gravity of the challenges we face, so that by the end of Obama’s speech there was a clear sense that getting to work couldn’t wait. The question is whether Democrats and Republicans are going to their separate corners or if they’re ready to get serious about getting something done.
A speech cannot make it so.
Pres. Obama finished, determined, adding a nod to Ted Kennedy, “We don’t quit. I don’t quit. Let’s seize this moment – to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our union once more.”
Reset. Take a breath. Let’s start again. We all want things to be better. We can do it together. Don’t get cynical. Keep working. Our administration has had some political setbacks this year, and some of them were deserved, Obama conceded at the end of his speech.
To the camera he said, “The spirit that has sustained this nation for more than two centuries lives on in you, its people.”
Pres. Obama ended on national security (see video above), including another pledge to reverse DADT.
Even as we prosecute two wars, we are also confronting perhaps the greatest danger to the American people – the threat of nuclear weapons. I have embraced the vision of John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan through a strategy that reverses the spread of these weapons, and seeks a world without them. To reduce our stockpiles and launchers, while ensuring our deterrent, the United States and Russia are completing negotiations on the farthest-reaching arms control treaty in nearly two decades. And at April’s Nuclear Security Summit, we will bring forty-four nations together behind a clear goal: securing all vulnerable nuclear materials around the world in four years, so that they never fall into the hands of terrorists. …
Obama sold the stimulus like his presidency depended on it. But it was on taxes that the Chamber’s roof just about blew off. Capital gains cuts for small business. Innovation was included too (finally).
You see, Washington has been telling us to wait for decades, even as the problems have grown worse. Meanwhile, China’s not waiting to revamp its economy. Germany’s not waiting. India’s not waiting. These nations aren’t standing still. These nations aren’t playing for second place. They’re putting more emphasis on math and science. They’re rebuilding their infrastructure. They are making serious investments in clean energy because they want those jobs. Well I do not accept second-place for the United States of America. … – Pres. Obama
He even hit George W. Bush on the “lost decade,” the housing bubble and financial speculation, one only wondering what might have been if Obama had started reminding people last year, so that at this point he wouldn’t have to anymore.
…and then there was health care… and of course, a lot on jobs.
As for Gov. Bob McDonnell’s response to Obama’s SOTU, he was no Bobby Jindal. Talking about his boys who said he had 10 minutes before they went to watch Sports Center, their dad didn’t quite make it. McDonnell also quoted Jefferson, after all he is a Virginian. “We want results not rhetoric,” said McDonnell, taking the heading I’d already crafted. “Reform” being a word he used often, including on health care, which he wasn’t afraid to talk about. He used Scott Brown’s words on terrorism: “As Senator-elect Scott Brown says, we should be spending taxpayer dollars to defeat terrorists, not to protect them.” Bet that we’ll hear it again. The Republican establishment actually offered an alternative tonight that won’t scare independents to death, a man who is a serious contender. That is if the Tea Partiers don’t lock them out.
Enough. After an an abysmal first year for Obama, it’s time for results.
America will love the speech. They eat this stuff up.
This man is a sharp rhetorician who is good at political spin. That is his gift. He may even believe it. But when it comes to real leadership, he isn’t the man. A real leader would seize the opportunity, no matter how difficult, and make something positive come from it. Now that the speech is done, I expect him to step back.
He may go on the road looking as if he’s selling his programs but he will not really be fighting for anything really or jumping into the fray.
I could be wrong this time, although I doubt it.
I agree, Taylor at this point Obama needs to get some results…because a year has already passed bye on his presidency and no results have been found on some of the things he promised…I chalk most of it to a Dem senate ignoring his agenda and White House communication problems…
I watched part of Bob McDonnell speech and found him to be good neutral material for Independents on a future Presidential run…I always said right after this guy lost to loser Deeds…Mr. McDonnell had higher goals then just being a Virginia governor…This was his audition for a future run…When that run will be who knows…right now I’ve heard he is looking to trying to change the law in Virginia for a two term limit instead of only one… I still believe the Republicans will never run Palin they know she is damaged goods…All she is good for at this point is to feed the rabid base like Rush does…
Oh, Taylor…you left out the part of him not only using Scott Brown’s words but Obama as well…I just now saw some of Obama speech on the web and most of Mr. McDonnell “rhetoric” board lined Obama style of delivery… It’s almost as if Mr. McDonnell was trying to channel Obama tonight…weird!
Time for our president to take off the suit jacket, roll up his sleeves, maybe put on a barn coat, and hop into his Ford pickup truck.
Ya think?
Have people scene the polls taking after the speech from American voters here is a link to just one done by CBS below…
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/01/27/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry6149049.shtml
There is more polls out already on the SOTU…and it shows the actual voters and not us political Junkies…loved the speech…Go figure!!!
Obama got very high marks on his speech from the voting public…the only people who seem to be trashing it or News pundits and angry bloggers…lol This might sound crazy but there many Americans who can fall for a good speech or rhetoric very easily…look at how Rush, Fox News & Palin have shaped debate around attacking Obama with some success….Now, just imagine how Obama being all those talking heads in one can push his case…People are not voting on substance…If they were Hillary would have made through the Primaries…also McCain & Palin would have never gotten the number of votes they received….It’s all pure emotion…and the polls following the SOTU prove Obama has a unique gifted of saving his ass with nice words…lol
Mr. President sir, with all due respect, STFU. Just actually DO somethin?
Forgive the cynicism but this American ain’t holding her breath. Pretty words but until he starts twisting arms and acting like the leader he’s supposed to be, I can’t see where we’re going. Actions speak louder than words. His rhetoric isn’t going to give people jobs or health care reform with teeth in it. He has to pick his battles and be willing to fight for them. So far….
Cynicism is the correct word. Behind this speech is a year of governance.
My analogies:
Used to be the gays got excited at the mere mention of our issues. Kind of like how at a concert the headliner thanks the city they are in and receive wild applause. No more. It just takes an executive order. No need to spend the year “working with Congress and the military”. And to top it all off, what his speech writers do not get, would have been more effective bundled with talk of the military, wars and veterans while both aisles were standing, not uttered right before equal pay for women.
Although I agree with him on the Supreme Court, I phrasing of his scolding felt disrespectful like watching a father berate a mother. It was just uncomfortable.
Who cares what he says in a speech? Frankly, he’s made plenty of them and the promises usually come to nil. The most amazing thing is that i had rock bottom expectations for him (he was a guy who continually voted present after all) and he hasn’t even met those low expectations.
Tax cuts? Oh, gee. Tax cuts don’t create jobs.
In the manner of “JFK and Reagan?” Get OUT! Reagan de-regulated S&Ls and set the need for the S&L bailout (the Garn-St Germain Act). Reagan began dismantling unions (remember PATCO?) and began the war on the middle class. Reagan broke the law on national security during Iran Contra. Reagan popularized the lie that if you cut taxes for the rich you don’t have to pay for them or say you’re sorry.
We have to take apart the Reagan legacy and show why it no longer works. If attacking him by name polls badly, don’t bother. But for God’s sake let’s not help the Republicans beatify him.
His facination with Reagan has been bad news from the beginning. Interesting that Maddow asked Jarret if he cared about his base. His base seems like it has always just been his stepping stone from the beginning of his career. It seems to me that from the very beginning he made a political calculation that the Democratic party had to be his platform because of his personal narrative.he knew Dems would fall for it hook line and sinker. His community work has always seemed to be more like an opportunity to study how to move people than any real committment to the problems in the base community. His membership in Rev. Wright’s church always seemed a political calculation to to gain entry to a solid base of voters within his district and the movers and shackers within the AA community.. The idea of Obama ever identifying with Wright’s fiery grievence preaching seems silly to me always has. It all seems so calculated and missing any real passion or committment.
Pat Buchanan was having a fit last night at the prediction he would mention DADT,saying it would start a firestorm.The funny thingis,so far it seems that his lecture to the Supreme Court,including some fatual errors on foreign coroprations( the concensus on MJ) is what is going to set the right ablaze.
That seems doubly significant to me. One thing is I think the fight for restricting gay rights might be going out of younger Repubs,they all have kids who are telling them to give it up,and now that it is so lopsidedly conservative the Repubs are going to sanctify the Court. They would be singing a different tune if the court were to swing the other way.
corporations
Lake Lady says:
28 January 2010 at 9:13 am
I Agree with everything you said here.
Heilemann and Helperin were pretty rough on the President’s speech.Haleprin said he saw no unifing theory that was going to make any changes or anything move forward. They both think that Obama relies on way too small a circle of advisors with the most influential being Rahm. Heleprin thinks Rahm has replaced Axelrod as the most influential.
Lake Lady says:
28 January 2010 at 9:13 am:
Well said Lake Lady. I couldn’t agree more.
Well, Obama is “sorry” that the Republicans have been “locked out” of the “governing process” all year and intends to make nice:
President Barack Obama told Republican leaders Wednesday that he will schedule regular meetings with them to discuss his agenda, a gesture GOP lawmakers said was necessary to move legislation with bipartisan support.
Democratic leaders and their aides said they did not expect Obama to make such a proposal to Republican leaders.
snip
Senior Democratic aides in the Senate and House say that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) already meet with Obama regularly.
But some Democrats think there could be more coordination between Congress and the White House after the derailment of the healthcare reform bill, what had been Obama’s top domestic priority.
Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said that Obama had tried to reach out to GOP leaders at the beginning of next year but to little avail.
snip
Durbin, who is one of Obama’s closest allies in Congress, said he and the president were frustrated by more than nearly 100 filibusters by the Senate GOP.
Centrist Republican senators who could serve as potential allies to the administration made clear this week that Obama would have to reach out to the GOP leadership before soliciting their support.
“If the Democrats are serious, they ought to focus on McConnell and that will require some substantial negotiations,” said Sen. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.).
Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) said Obama made a mistake at the beginning of his term by failing to establish a working relationship with McConnell and Boehner.
snip
House Republican leaders welcomed Obama’s proposal to meet monthly.
snip
“This business of late, of slamming the door and locking Republicans in the House and Senate completely out of deliberations, this business of the last year of reflexively rejecting all of the Republican proposals on stimulus, on budget, on healthcare, on energy has got to stop,” Pence added.
Seems conservatives just can’t mind their manners:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/27/alito-not-true_n_439672.html
I could hardly believe that Obama can talk about the SCOTUS decision on corporate campaign money with a straight face–He is KING of special interest money. I really don’t think he get’s the irony.
And that freeze on non-security budget items starting in 2011?! It’s like someone packing on 100 lbs. and then decides to lose 20 lbs. to slim down. What a joke! This man live in fantasyland.
ABC fact checks Obama’s SOTU speech:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/State_of_the_Union/state-union-2010-fact-check-president-obamas-address/story?id=9680549
Thanks Noogan
Obama is a funny guy. But not nearly as funny as all the people who take any of this seriously. He is now openly laughing at all you solemn white folks. Who is it that has run this country for the past 200 odd years? Peace
No one seems to notice that Obama’s $75B “jobs” bill erases 1/3 of the supposed $250B deficit-freeze spending; but it’s such small potatoes anyway, I guess they just can’t be bothered to mention it.
In his first State of the Union speech in 2010, President Barack Obama carefully chose his words in calling for a new jobs bill to stimulate real organic economic growth. Historically, politicians have garnered widespread public support for bills that otherwise would have been despised through the use of deceptive labeling. For example, past US Presidents labeled bills that ultimately weakened pollution regulations as “Clean Air Acts”, and so on. In response to this newly proposed jobs bill, US Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) relayed that he, along with other colleagues, were specifically instructed not to refer to this jobs bill as a stimulus bill in the media: “The other thing I’ll point out is we now have…we are working on a…we’re told not to call it another stimulus bill. We’re calling it a jobs bill.”
However, politicians have always been extremely deft about making speeches that present a united front with the people against corruption, while often hammering out legislation behind closed doors that ensures no real change will ever occur. To determine if the wool is being pulled over our eyes once again, let’s turn to the actual text of President Obama’s State of the Union speech.
http://www.zerohedge.com/article/obama’s-job-bill-real-organic-economic-growth-or-just-another-stimulus-bill-disguise
This is a really interesting piece:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/william-bradley/scott-brown-need-not-appl_b_437326.html
Obama is mocking us white folks. Black voters are solidly behind this man. As are Hispanic voters. That’s roughly 30% of the voting public. Do any of you honestly think that that 30% really gives a crap about a jobs bill when they have historically been the last hired and the first fired? What about single family housing and all those bankruptcies? White people own houses and go bankrupt. Get over yourselves. Peace
And that freeze on non-security budget items starting in 2011?! It’s like someone packing on 100 lbs. and then decides to lose 20 lbs. to slim down. What a joke! This man live in fantasyland.
—
I must admit I am curious about that one, because obviously the joke is lost on me. When GOP reps laughed yesterday when the president talked about the freeze starting in 2011, I was surprised because it seemed to me that it is how budget are done, and since we are alreday in 2010 he obviously had to be referring to the next fiscal year and I think that would be 2011 or maybe I also live in fantasy or moron land. Just to be sure googled it and found on wikipedia
Each year, the President of the United States submits his budget request to Congress for the following fiscal year, as required by the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. Current law (31 U.S.C. § 1105(a)) requires the president to submit a budget no earlier than the first Monday in January, and no later than the first Monday in February. Typically, presidents submit budgets on the first Monday in February. The budget submission has been delayed, however, in new president’s first year when previous president belonged to a different party.
The Budget of the United States Government is the President’s proposal to the U.S. Congress which recommends funding levels for the next fiscal year, beginning October 1. Congressional decisions are governed by rules and legislation regarding the federal budget process. Budget committees set spending limits for the House and Senate committees and for Appropriations subcommittees, which then approve individual appropriations bills to allocate funding to various federal programs.
After Congress approves an appropriations bill, it is sent to the president, who may sign it into law, or may veto it. A vetoed bill is sent back to Congress, which can pass it into law with a two-thirds majority in each chamber. Congress may also combine all or some appropriations bills into an omnibus reconciliation bill. In addition, the president may request and the Congress may pass supplemental appropriations bills or emergency supplemental appropriations bills.
I still dont get the joke.
Randy Barnett
Professor, Georgetown University Law Center :
In the history of the State of the Union has any President ever called out the Supreme Court by name, and egged on the Congress to jeer a Supreme Court decision, while the Justices were seated politely before him surrounded by hundreds Congressmen? To call upon the Congress to countermand (somehow) by statute a constitutional decision, indeed a decision applying the First Amendment? What can this possibly accomplish besides alienating Justice Kennedy who wrote the opinion being attacked. Contrary to what we heard during the last administration, the Court may certainly be the object of presidential criticism without posing any threat to its independence. But this was a truly shocking lack of decorum and disrespect towards the Supreme Court for which an apology is in order. A new tone indeed.
http://www.politico.com/arena/perm/Randy_Barnett_79413362-DD20-46A2-A092-D0579CC7D13F.html
I too thought it was a shocking breach of political etiquette, even though I disagree with the SCOTUS ruling. This was just another indication to me that Barack Obama is–at heart–nothing but a rude, arrogant adolescent. He diminishes the standing of the office and diminishes our country, our Constitution, and our history.
This “Official White House Photo” is indicative of the attitude of this president:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitehouse/4291167733/in/set-72157623126418563/
[The Resolute Desk
A highlight of the museum’s Oval Office is a reproduction of the Resolute Desk, named after the HMS Resolute. Because President Carter had served in the U.S. Navy, he selected this desk, which was made from the timbers of HMS Resolute, an abandoned British ship discovered by an American vessel and returned to the Queen of England as a token of friendship and goodwill. When the ship was retired, Queen Victoria commissioned the desk and presented it to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880.
Every President since Hayes, except Presidents Johnson, Nixon, and Ford, has used the Resolute desk. The desk was made famous by a photograph of President John F. Kennedy at work while his son, John Jr., peeked out from behind the kneehole panel.]
Apologies. I’m sorry about the all bold, I didn’t intend for the whole thing to be bolded! Mea culpa. No “preview” to check.
Can’t wait to see what happens when the Administration takes a case to the Supreme Court.
The only thing Obama is diminishing are the stupid “ruling class” who believe that they are still in charge. They are in the middle of getting their comeupance and they read Obama as being uppity. Peace
kris, why would Obama ever take any case to the Supreme Court while it’s configured in the way that it is? Would you? Peace
Wow…looking at the cynical posters you can tell…they have been listening to News Pundits…are just hate Obama so much at this point nothing he says or does will be good enough…lol
Like I said earlier most Americans who don’t follow politics on a daily basis will love his Propaganda speech…Those who follow him daily aka political junkies will hate his guts…hahaha
Oh I have a feeling that at some point they will have to Imhotep seeing we are blessed with this President for another 3 years. I will be surprised if it doesn’t happen.
Hey Marie205, it’s not hard to be discouraged by the Teleprompter in Chief.
Imhotep…I think Obama is at peace with his self in knowing even if I get one term…I’m still going down in history as the first and most likely only Black President in United States in History…Weather he will be recorded as being bad or good will be left up to his fan clubs…
I willing to bet Black Americans will hold him in esteem long after he is gone…and so will large portions of Hispanic Americans who children hold dreams of one of theirs becoming President…at this point, Obama is a legend in Minority communities…And he Knows this…so, the man just don’t give damn anymore about what his critics say…lol
Drinking game results—
Jobs – 26
I or Me – 96
Can we chill a bit. I just read where Lake Lady had the ends of her hair smoking yesterday.
Noogan, I’ wouldn’t be the least bit surprised that Randy Barnett would want to defend his fellow members of the Federalist Society now – wouldn’t he?
He’s a right winger.
“Hey Marie205, it’s not hard to be discouraged by the Teleprompter in Chief.” – Kris
Ok….What is is with the Teleprompter jokes…Bob Mcdonell used a Teleprompter last night…I don’t see in jokes about that one…What is the fear Obama strikes into his enemies and critics when ever he uses one…I would really like to know….Because I swear to god people act like this guy is the only president to use one…
I think his most cynical fans need to respect this gift he has at up lifting voters to come out strong for him by skillfully using words…Think about it though he lacks substances he was able to overcome people like the Clinton machine, McCain/Palin campaign, Fox News & Rush attcks…to move when need be voters to the booths on election day…Obama has the power to push emotions in people who don’t look for substance…and guess what there plenty of those folks in America…that vote…
Marie205, so if he gets 98% of the Black and Hispanic vote and only 40% of the White vote in the 2012 election he still wins in a landslide? I like his odds. The more “whitey” (talking heads and institionalized powers that be) hammers on him the more solid his support will be in the minority communities. Looks like checkmate to me. I’m begining to feel better already. Peace
BTW, Noogan, I’m none too fond of Obama. So, I’m not one of his cheer leaders. I’m glad he made a note of this extreme activist court.
Yep, he overcame that Clinton machine with the Chicago/Corporate Money Machine.
The thing about teleprompters can be explained quite simply as Jon Stewart did:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/26/obama-teleprompter-sixth-grade-video_n_436406.html
It’s a little odd to find the POTUS behind a Presidential podium using a teleprompter in a 6th grade classroom.
I know Obama said that he was ending the war in Iraq last night. (All troops out by the end of 2011.) Now if he keeps his commitment to begin leaving Afghanistan in August 2012, I’m sure that I can get at least several dozens of people to vote for him that November. Peace
Kris….laugh all you want along with his harden critics but Obama last night one man show might have helped him with some voters in the 300 million Americans who don’t look for substance….People brush off Palin connection to her voters and supports all the time…in the same way they brush off Obama connection to his die hard supports…I find most people who are hardest on Obama coming from the Democratic side was original Hillary boosters that never got over her losing to him in the primary….
Being and Independent I never had a dog in this fight for the White House in 2008….If McCain had showed and ounce of sense I would have voted for him…but then he chose Palin and all bets where off for me…I did like Hillary but she failed to survive the primary…so, all that was left was Obama… Now, he is being attacked by voters who put to much high hopes into this man…Obama is your everyday lying politician nothing more…And here is a little secret “ALL POLITICIANS LIE…PALIN HAS LIED, MCCAIN HAS LIED AND YES, HILLARY HAS LIED..TOO
Why the surprise about heavy minority support for Obama?
Don’t you know that minorities support Democrats routinely. Even lily white Gore had 90% of their vote in 2000. Kerry had 88% in 2004.
http://www.tcf.org/list.asp?type=NC&pubid=1201
So what are you trying to say Marie205?
djjl….In all honesty Jon Stewart…makes fun of everybody…from Palin, Hillary to McCain…that is his job he is a comedian and not to be taken seriously…but no one has answered my question of why no jokes of Bob Mcdonell teleprompter last night?…Oh, I get it Obama can read a teleprompter much better and often rely on it the same way as Bill Clinton did, Regan did, Bush II did…but those Presidents using one does not matter…I hate Obama so lets make an issue of him using it…lol
“Yep, he overcame that Clinton machine with the Chicago/Corporate Money Machine.” -djjl
I hope this was a snarky joke…lol Because apperently Chicago/Corporate money seems to no longer go far enough in New Jersey, Virginia and Massachusetts…lol
I’m only saying this one more time Marie205. I don’t hate Obama. I voted for him. I am disappointed beyond words because he is not a leader. Frankly that’s no surprise given his background.
You know the saying… fool me once….
I think Marie205 is saying 2 things:
1. I find most people who are hardest on Obama coming from the Democratic side was original Hillary boosters
2. Now, he is being attacked by voters who put to much high hopes into this man.
Those seem to be opposing positions to me. Former Hillary supporters voted for Obama but certainly never put “high hopes” into him. Most Hillary supporters saw him for what he is and hoped they were wrong and still hope that he can achieve a successful Presidency based on Democratic principles.
“So what are you trying to say Marie205?”- Kris
What I’m saying is don’t laugh at his one and only strength….I watched as an Independent voter the many of his primary and enemies write it off over and over during 2008 election…only to witness first hand Obama getting new followers to campaign for him by sheer speeches…I’m just trying to say a great speech can uplift and move certain folks who don’t care for substances…remember the power of cough “Jim Jones” cough…lol Ok, bad example…but don’t never laugh off a oratorical person…these people have a gift…You better start believing it cause Obama is sitting in the White House as example of how far a couple of good speeches can get you..lol
“Most Hillary supporters saw him for what he is and hoped they were wrong and still hope that he can achieve a successful Presidency based on Democratic principles.”-djjl
I agree with the large portion of Hillary supporter seeing right through Obama from the get go…However, I have to disagree about many of them wanting to see his Presidency a sccuess…I can’t forget running across blogs & people on the street…that was supports of Hillary Primary run hoping that either 1) Biden steps down as VP, in order for Hillary to take his place, 2) That Obama does so bad he can’t run in 2012, thus, allowing Hillary to have a go at the White House…I will not go into the more disturbing stuff I heard from her supports about “What they wish would happen to Obama and his family”…but let’s just say a portion of them have joined in with Republicans is trying to help destroy this man…scary stuff..
And what was it that Hillary said (anyone could have said it and I’d use it btw):
I bring a lifetime of experience, Sen. Obama brings a speech. What she said was true and we are seeing the results.
If people only care about a good speech we are all in deeper trouble than I thought.
No – no snarky joke at all.
I’m perfectly aware that Stewart pokes fun where he can poke fun. It doesn’t take away from the ludicrous picture of using a teleprompter in a 6th grade classroom.
Bill Clinton famously could speak without a teleprompter. In Clinton’s SOTU, they had the wrong speech in the teleprompter – he spoke for something like 10 or more minutes before it was corrected.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112685196
For those who watched all during Obama’s campaign, it is clear that Obama doesn’t do well without one.
It isn’t that they all don’t use a teleprompter – it’s the difference in performance when they don’t.
“If people only care about a good speech we are all in deeper trouble than I thought.”-Kris
I stand up and clap for this statement…I feel the same way about the whole getting bye on a good speech…However, I’m not foolish enough to write it off as not being a good tool to pull out supporters come 2012 election time…History is filled with famous people good or bad that have used oratorical skills to meet their needs…so beware, laugh now but cry later…Because Obama has shown you can get bye with the public if you sound great…Don’t believe me watch Palin and how she uses GOP talking points to enrich her family this year and next…This country doesn’t seem to give damn about substance anymore if they did we would have never gotten George Bush II…
This country doesn’t seem to give a damn…..
Amen to the Marie205.
Obviously there are a few that don’t knock on all cylinders – I maintain that Hillary supporters were not all idiots and do want success for the nation – it really isn’t all about Obama.
Personally, I think I understand some of their anger. While prro old Harriet Christiansen was derided as a racist due to her “another inadequate ….black man.”
I don’t believe Harriet was expressing racism. I think she’d had a lifetime of seeing the positions go to MEN – regardless of the superior abilities of women. She saw this man getting a pass too – this time mainly because he was black (half black anyway).
I imagine most women – particularly those older than 30-40 have had the experience in the work place where “women need not apply” for anything other than the menial positions. When I started to work while in college, I worked in a group of about 400. 6 managers – all men. I remember well how it felt when a young man would come in – just like I did – and soon he was on the track for a management position.
“For those who watched all during Obama’s campaign, it is clear that Obama doesn’t do well without one.” -djjl
Yes, he doesn’t do well without a teleprompter big deal… It didn’t stop him from being President…I could almost say the same thing about Britney Spears who does not do well with out her backup track…Yet, that has not stop fans from following her and making her rich…right!!!…lol
What I’m saying is that the teleprompter thing is not an issue…Anybody can see Obama is a performer and he loves to use his Teleprompter aka backup track…ahahahaha….But, will his followers care…most likely no…the only people who will care is the one’s that now despise Obama. Personally, I could care less about him using a Teleprompter…I find greater issue with his horrible governing style right now…
Gotta go for awhile.
Noogan, if you drop by, I left a response on you double standard thread. I’m curious if it makes any sense to you. See ya later.
The only significance about the teleprompter, imo, is that he doesn’t seem to be able to think on his feet. I do wonder about that – doesn’t he have the command of facts to speak logically without it. He’s the same way when being asked questions -
“he doesn’t seem to be able to think on his feet. I do wonder about that – doesn’t he have the command of facts to speak logically without it. He’s the same way when being asked questions”-djjl
Your so right…I noticed that when Obama first appeared in the Primaries…I remember turning to my husband and saying “Why does that guy seem to be struggling to find the right words all the time?”…my husband reply at the time was maybe he is afraid of saying the wrong thing…So, I just assumed that was Obama problem…because when Obama goes off script he says some of the most ridicules things…It’s almost like he is a younger version of Biden..lol
No it doesn’t – obviously – stop him from being POTUS. But, I’d like to believe that any POTUS had the command of issues and facts that would allow him to speak without a teleprompter in a 6th grade classroom.
I don’t know about others, but I don’t hate Obama. As I said, I want him to succeed – not for some “all hail Obama” obeisance – for this country. For all our good.
marie205 makes a point about the teleprompter jokes, all presidents use them. I don’t remember another being quite so dependent. I can’t imagine WJC using one at a elementary school. Remember when Clinton did the SOTU and they put the wrong speech in the telepromper and then ran it backwards to get it off. He went on without a hitch. I think that is because he had crafted his own speech for the most part and understood and believed in what he was saying in depth.He was notorious for making changes on the way to give the speech. Obama on the other hand I suspect has a mush more calculated way of putting conservative dog whistles into is speeches and they are dependent on precise repetition.
Marie..maybe my memory is faulty but I thought I remembered you saying last night that you would rather clean the floors then watch his speech and here you are today defending it.I don’t have any problem with your defending it as you make good points and it is true that he has come a very long way on his ability to speechify.
Biden DOES have the command of issues and facts. There is no doubt about that.
Lake Lady
How’s the hair today?
I agree with djjl..we should chill a little and try and figure out ways to push him in a better direction and I don’t know what the heck Imhotep is trying to stir up by framing him as some kind of rebel who is challenging the current order. Yes, it it true that he has large numbers in the AA and hispanic communities and why shouldn’t he? he is a role model and inspriation for their children and a glimmer of something better in the larger body politic.
djjl says:
28 January 2010 at 12:21 pm
Good one! I completly agree!
And Noogan I glad we could start the day in agreement
but I have to agree with djjl that if you are looking for criticism on ultra conservative sites you will surely find it whether it is deserved or not. 
djjl…so far so good
“Biden DOES have the command of issues and facts. There is no doubt about that.”- djjl
Biden may have a command of the issues but it does not matter when he keeps making daily gaffes… And what makes you think Obama does not have a command of the issues?!!!….You know what…I’m starting to fear people are becoming blinded by shear disgust of Obama to the point of underestimating him now… I have at times made fun of obama and pointed out his large then life flaws…but never once did I underestimate his intelligence…This is a man of color that achieved something people for generations thought impossible to become the President of the most powerful country in the world… Yet, folks are falling into the trap that he can easily be taken out…Remember Bush II everyone keep saying there is no way in hell Americans would reelect that man…he was idioit etc…or Bill Clinton…Why no one would put slick willy back in office…he went on to win again…and Ronald Regan…Surely, as horrible aloof Regan can not win again…yet, he did…Stop underestimating Obama…
“Marie..maybe my memory is faulty but I thought I remembered you saying last night that you would rather clean the floors then watch his speech and here you are today defending it.I don’t have any problem with your defending it as you make good points and it is true that he has come a very long way on his ability to speechify.”-Lake Lady
Yes, I did say that I would rather clean floors then watch his speech…and if you go back over the comments from last night…You’ll notice I mentioned my husband raving about Obama speech…so, like in the comments from last night I say that I watched and read Obama speech after it was completed…to find out what all the fuss was about…
Right you are Lake Lady about Obama using base as stepping stones. We Chicagoans know well, that is what he did on the way up, using allies and then discarding them as they became inconvenient. Only trouble is, after he discards his base, Republicans will never like him no matter what he does. He is too clever by half.
One other thing, I’m not defending his speech…I’m simply pointing out why many in the public would love this speech that don’t follow politics as much as we do…It’s no surprise he got good poll results from the general public that watched it last night…Yet, I seem to be the only one who notice those follow up poll numbers showing the public loved it…
As for me the speech was obama being Obama…that is why I felt the need not hurriedly watch the darn thing…And today’s topic is about the speech so I’m commenting on it…big deal…lol
“He is too clever by half.”-sunlight
I don’t think he is being clever…but just does not give a damn at this point…he already achieved his place in history and is ready to move on…I always commented that Obama would be fine even after just serving one term…It’s the American public that will suffer once he is gone…and the White House fall back into Republican control…shivering at that thought
I wish we had a stronger Independent party…I hate this two party system…
Marie205
Re: Marie205 says:
28 January 2010 at 12:51 pm
Please read the thread more calmly.
djjl says:
28 January 2010 at 12:26 pm
The only significance about the teleprompter, imo, is that he doesn’t seem to be able to think on his feet. I do wonder about that – doesn’t he have the command of facts to speak logically without it. He’s the same way when being asked questions -
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Marie205 says:
28 January 2010 at 12:31 pm
“he doesn’t seem to be able to think on his feet. I do wonder about that – doesn’t he have the command of facts to speak logically without it. He’s the same way when being asked questions”-djjl
Your so right…I noticed that when Obama first appeared in the Primaries…I remember turning to my husband and saying “Why does that guy seem to be struggling to find the right words all the time?”…my husband reply at the time was maybe he is afraid of saying the wrong thing…So, I just assumed that was Obama problem…because when Obama goes off script he says some of the most ridicules things…It’s almost like he is a younger version of Biden..lol
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snip
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djjl says:
28 January 2010 at 12:36 pm
Biden DOES have the command of issues and facts. There is no doubt about that.
And then your wheels come off.
djjl…No, my wheels didn’t come off…lol I agree that Obama is a terrible speaker when it comes to being off a teleprompter…But, disagree that he has complete lack of command on certain issues…even if he does not speak properly on it without use of teleprompter…You don’t become President of one of the most powerful countries without some understanding…That is what I was trying to point out…
Think
1 Biden may have a command of the issues but it does not matter when he keeps making daily gaffes: Curious, what are some of his daily gaffes?
2. And what makes you think Obama does not have a command of the issues?!!!…
Read what I said earlier and you didn’t seem so over the top offended on behalf of Obama when you replied.
3. “You know what…I’m starting to fear people are becoming blinded by shear disgust of Obama to the point of underestimating him now… I have at times made fun of obama and pointed out his large then life flaws…but never once did I underestimate his intelligence…This is a man of color that achieved something people for generations thought impossible to become the President of the most powerful country in the world… Yet, folks are falling into the trap that he can easily be taken out…snip….Stop underestimating Obama…”
Where do you see a post about underestimating Obama? You certainly don’t see posts from me underestimating his intelligence – just his commitment to Democratic principles. I really am not concerned about his color – never have been. But, I surely recognize why it is meaningful in many ways to many people and rightly so. Personally, I think far more highly of Martin Luther King and his accomplishments. He provides the quintessence of character to emmulate.
As far as Obama is concerned, I think he fumbles rhetorically when with out a speech being fed through a teleprompter . As I said earlier – “does he not have the command of issues and facts” – or is it something else – like not really having an ideological center which guides him? He’s not committed to Democratic principles to the extent that would allow more extemporaneous discussion imho.
5. What is the significance of those who follow politics being less enthralled with the speech than those who don’t? We can all answer that for ourselves.
I’ve posted many times – I want Obama to have a successful Presidency – by nature, successful would mean 2 terms.
StephBoston used to comment here about “critical thinking skills” – I’m back to “critical reading skills.”
You don’t become President of one of the most powerful countries without some understanding
Of course you don’t. And that’s not what I said or implied.
Really gotta go now. Sorry if I ruffled any feathers unfairly. Hmmph, this after Lake Lady referred to me as “measured” in my comments on another thread. LOL. I’m back slid’in it seems.
Well, even if your wheels had come off – it surely wouldn’t have been as bad as Lake Lady’s hair and it’s smoking ends.
djjl…For what ever reason I think your misunderstanding me…I take some of the blame for that…so, I’ll walk away from further causing confusion on this thread… and finish talking with my best friend on Facebook…lol
I need to remember to never try keep up with a political thread and hold a conversation online with Tiffany (best friend) at the same time…bye everyone…hehehehe