As President Obama took the podium to address congress earlier this evening I could feel myself shake the memories of watching his immediate predecessor stumble and tumble through past speeches. Now I'm not a Bush hater at all, in fact, I find him fascinating - but his outright inability to address the public was remarkable.
There was an honesty and a cavalierness about President Obama's speech that was refreshing. Instead of begrudgingly sitting through an hour of strict partisan applause (or lack there of) I found myself moderately entertained. Sure, President Obama was explaining in sobering terms our current predicament. How the good 'ol US of A nearly got KO'd this past year but that nonetheless we're still hanging around. But I kind of had fun. He's not a bad guy to listen to and swiftly jabbed at enough of his friends and enemies to put everyone at ease. The best may have been his, "Nobody messes with Joe," punchline - in reference to Vice President Joe Biden as some fictional influence enforcer.
Issues. Love the no-drop out rule (my mind recalls vaguely "no child left behind"... so let's check the details first, no?) and was excited to hear his social work in return for higher education idea. No new taxes? George Bush Sr.? The commitment to energy and education is smart, overdue and nothing new, frankly - but maybe he can actually make good on it. Almost thought he was going to propose that ALL WORKING PROFESSIONALS get off their ass now and give back (maybe teaching via the community college/tech school he already speaks of?). Here's to hoping we can afford even a fraction of the promises. Oh, and the Republican Response was... puzzling at best. But Louisiana loves you, promise you that.
