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Obama's Address To Congress Live Blog

I'll do my best to live blog it below the fold. Not promising much. Add your thoughts in comments.

Update (TL): Excerpts of speech are here.

The good Sully, the one who saved 155 lives by landing his plane in the Hudson River, is there.

Justice Ginsburg gets a wonderful reception.

The pomp of these events is pretty cool actually.

As the Cabinet is welcomed, the big shots are apparent, Clinton, Gates and, for better or worse, Geithner.

Rahmbo!

OT, the Gators are playing a big hoops game in Baton Rouge tonight. I know, nobody cares but me.

Madame Speaker, the President of The United States!

Cheers for the First Lady.

MSNBC has one of those dial-y meters too now. If it is working it is not apparent to me.

Economy, "we will recover and emerge stronger than before."

Defense of the stimulus bill

Discussion of the credit crisis - the need to restart lending to fuel an economic recovery.A good passage I think. Now what is the solution? Nothing worth mentioning imo. Not straight talk on this issue.

OT- Gators down 35-29 with 5 minutes to go in the 1st. LSU's Marcus Thornton is on fire - 5-6 from 3 point land.

No one is asking for vengeance on the banks, but where is the solution? I did not hear it.

Ot - Calathes apparently can't make a free throw anymore.

Renewable energy, etc. You know the drill.

Auto indudtry will be "retooled", etc. "Can't walk away from it."

Optimism now.

Helath care . . is this the bold?

OT- Gators fight back, up 2 now.

Health care reform NOW! The headline so far.

OT- at the half, Gators 41 - LSU 37.

Education. You tell me. I am a dummy about education issues.

This strikes me as a Bill Clinton speech without the specifics. Me? Not so impressed with this one.

Deficits and debts. "With the deficit we inherited . . ."

"We will end the tax breaks for the top 2% of Americans. If you make 250k/yr or less, you will not see a tax increase. In fact, 95% of Americans will receive a tax cut."

Circles back to health care reform as entitlement reform. Unless I missed it, the words Social Security were not mentioned in this speech.

Pillar 2, ending the Debacle in Iraq as deficit reduction. Good frame (h/t Lakoff)

Good stuff on foreign policy imo.

The Reagan bio stuff. I'm checking out. LSU starts 2nd half on fire. I'm on that now. You're on your own.

OT - 2nd half starting in Baton Rouge.

I did not see it all, but a B- for what I did see. Not enough specifics for me.

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  • Display: Sort:
    Maxine Waters has a great seat. (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:01:23 PM EST


    I love Maxine... (5.00 / 4) (#3)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:02:21 PM EST
    One of the few "voices in the wilderness" that actually gets it right (er, left).

    Parent
    She just said something (5.00 / 2) (#7)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:05:50 PM EST
    to Hillary.

    Parent
    I guess I missed that... (5.00 / 4) (#12)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:07:27 PM EST
    Though I did see Hillary hug Sheila Jackson Lee, another of my favorite Congresscritters. ;-)

    Parent
    Wearing her hair like a crown, as always (none / 0) (#67)
    by DFLer on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:28:25 PM EST
    Hillary in FUCHSIA... (none / 0) (#186)
    by weltec2 on Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 06:39:19 AM EST
    Sheesh... Honestly, I thought she was wonderful. And John McCain there with his GET OFF OF MY LAWN face. Hhhhahahahahaha...

    Parent
    Good luck, BTD... (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:01:34 PM EST
    And thanks for doing this. I have my CSPAN ready!

    Yay! Ruth Bader Ginsburg is back! (5.00 / 5) (#4)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:03:03 PM EST


    It's so good to see her (5.00 / 3) (#5)
    by byteb on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:04:11 PM EST
    ABC is using Donna Brazile as a talking (5.00 / 3) (#6)
    by Inspector Gadget on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:05:28 PM EST
    head...I believe it's time for me to move to C-span

    Good idea... (none / 0) (#15)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:10:34 PM EST
    I just did the same thing. Sorry, but I can't handle Keith Olbermann & Chris Matthews bloviating on the same program... Even if Rachel Maddow occasionally gets a word in.

    Parent
    Btw... (none / 0) (#17)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:11:14 PM EST
    That's 'cuz I was watching MSNBC.

    Parent
    Sec of State Clinton! (5.00 / 4) (#8)
    by byteb on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:05:58 PM EST


    Yay! Our SecState is back! (5.00 / 4) (#9)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:05:59 PM EST


    I didn't realize Hillary was back. (5.00 / 2) (#10)
    by indy in sc on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:06:06 PM EST
    Nice to see her!

    These faces are much nicer to see (5.00 / 3) (#11)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:06:46 PM EST
    than before. . .

    Dick Shelby is a little too close to the aisle.

    Blitzer (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:09:43 PM EST
    promises that we can eavesdrop in the aisle.

    Reid and Hoyer walk Obama in (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:10:55 PM EST


    Along with the Bronzed One (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:11:46 PM EST
    House and Senate leadership, I guess.

    Told you Maxine had a good seat.

    Parent

    the Bronze One :) (none / 0) (#38)
    by byteb on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:20:45 PM EST
    But that would be a complement (none / 0) (#44)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:22:05 PM EST
    OK, I see him now. (none / 0) (#20)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:13:00 PM EST
    Awww, he just kissed Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. It would have been more warranted if she had actually voted for the stimulus bill, but whatever. Who am I to judge? ;-)

    Parent
    And HIllary (5.00 / 2) (#23)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:13:56 PM EST
    We get to see the back of her head again.

    Parent
    The President of the United States (5.00 / 5) (#18)
    by byteb on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:11:41 PM EST
    A good sight.

    It's been a long hard eight years, hasn't it?

    So good to NOT SEE (5.00 / 4) (#55)
    by Jjc2008 on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:24:06 PM EST
    Cheney sitting up there!

    Parent
    Funny to see Ileana (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by indy in sc on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:13:06 PM EST
    Ros-Lehtinen kiss Obama considering she hung up on him twice (by mistake, of course)...

    Words exchanged with Dick Shelby. . . (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:13:27 PM EST


    Ewww... Obama & Clarence Thomas... (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:14:30 PM EST
    Can anyone say "awkward"?

    Is that Justice Alito with the stone prissy face? (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by byteb on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:15:03 PM EST


    Awkward moment with the Speaker. (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:15:05 PM EST


    Two! (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:16:32 PM EST
    The plum color looks nice on Michelle. (5.00 / 3) (#30)
    by indy in sc on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:17:41 PM EST


    definitely (5.00 / 5) (#34)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:18:40 PM EST
    She looks beautiful. And happy.

    Parent
    I agree (5.00 / 4) (#48)
    by Jjc2008 on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:23:17 PM EST
    I got to shake hands with her when she came her.  She is quite stunning and tall and has a great smile.....

    Parent
    She does have a great smile. (5.00 / 3) (#60)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:25:33 PM EST
    The only color I'm looking for is green (none / 0) (#32)
    by Inspector Gadget on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:18:28 PM EST
    ....in my wallet.


    Parent
    I'm actually crying (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by Lil on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:18:36 PM EST


    We will recover... (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:19:17 PM EST
    We will rebuild, and America will emerge stronger than before!

    Nicely said, Mr. President.

    I don't think it's very original (none / 0) (#56)
    by Inspector Gadget on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:24:08 PM EST
    Pretty sure the same words were spoken post-9/11 and Katrina.


    Parent
    Oh, dear--I hope Justice Ginsberg doesn't feel she (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by jawbone on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:19:44 PM EST
    has to get up for each Standing O applause line!

    Are we going to get a platitude speech? (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:20:29 PM EST
    Survey says: yes!

    Guess what? (none / 0) (#121)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:54:06 PM EST
    I was right.

    Parent
    It's nice to listen... (5.00 / 3) (#39)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:20:48 PM EST
    To a Presidential speech and NOT feel compelled to throw rotten tomatoes at the teevee. ;-)

    Must know how we arrived at this Big Meltdown-- (5.00 / 2) (#40)
    by jawbone on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:21:13 PM EST
    So, there will be investigations? Into econ policies and lack of enforcement and into the Iraq mess?

    Yeah!

    BTD, I care about your Gators! (5.00 / 2) (#41)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:21:22 PM EST
    I need them to lose tonight :)

    About time... (5.00 / 2) (#43)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:22:03 PM EST
    The President start talking about the "culture of greed" that pushed us into this crisis in the first place.

    I like that the republicans (5.00 / 5) (#45)
    by Jjc2008 on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:22:11 PM EST
    are going to look like jerks when they refuse to show enthusiasm for the president's stimulus bill.

    Some talking head said the Repubs will be generous (none / 0) (#49)
    by jawbone on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:23:23 PM EST
    with applause for Obama bcz they want to look bipartisan. They will save the bile for actual votes.

    Parent
    Yea but you (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by Jjc2008 on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:24:42 PM EST
    can see it on their stony faces....none of them are that good at acting.

    Parent
    Just showed (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by Jjc2008 on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:25:56 PM EST
    chinless wonder McConnell and he looked as dour, sour and miserable as ever and no applause.

    Parent
    The Bronze One is not enjoying hearing about Repub (5.00 / 2) (#46)
    by jawbone on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:22:25 PM EST
    admin errors of commission and omission.

    that name is gonna stick (5.00 / 2) (#57)
    by byteb on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:24:22 PM EST
    BronzeD (5.00 / 2) (#68)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:28:32 PM EST
    Economic Agenda? (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:22:50 PM EST
    Tell me more! Tell me more!

    Huh--talking head wrong! Front rows of R's stood, (none / 0) (#54)
    by jawbone on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:24:05 PM EST
    rest stayed seated.

    Parent
    Front row is the cabinet (none / 0) (#177)
    by joanneleon on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 10:43:53 PM EST
    On replay, I see that the cabinet is seated on the right in the front row.  They may be in the second row too, I'm not sure.  Supreme Court is in the front row on the left.  Front and center is John Roberts (left side of aisle) and Hillary Clinton (right side of aisle).  The seating is probably well defined and traditional for SOTU.

    Parent
    Republicans not standing. Boo. (5.00 / 2) (#51)
    by byteb on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:23:57 PM EST


    Just look at those nice bipartisan (5.00 / 5) (#52)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:23:58 PM EST
    Repubicans!!

    First partisan applause line (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:23:59 PM EST
    on the ARARA.

    Nice to see... (5.00 / 1) (#59)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:25:08 PM EST
    The President actually giving some real numbers on the stimulus. Define it before the GOP does.

    McCain smirks. What else is new? (5.00 / 1) (#61)
    by byteb on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:25:49 PM EST


    McCain smirks and (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by Jjc2008 on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:26:53 PM EST
    McConnell's sourpuss are quite obvious.

    Parent
    McCain whines... (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:28:16 PM EST
    About "how 'That One' isn't being bipartisan"? I can hardly wait until his next whambulence round of the Sunday talk shows.

    Parent
    "Hold the banks accountable" (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:31:08 PM EST
    Sounds like he's going to inject more money instead of nationalizing. Stupid, Stupid, Stupid.

    Joe Lieberman. Ugh. (5.00 / 1) (#74)
    by byteb on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:31:41 PM EST


    "Those days are over!" (5.00 / 2) (#75)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:31:53 PM EST
    Damn right... So why not just nationalize the banks?

    Why all the talk of "nationalization" (none / 0) (#189)
    by BackFromOhio on Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 09:29:02 AM EST
    when there are statutory provisions for appointing FDIC conservator and/or receiver of banks that don't meet certain financial tests.  Certainly, several of the bailout banks did not meet those tests and certainly didn't before the infusion.  Procedure is well honed and orderly: Almost no one is fired at first, government gets to go over all the books, interview everyone and find out what's going on. Once FDIC appointed, you have the same total hold on litigation, suing banks for non-payment, etc. that you would have in a bankruptcy proceeding, but decisions are run up the flagpole within the government, and the government gets to realize on all bank assets for the benefit of the taxpayers.  So, I repeat, why the call for "nationalization", as though a wholly new process must be invented?

    Parent
    True Confessions (5.00 / 8) (#76)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:33:01 PM EST
    Geithner is kind of cute.

    Have I had too much wine?

    I see Burris. I need MORE wine. (5.00 / 3) (#79)
    by byteb on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:34:22 PM EST
    I want more details... (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:38:23 PM EST
    What are we cutting? OK, now I need more wine!

    Parent
    Yes, you have... (5.00 / 3) (#80)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:34:34 PM EST
    But it's OK. I find him cute, too. I'm such a bad princess! ;-)

    Parent
    Even worse-- (none / 0) (#85)
    by indy in sc on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:37:35 PM EST
    I find Eric Cantor cute.  I may need something stronger than wine.

    Parent
    no way! (5.00 / 2) (#88)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:38:44 PM EST
    I know, I know (5.00 / 2) (#96)
    by indy in sc on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:41:18 PM EST
    it's terrible.  Can't he be wrong and hot? ;)

    Parent
    Yes (5.00 / 5) (#100)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:42:54 PM EST
    But hot he is not!

    Parent
    I think he looks wimpy (none / 0) (#93)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:40:23 PM EST
    Cantor or Geithner? (none / 0) (#98)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:42:23 PM EST
    The former (none / 0) (#102)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:43:32 PM EST
    Agreed - too pretty. (none / 0) (#103)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:44:43 PM EST
    Hell yeah, we were mad... (5.00 / 3) (#78)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:33:40 PM EST
    When the bailout failed. So why continue it? Yes, your job IS to solve the problem! So please, just solve the problem & nationalize the damn banks!

    B.A.R.F. (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by themomcat on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:40:08 PM EST
    Bad Asset Relief Fund will continue. h/t Krugman

    Parent
    Charlie Rangel (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:36:01 PM EST
    doing an impression of Jabba the Hut.

    Does BTD have two TVs? (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:38:17 PM EST
    My stepdad has three laptops on his desk at any given time.

    Let the Republicans sit and smirk (5.00 / 2) (#89)
    by DFLer on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:39:14 PM EST
    the american people approve. the small samle of mccain and obama voters reacting live on msnbc graph...practically the same, consistent high marks from each group

    "In each case, (5.00 / 5) (#90)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:39:58 PM EST
    government didn't supplant private enterprise, it catalyzed private enterprise."

    Where's Samuel?

    It is time for America to lead again! (5.00 / 2) (#91)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:39:58 PM EST
    Sounds nice, Mr. President. So what green projects are we investing in? And no, "clean coal" doesn't count.

    Did he just call for cap and trade? (5.00 / 2) (#94)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:40:58 PM EST
    Sounds good.

    But Clean Coal (5.00 / 2) (#97)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:41:19 PM EST
    sounds BAD

    Parent
    Meh. (none / 0) (#99)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:42:32 PM EST
    I guess it's a start.

    "This is America. We don't do what's easy. We do what's necessary".

    So why not just impose a carbon tax?

    Parent

    Market-based cap on carbon pollution? (5.00 / 4) (#95)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:41:12 PM EST
    No, that's NOT what we need. We need a carbon tax, plain & simple. Sigh...

    O gawd no, did I just hear "clean coal"? MORE WINE, PLEASE!

    Health care reform? (5.00 / 3) (#101)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:43:24 PM EST
    Tell me more, tell me more.

    Education... (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:46:16 PM EST
    Yep, it's a prerequisite for success.

    BTD asks (5.00 / 1) (#107)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:46:50 PM EST
    <quote>Helath care . . is this the bold?</quote>

    No.

    Big bold no. (5.00 / 1) (#111)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:49:07 PM EST
    No beef there. I guess we'll be waiting on the budget.

    Parent
    Yes, I'll commit... (5.00 / 1) (#110)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:49:02 PM EST
    To higher education. So how can we make it affordable to all of us?

    If working ... (5.00 / 1) (#112)
    by robrecht on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:50:23 PM EST
    MSNBC dial-y meters seem to be showing that the Republicans out there in TV-land like this speech quite a bit.  Quite a bit of the time more than the Dems.  Never negative, at least not so far.

    The price of tuition is higher than ever. (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:50:35 PM EST
    Duh! And yes, I'll be willing to volunteer... I already do!

    Orrin Hatch (5.00 / 2) (#114)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:51:06 PM EST
    seems shocked to see his name mentioned.

    Young Kennedy is happy to see Ted mentioned.

    Yea, we inherited it. Good job. (5.00 / 0) (#116)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:52:30 PM EST


    "Deficit We Inherited" (5.00 / 2) (#119)
    by SOS on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:53:17 PM EST
    Liked that one.

    $2 trillion in savings? (5.00 / 1) (#120)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:53:43 PM EST
    Where? Tell me more.

    Great Decision (5.00 / 7) (#122)
    by squeaky on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:54:44 PM EST
    Hillary as SOS is way better than Veep. I came to the same conclusion that Hillary as Veep was the best way to win POTUS. I was wrong, even though I dislike Biden, Hillary has more synergy with Obama as it is now.

    Someone got it right.

    Jack Reed just had a funny look (5.00 / 1) (#123)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:54:55 PM EST
    on his face.

    I thought that was (none / 0) (#145)
    by gyrfalcon on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:03:56 PM EST
    Sheldon Whitehouse-- unless it was both of them?  Odd two guys from RI would get funny looks.  Did he say anything about RI??

    Parent
    It was Reed (none / 0) (#151)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:06:16 PM EST
    And no, I didn't hear anything about RI.

    Parent
    Social Security... (5.00 / 2) (#125)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:56:41 PM EST
    Please, no cuts. We need not cut SS.

    Worse (5.00 / 1) (#129)
    by cenobite on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:58:19 PM EST
    He said "private accounts."


    Parent
    I missed that. (none / 0) (#131)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:59:02 PM EST
    He said $h*tty things about SS (5.00 / 2) (#133)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:59:57 PM EST
    Things that would have gotten W booed.

    Parent
    Here you go (5.00 / 5) (#148)
    by cenobite on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:04:31 PM EST
    To preserve our long-term fiscal health, we must also address the growing costs in Medicare and Social Security.  Comprehensive health care reform is the best way to strengthen Medicare for years to come.  And we must also begin a conversation on how to do the same for Social Security, while creating tax-free universal savings accounts for all Americans.

    If you just mean some other kind of 401K, why mention it with Social Security.

    link


    Parent

    Time for the Dems (5.00 / 3) (#126)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:56:44 PM EST
    to boo Obama on social security. Nope, timid Dems don't cross him.

    I would have booed.

    Great Talk and Overdue (5.00 / 1) (#128)
    by SOS on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:56:55 PM EST
    Be interesting to see the Wall Street Berserker's response tomorrow.

    Boy what a refreshing change from (5.00 / 3) (#132)
    by SOS on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:59:05 PM EST
    BoOsH

    yes, he actually said nuclear, not nukular (none / 0) (#142)
    by Lil on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:03:10 PM EST
    More pay, expanded VA benefits... (5.00 / 1) (#136)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:00:04 PM EST
    It's about time we keep our promise to "support the troops".

    Words instead of action (5.00 / 4) (#137)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:00:58 PM EST
    on torture.

    "The USA does not torture". (5.00 / 5) (#138)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:01:12 PM EST
    Sounds good... So please close the torture prisons in Afghanistan. Thanks, Mr. POTUS.

    I've been listening while (5.00 / 1) (#152)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:06:37 PM EST
    reading wiretap cases, I haven't heard what he said, just the tv noise, but it sounds like they're having a huge party, whooping it up with lots of clapping. What can they possibly be so happy about?

    I guess the first... (5.00 / 1) (#156)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:08:19 PM EST
    SOTU, though it's not really a SOTU, without Dumbya. ;-)

    Parent
    Nice to pat ourselves (5.00 / 1) (#155)
    by SOS on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:07:12 PM EST
    on the back instead of kicking each other in the ass for a change isn't it.

    So, a short, substance-free speech (5.00 / 2) (#158)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:09:44 PM EST
    Oh, except that we're going to dismantle Social Security.

    FAIL.

    where do you get that ? (5.00 / 2) (#168)
    by DFLer on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:19:24 PM EST
    dismantle Social Security.


    Parent
    Every American loves this country and wants (5.00 / 2) (#159)
    by indy in sc on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:10:26 PM EST
    it to succeed..except Rush Limbaugh, the republican congresspeople and governors who want to play political games with the job opportunities, unemployment benefits, education and infrastructure of their constituents.

    Gergen has a tingle up his leg. (5.00 / 2) (#162)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:12:12 PM EST


    Heh... (5.00 / 2) (#164)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:14:12 PM EST
    So at least the pundits like it. Figures. They go all ga-ga-goo-goo over flowery language while we die to hear specifics. Now don't they always say it's the other way around?

    Parent
    He was speaking really quietly as if he (none / 0) (#166)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:17:18 PM EST
    was waiting for Tiger to knock one in on the 18th.

    Parent
    My grade: B. (5.00 / 2) (#165)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:16:59 PM EST
    It wasn't too bad, especially for the President's first speech to Congress. Still, I wanted more specifics. Too much flowery language and not enough big ideas. Give me good policy, not just clever politics!

    I agree....B (5.00 / 0) (#170)
    by DFLer on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:22:43 PM EST
    I think the rah rah, non-specifics was okay. I think he was rallying the 'merican people as a force against the sit-down sour-puss Republicans, and I think it will work for awhile, and help him and Dems.

    Parent
    Uh oh. (none / 0) (#167)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:18:56 PM EST
    I'd better not say this outside this blog. My email inbox is already filling with MyBO messages gushing about this being the "BEST. SPEECH. EVER!!!!" Come on. President Obama did OK, but we really needed to hear more policy and less politics.

    Parent
    Two huge issues (5.00 / 4) (#169)
    by jen on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:20:39 PM EST
    where he scares me: commitment to charter schools and "fixing" SS.

    I don't think he went to public schools, and I'm not sure his kids did either. Highly unlikely he'll work to strengthen K-12 public schools. Most unfortunate.

    Obama attended a private prep school (5.00 / 3) (#172)
    by caseyOR on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:23:32 PM EST
    in Hawaii. His girls attended the University of Chicago Lab School (private). They are now students at Sidwell Friends, also private.

    Parent
    My son went to a private school, but I don't think (5.00 / 2) (#180)
    by DeborahNC on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 11:58:15 PM EST
    that's the solution to the inadequacies of our educational system.

    In fact, my son went to a Friends school; the Obama girls are going to Sidwell Friends School. (Sidwell is très expensive.) Hopefully, Obama doesn't think charter schools or private schools are good alternatives to the public school system that needs strengthening.

    Obama must be listening to the Republicans, with his references to fixing SS and charter schools. I hope he won't go down that road.

    Parent

    This speech is phoned in (4.50 / 6) (#130)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:58:46 PM EST
    and I am not impressed.

    C+

    I think it was our expectations. (5.00 / 3) (#139)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:01:57 PM EST
    Like BTD, I hear Bill Clinton without the specifics. It's a huge improvement over W though.

    Parent
    I think that the speech was intended to be (none / 0) (#179)
    by DeborahNC on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 11:23:10 PM EST
    reassuring to the public, and convince people that he has things under control.

    I don't think it was supposed to speak to the highly informed or to be specific on policy issues. I would have been pleased to hear it too, but I think that will come later.

    I've heard time and again from the press, so-called pundits, and the broadcast media that, "Obama needs to say something encouraging. People need to hear that." (paraphrased) I think that was what he was trying to do.

    Parent

    Beats (none / 0) (#135)
    by SOS on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:00:03 PM EST
    I wanna' put food on ur da da da da uh ur' family.

    Parent
    Hillary & Kirsten... (none / 0) (#13)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:08:32 PM EST
    I wonder what Madame Secretary thinks of the new NY Senator filling her old pantsuit.

    Looks like Pat Leahy showed up late (none / 0) (#27)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:15:50 PM EST


    OK, the President is speaking... (none / 0) (#28)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:16:28 PM EST
    So shhhhhhhhhh! Quiet down, everyone... Even you, Madame Speaker? ;-)

    Recession talk already starting... (none / 0) (#31)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:18:21 PM EST
    Might as well cut to the chase.

    Closeup of Chris Dodd (none / 0) (#42)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:21:26 PM EST
    for some reason

    "I don't"... (none / 0) (#50)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:23:41 PM EST
    Believe in bigger government? Just don't go there. We need government investment, and more of it.

    "Nobody messes with Joe!" (none / 0) (#63)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:25:57 PM EST
    Hehe.

    "Nobody messes with Joe" (none / 0) (#64)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:26:05 PM EST
    That's the stupid line, but it's gonna get replayed.

    New lending fund?? (none / 0) (#69)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:28:49 PM EST
    How about HOLC?

    Ooops... (none / 0) (#71)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:29:36 PM EST
    That was meant for the housing part. But really, why not just do HOLC?

    Parent
    Some Republicans like the Lending Fund (none / 0) (#70)
    by byteb on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:29:13 PM EST


    Come on, Mr. President... (none / 0) (#72)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:30:32 PM EST
    Just nationalize the bad banks and end their (and our) misery.

    Burris. . . (none / 0) (#77)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:33:40 PM EST


    New jobs? (none / 0) (#81)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:35:39 PM EST
    Tell me about those new jobs, Mr. President.

    OK, here's the budget... (none / 0) (#83)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:36:52 PM EST
    Sacrifice? What must we sacrifice?

    IN the midst of civil war (none / 0) (#84)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:37:18 PM EST
    we printed lots of greenbacks. Time to do that again.

    Preventive care... (none / 0) (#104)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:45:09 PM EST
    Good start. Modernize technology also good. So what other "reform" can we have?

    Not many details on health care (none / 0) (#106)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:46:22 PM EST
    True (5.00 / 3) (#117)
    by robrecht on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:52:34 PM EST
    Yet is is also shrewd to place the need for HC reform in the context of its drain on the economy.

    Parent
    Not many details on much of anything (5.00 / 4) (#124)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:55:18 PM EST
    It's a very general speech.

    Frustrating for me, I'm ready for details.

    Parent

    Gibbs et al let it be known (5.00 / 4) (#140)
    by gyrfalcon on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:02:05 PM EST
    ahead of time he wasn't going to do specifics.  I believe the quote was something about "Americans don't want to hear the specifics."  Another jaw-dropping moment for me.

    Parent
    Well, I've always said (5.00 / 4) (#143)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:03:23 PM EST
    that Obama's speeches don't do anything for me. Tonight is no different.

    Parent
    By now, (5.00 / 4) (#153)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:06:39 PM EST
    I'm dying for specifics.

    Parent
    Am I included in the progress? (none / 0) (#108)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:47:10 PM EST
    Will I be able to afford the rest of my college?

    Geaux Tigers! Did I spell that right? (none / 0) (#109)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:48:09 PM EST
    Sorry, BTD, you know Billy D is my second favorite coach, but my Vols need lots of help. They stink actually.

    Turn of the TeeVee (none / 0) (#115)
    by SOS on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:52:06 PM EST
    and put away the video games and read?

    Oh boy that's not going to go over to good.

    I missed the rest of the speech because (5.00 / 1) (#161)
    by DFLer on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:11:00 PM EST
    I turned off my teevee ;)


    Parent
    Bring the deficit down... (none / 0) (#118)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:53:06 PM EST
    Sounds good. Just don't do it until we're out of recession.

    Not sure what he just said re: social security (none / 0) (#127)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:56:52 PM EST


    I thought he mentioned (5.00 / 1) (#144)
    by ding7777 on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:03:36 PM EST
    "savings accounts" - while Wall Street is burning, SS "savings accounts" is going to be a hard sell

    Parent
    re SS (none / 0) (#157)
    by DFLer on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:08:55 PM EST
    from the prereleased text of the speech
    He was to say:
    To preserve our long-term fiscal health, we must also address the growing costs in Medicare and Social Security. Comprehensive health care reform is the best way to strengthen Medicare for years to come. And we must also begin a conversation on how to do the same for Social Security, while creating tax-free universal savings accounts for all Americans.

    don't know what that means re SS. Sounds more like an IRA....not an investment fund.

    Parent

    Sounds to me like the savings (5.00 / 1) (#173)
    by sallywally on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:35:15 PM EST
    are in addition to SS. At least that's what the sentence itself says: "while creating," not "by creating."

    Parent
    He is going to "fix" Social Security, (5.00 / 4) (#147)
    by caseyOR on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:04:27 PM EST
    even though it is not broken. Everyone will have a tax-free private savings account.

    Why won't he just STFU about SS? The only fixing it needs is an increase in benefits. It is the most financially sound program in the country.

    Obama needs to be pushed off this fix SS track. The SS haters will run with this. I am afraid they will outmanuever our side on this, and do it using Obama's talking points.

    Parent

    I don't think that will happen. There is too much (5.00 / 1) (#178)
    by DeborahNC on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 11:16:02 PM EST
    public support for SS. Americans across the spectrum created quite a clamor when that was proposed under Bush. I don't understand why he insists on revisiting this issue. It's a no win scenario for average Americans and for his administration!

    Parent
    I'm not sure I want to remember. (none / 0) (#134)
    by Teresa on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 08:59:59 PM EST
    tax-free private accounts?? Don't we already have that?

    Parent
    Tax-free savings accounts. (5.00 / 1) (#146)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:04:14 PM EST
    I guess it's good to encourage people to save. But if it's anything like Bush's plan to start privatizing SS, it's DOA.

    Parent
    I was hoping I imagined (5.00 / 1) (#149)
    by Dr Molly on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:04:38 PM EST
    the words 'private accounts'. WTF is he thinking?

    Parent
    401ks (5.00 / 1) (#171)
    by trillian on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:23:21 PM EST
    Those accounts that just tanked in the meltdown.'

    Great.

    Parent

    WHILE creating, not BY creating..... (5.00 / 0) (#174)
    by sallywally on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:41:17 PM EST
    the sentence says the savings accounts are in addition to, or beside SS:

    "I will make the bed while you make breakfast."

    "We will talk while he is speaking."

    Not:

    "I will make the bed by making breakfast."

    "We will talk by having him speak.."

    If it meant to change SS into private accounts, it would have said:

    "by creating tax-free...."

    Parent

    He also said those making making (none / 0) (#175)
    by ding7777 on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:53:55 PM EST
    less than $250,000 will not be taxed 1 single dime but I betcha the tax increase on tobacco to fund SHIPP will fall primarly on those making less than $250,000

    Parent
    Tobacco Tax (none / 0) (#181)
    by CoralGables on Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 12:53:59 AM EST
    should be far more based on what the health care costs are that come from smoking. If the poor smoke more and taxpayers are responsible for the costs of their illnesses due to smoking, maybe the cigarette tax should be closer to an exorbitant level.

    Parent
    Where do you think (none / 0) (#176)
    by cenobite on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 10:01:12 PM EST
    The money will come from to give every american a private account? You guessed it: FICA carveout.


    Parent
    401ks (none / 0) (#188)
    by CST on Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 08:25:05 AM EST
    aren't really "savings accounts".

    At least not in my mind.  They don't save, they invest.

    A savings account to me is what you get from the bank where they give you interest - without putting your money at risk.

    I really don't know if this is a good/bad thing or not.  I guess as long as it is supplemental to SS and not a replacement I am okay with it...  But what is the point???  Unless it is to keep people's money out of a 401k and into a more "safe" savings account...

    This entire passage is a bit confusing.

    Parent

    No protectionism... (none / 0) (#141)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:02:53 PM EST
    Uh oh... I already hear the screams from David Sirota & Thom Hartmann... ;-)

    Greensboro, KS tornado (none / 0) (#150)
    by Inspector Gadget on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:05:55 PM EST
    isn't that the one where his campaign speech said 10,000 lives were lost?

    OK, speech over... (none / 0) (#160)
    by atdleft on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:10:57 PM EST
    Would y'all mind watching the post-speech spin? I can't take any more Tweety & KeithO in the same room talking. I'm flipping over to Food Network. :-D

    Gergen is gushing (5.00 / 2) (#163)
    by andgarden on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 09:12:23 PM EST
    bluh.

    Parent
    Well, I learn FL lost the (none / 0) (#182)
    by oculus on Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 01:04:46 AM EST
    basketball game.  But--such an interesting concept--a duet between a basketball game and our new basketball-loving President.

    I enjoyed (none / 0) (#183)
    by weltec2 on Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 01:46:09 AM EST
    listening to Obama's speech... but seriously, couldn't someone have had the decency to put a bag over Nancy Pelosi's head?

    Huh? (none / 0) (#184)
    by oculus on Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 01:50:55 AM EST
    What in the world does this mean? (none / 0) (#185)
    by Dr Molly on Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 05:33:34 AM EST
    It means that (none / 0) (#187)
    by weltec2 on Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 06:52:51 AM EST
    every time I see Nancy I am reminded of her complicity in Bush administration war crimes. I am reminded that prosecution of Bush/Cheney war crimes is off the table. It reminds me of Rove laughing at the impotent Dems who can do nothing to him because people like Nancy and Obama are protecting them.

    I like Obama. He's trying hard and doing the best that he can. But Nancy and her ilk make me sick.

    Parent

    Only Nancy Pelosi? (none / 0) (#190)
    by Spamlet on Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 02:31:03 PM EST
    Really? Out of all the Dems, just Nancy?

    Parent
    The camera (none / 0) (#191)
    by weltec2 on Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 03:33:54 PM EST
    was on Nancy right behind Obama the whole time.

    Parent
    OK (none / 0) (#192)
    by Spamlet on Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 05:23:15 PM EST
    I see your point. And Nancy Pelosi, nonstop.

    Parent