State of the Union 2010

[classicman]

Here is the full text version for those who didn't see it.

As I sat there watching him speak, I was almost immediately reminded why/how he got elected. This man is probably one of the best orators I've seen.

I found it interesting, compelling and revealing. His stance was decidedly different.

From: spend our way out of oblivion ...
To: a spending freeze.

From: Being a part of a larger global community and partners ...
To: "not accepting second place for the United States of America".

He also focused on "Don't ask, don't tell"
Its an issue, but not near the top of importance, IMO.

He said jobs must be the "number one focus in 2010" - Great - to me its a year late. They should have been a higher priority than healthcare, but better late than never.

[lookout123]

That was one hell of a State of the Campaign Address.

[Undertoad]

I give it a 9 out of 10.

The bloggers are atwitter this morning about Alito's mouthing "Not True" at Obama's contention over their Supreme Court ruling. My observation: it was so tiny, it would not be visible on a standard definition TV, unless the camera was directly focused on him. The shot they were taking was a shot of the entire Court.

Welcome to the High Def era: it's not just good for sports.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Focusing on jobs before this year would have been a complete failure. The economists all agreed on the way a recession/depression works, is jobs go fast and are the last thing to recover. They said from the gitgo, employment would not recover before the end of 2010. The only way to beat that, is for the government to hire zillions of people... or institute a draft.

[piercehawkeye45]

Just watched it and I will say I was impressed. He is a great speaker and he did bring up some core issues which I strongly agree with. This thread will need to brought back from life in 364 days to see how it really went...

[classicman]

@bruce - So instead we spent billions on what again? That was part of the plan. They were touting "jobs created" till that wasn't so great & now they're using "jobs created or saved." Seems a little contradictory.

@pierce - yes he did. Seems like I've heard a lot of those ideas before from the other side of the isle. Perhaps an excellent preemptive move.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

The only way to beat that, is for the government to hire zillions of people... or institute a draft.

. . .or have it happen in a census year when you're gonna get 1.2 million workers.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by classicman

He said jobs must be the "number one focus in 2010" - Great - to me its a year late.

Yea, he and Pelosi made that promise in Feb 2008. Maybe he forgot about that. Most of the public didn't forget he made that promise.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Can you cite when/where they made that promise?

[skysidhe]

Originally Posted by classicman

. . .or have it happen in a census year when you're gonna get 1.2 million workers.

Clever speculation. Makes one go humm.

[Spexxvet]

He certainly was even-handed. He criticized Wall Street, The banks, The Supreme Court, The Democrats, The Rebuicans, and The Senate, as I recall.

[classicman]

yeh pretty much blamed attacked and chastised everyone else for everything.

like wall street. Ya know those big bad bankers we all hate . . .
Then the VERY NEXT DAY he invites them to a teleconference.

or the Insurance companies whom he lambasted for their profits then had private meeting with to discuss reform.

or the unions who got that sweetheart no-pay deal in the senate version of the now on life support healthcare bill.
Go figure.

Seems like the only one he didn't blame was Reid who aptly fell asleep during the speech.

[tw]

What got the most rousing applause from all aisles? Obama criticized the banks and their obscene bonuses. Even Republicans were appalled at how conservative bankers act.

[tw]

Originally Posted by classicman

like wall street. Ya know those big bad bankers we all hate . . .
Then the VERY NEXT DAY he invites them to a teleconference.

What Limbaugh et al say we must never do. Great leaders talk to everyone - even the enemy. A concept well understood only by those to admit to, challenge, avert, and solve problems.

Originally Posted by classicman

like wall street. Ya know those big bad bankers we all hate . . .
Then the VERY NEXT DAY he invites them to a teleconference.

In fact, the conference call involved hundreds of representatives from dozens of organizations with an interest in domestic policy issues. I know this for a fact because my organization was invited and participated in the conference call..and we dont represent bankers.

I would guess there were reps from the American Bankers Association on the call, as well as reps from public interest groups, mayors and governors, faith-based organizations, unions, minority interest groups, economic development organizations, etc.

It is called outreach and dialogue with persons who represent numerous interests across the political spectrum.