(Picture from the NY Times)
Obama nailed it tonight with his speech. As CBS New Senior Political Correspondent Jeff Greenfield said after the broadcast, it was like a Fireside Chat. Obama used the platform to address the American people, not just the people in the room. Obama pretty much said that this was his intent:
I have come here tonight not only to address the distinguished men and women in this great chamber, but to speak frankly and directly to the men and women who sent us here.
He spoke rather informally at times, warming up with the people who were listening. He was forceful, explaining that we created the problems, and that the current crisis didn’t just start with the housing crisis. I loved the fact that he was encouraging people to take responsibility. Obama reminded us of the greatness of the nation, and assured us that he was going to bring us back to prosperity through new industries and projects, particularly green industries and infrastructure projects to fix the road system and to expand broadband internet connectivity. I think it’s a good plan. I think more has to be done to strengthen communities as well, but I guess we’ll worry about the details later.
Following Obama was the also much anticipated Bobby Jindal, who gave the Repub response. It fell flat. I felt bad for Bobby because it didn’t seem like he believed half the stuff he was telling us. He was talking about limited government and cutting spending, and his only solution was to put more money in our pockets through tax cuts.
Bobby J, no offense, but how is that going to help? I’m so afraid for my industry that if you gave me more money, do you honestly think I would spend it by going out and treating myself to something expensive? If you gave more money to equally nervous CEOs, do you honestly think they would spend it to expand operations? People are cutting back. The system is broken. We need a government by the people and for the poeple to fix it. Government needs to lead right now, not simply bribe taxpayers with more money. Bobby, this is the reason so many of us have kicked your party out of the House and Senate.
Anyway, Obama didn’t break any new ground with his speech, but it was highly reassuring to hear his vision of how America will get back on its feet. We all need to try to have faith.
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