The State of the Union

Random (and superficial) observations on President Bush’s speech:

It was odd having the text of the speech in front of me as the President delivered it. Thank you, Drudge.

Was this the President’s State of the Union address or was this yet another event to honor the historic Madame – Nancy Pelosi? The cheers for her were decidedly louder than those that greeted the President.

For every one time Dick Cheney blinked, Pelosi batted her eyes at least twenty times. Was something in her eyes, dust or something irritating? Was it a BOTOX tick? And what was with all the licking of her lips? Get the woman some Carmex.

Charlie Rangel looked like a Cheshire cat.

Hillary Clinton was seated directly behind Barack Obama – a perfect camera shot. Hillary looked ticked off.

I’m not sure if Ted Kennedy was reading the speech or if he was dozing. He looked bloated and hung over.

I would say the Dems were boisterous. Pelosi kept popping out of her chair.

The Dems DO NOT want medical liability reform.

If I have trouble falling asleep tonight, I’m going to watch the tape of the speech and count how many times Pelosi blinked.

I saw John McCain wink at least three times. One wonders how many more times he did it when the camera didn’t catch it.

Pelosi was definitely quicker out of her chair for standing ovations than Cheney.

Was Pelosi chewing gum or was her Polident giving out?

Although they stood and applauded, I would say that Bush’s proposal to reduce oil consumption was met with a tepid response.

The Dems intend to block Bush’s judicial nominations.

Pelosi hesitated to stand when Bush said "that to win the war on terror we must take the fight to the enemy." Cheney beat her.

One of the most chilling passages of Bush’s speech:

Our success in this war is often measured by the things that did not happen. We cannot know the full extent of the attacks that we and our allies have prevented – but here is some of what we do know: We stopped an al Qaeda plot to fly a hijacked airplane into the tallest building on the West Coast. We broke up a Southeast Asian terrorist cell grooming operatives for attacks inside the United States. We uncovered an al Qaeda cell developing anthrax to be used in attacks against America. And just last August, British authorities uncovered a plot to blow up passenger planes bound for America over the Atlantic Ocean. For each life saved, we owe a debt of gratitude to the brave public servants who devote their lives to finding the terrorists and stopping them.

Barack Obama was propping his head up with his middle finger. (Same to you, Obama.)

If Jack Warner didn’t tilt his head, I would have thought he was a propped up corpse.

A great and telling passage:

Every one of us wishes that this war were over and won. Yet it would not be like us to leave our promises unkept, our friends abandoned, and our own security at risk. Ladies and gentlemen: On this day, at this hour, it is still within our power to shape the outcome of this battle. So let us find our resolve, and turn events toward victory.

Republicans stood and applauded for success in Iraq. Dems DID NOT.

In other words, the Dems have lost their resolve for victory, if they ever had it in the first place.

There was no applause from Pelosi when Bush spoke of increased troop levels in Iraq.

I liked this:

My fellow citizens, our military commanders and I have carefully weighed the options. We discussed every possible approach. In the end, I chose this course of action because it provides the best chance of success. Many in this chamber understand that America must not fail in Iraq – because you understand that the consequences of failure would be grievous and far reaching.

"Many" understand, NOT all. That would be the Dems.

Thank God I didn’t see Joe Biden’s hair plugs on high definition TV.


The Dems had to applaud this because ended the point with a "support the troops line."

This is where matters stand tonight, in the here and now. I have spoken with many of you in person. I respect you and the arguments you have made. We went into this largely united – in our assumptions, and in our convictions. And whatever you voted for, you did not vote for failure. Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq – and I ask you to give it a chance to work. And I ask you to support our troops in the field – and those on their way.

Bush has done more to combat AIDS and malaria and poverty in Africa than Bill Clinton ever did.

NBA player Dikembe Mutombo sat next to the first lady. When he stood after being introduced by the President, he positively dwarfed Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Cheney. He's HUGE!

This was touching:

Three weeks ago, Wesley Autrey was waiting at a Harlem subway station with his two little girls, when he saw a man fall into the path of a train. With seconds to act, Wesley jumped onto the tracks ... pulled the man into a space between the rails ... and held him as the train passed right above their heads. He insists he’s not a hero. Wesley says: “We got guys and girls overseas dying for us to have our freedoms. We got to show each other some love.” There is something wonderful about a country that produces a brave and humble man like Wesley Autrey.

This must have made the troop-bashing John Kerry feel like an ass:

Tommy Rieman was a teenager pumping gas in Independence, Kentucky, when he enlisted in the United States Army. In December 2003, he was on a reconnaissance mission in Iraq when his team came under heavy enemy fire. From his Humvee, Sergeant Rieman returned fire – and used his body as a shield to protect his gunner. He was shot in the chest and arm, and received shrapnel wounds to his legs – yet he refused medical attention, and stayed in the fight. He helped to repel a second attack, firing grenades at the enemy’s position. For his exceptional courage, Sergeant Rieman was awarded the Silver Star. And like so many other Americans who have volunteered to defend us, he has earned the respect and gratitude of our whole country.

I liked the way President Bush ended the speech:

[T]he State of our Union is strong ... our cause in the world is right ... and tonight that cause goes on.

As the speech progressed, Bush gained strength. At the beginning, he seemed a bit tired and worn; but he was energized as he went along.

It wasn’t Bush at his most eloquent, but in a way, it was Bush at his most defiant.

Whatever the polls or politicians say, he’s the president.