Don't Go Into The Light

A home run? No. But good nonetheless.

The State of the Union Address was, for me, a refreshing change from past Bush speeches. Not necessarily the content - thanks to the President's increased (and much needed) communication with "the folks" over the last few months, most of last night's address was not new. But the delivery was great.

The passion which carries even his worst deliveries was still there - and much of the annoying non-verbals (nervous smiles, head-bobbing, etc.) was missing. Pauses between sentences were shorter, although still too many - dramatic pause is best used sparingly. And his eye contact was superb - he looked directly into the camera often, and directly at the Democrat side of the room when emphasis was necessary as to who he was referring to.

The left actually helped his address by showing their stripes continuously throughout the 51 minute presentation. My favorite part was when he chided Democrats for obstructing Social Security reform, and the Democrats stood up and cheered. What a fitting display to the American public of what they really stand for. Like a four-year-old embroiled in a battle with siblings, the Democrats engage in contrarianism, opposing and obstructing anything the administration does regardless of the merits. Even when they agree, Democrats will publically oppose for the sole reason of scoring political points.

Time and time again, sane, mainstream statements were followed by applause from the right, and silence from the left. Sen. Reid appeared bored, Sen Kerry studied his shoes, and Hillary - some unusual expressions from Sen. Clinton. And did anyone else but me think the cameras of Fox News visited her way too often?

It was also gratifying to see Justice Alito enter the hall. After all the cash thrown to Dems by NARAL, NOW, and all of the other groups singularly focused on abortion as more important than any other challenge this nation faces, Alito's swearing-in earlier in the day allowed the President to formally introduce him to the American people during the SOTU - further highlighting how the Democrats have place partisan hackery above duty.

Speaking of partisan hackery, Rep. Lynn Woolsey's decision to invite Cindy Sheehan was the winner for the evening. The only possible reason to extend the invitation was in hopes that Cindy would disrupt the address, and Woolsey's act deserves significant scorn from left and right alike. Shame that it won't happen.

Cindy, by the way, plans on filing a 1st amendment lawsuit. I'm sure she'll claim that she was ejected because she disagrees with the administration. Beverly Young will stand as a testament to the false nature of her claim.

As for the content of the speech - thumbs up to his defense of the NSA wiretaps (provoking one of many sour displays from the left), as well as the energy portion. Thumbs down to border control (not nearly strong enough).