I agree with MSNBC commentary right now on how Obama's speech plays to most outside that hall

[UMTerp01]

It was a great and optimistic speech but yes I agree that I wish someone would acknowledge that while great strides have been made that there are a lot of people hurting out there, who do have concerns about the growing global Isis threat, that aren't making ends meet, that are struggling with college debt. Obama kind of alluded to it briefly in terms of more work to be done, but with a right track/wrong track being where it is, it does lend to the belief that there is a bubble that too many DC insiders live in. I'm not criticizing Obama at all. That was an out of the ballpark speech and necessary for the sitting and outgoing President to say yes we are already great and there's still stuff left to do. But there should be more acknowledgment that there is a sentiment out there that for whatever reason exists. The blue collar worker needs to hear that. The acknowledgment that while yes we did come off the ledge that there is still much more work to be done and that because of these issues, we need a steady hand, a President with the temperment to handle those decisions.

I don't know. I get what Chris Matthews and *gulp* what Michael Steele were saying.

[vadermike]

1. I do too

But I think if he had focused more on that they might've said he was being to glum I don't know it's a tough one ... I just hope it's enough if not hello trump and may God help us But I am optimistic tonite that we will do this

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

2. Were we listening to the same speech? Because he absolutely DID acknowledge that we couldn't

achieve everything we set out to do. He did acknowledge that people are still hurting. He did acknowledge that things aren't perfect.

[UMTerp01]

3. He alluded to it more than really SPOKE to it!!

But actually that is for Hillary to do as this election cycle continues and I believe she will.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

4. I disagree, but understand that he sees HRC picking up where he left off. I think they both will

speak on the pain of ordinary Americans on the road. This had to be an optimistic speech because he was trying to make the case, first, for himself and his legacy; and second, for HRC.

When they visit these small towns and urban areas and see the pain of the homeless and unemployed, I have no doubt that they will acknowledge how things really are and what we can do to make it better.

[brer cat]

5. I agree, LS

They both know the pain and suffering and will address what needs to be done. I hope they are able to effectively drive home the message that the unfinished business of President Obama is largely due to republican obstruction.

[thesquanderer]

9. I agree, this speech had to be about optimism and not about the ways his administration fell short.

It will be up to Hillary to talk about picking up the gauntlet and going further.

Though I disagree that that will change on the road, or that it matters. First, unlike Hillary, Obama has a job to do, and can't be on the road that much; second, the number of people who will hear either of them on the road will be a tiny tiny fraction of those who heard him last night. But regardless, I think the same "rule" would apply. Obama can allude to things that can be improved, but he still has to project that his administration was primarily a success, not a disappointment. While both can cover a bit of each, it is sensible that his focus is on what the Dems have done under his stewardship, hers is on what the Dems can yet do.

[NBachers]

6. Don't think I'll rec this one.

[Tatiana]

7. It's Hillary's job to acknowledge those who are hurting during the current times.

And it should be Hillary that sets forth her vision for solving the problems that still plague our society.

[Democat]

8. You sound very concerned about the Democrat Party!

Very concerned.