I really liked the Pelosi and Daschle replies to Bush

[question everything]

Not for the obvious reasons, but because of the tone. They both started on a positive note: the state of the union is strong.

One of the thing that has been bothering me is the candidates who awfulize everything. Yes, we know that many are hurting, but the leader who wins our hearts and minds is the one who offers hope, even during the darkest hours - I am thinking of Churchill right now, and of FDR and JFK.

45 percent of the voters are Democrat, and 45 percent are Republicans. We will have to go after the swing votes and many of these voters - by necessity - are now self employed, or are small business owners, or work for small businesses, without the "traditional" benefits of larger corporations. Most of those swing voters believe in self-reliance and pulling one by one's boot straps. Remember, the race in 1992 turned when Clinton emphasized responsibility and accountability.

Of course WE know, that the biggest opponents to role of government run for help when bad things happen to them. An example is the 1994 bankruptcy of Orange County, CA. But we know that we cannot win by harping about the problems and the suffering and about how the solutions are by the government. This has to be hidden and I think that Pelosi and Daschle did a great job.

This is why Edwards gained so much in Iowa - because of his optimism.

[kstewart33]

1. So did I

The delivery could have been punchier and harder-hitting, but they both made good points.

Good post.

[boxster]

2. It was classic constructive criticism.

Start with a positive, make the "real" point by nailing the negatives, then end with a positive.

Very smart.

[Toucano]

3. Me too!

It was better because it was calmer in tone to me. Bush seemed radically emphatic.

SOTU proves Bush is out of touch, just like poppy.

[youngred]

4. Words good

delivery was atrocious. It was painful to watch them talk.

[shanti]

5. you're in the minority then

i thought they were plastic.

[minkyboodle]

7. I have to agree

and I think they certainly didn't win any new dem converts.
Scott

[sandnsea]

10. Me too, awful really

Just awful. I was dying through the whole thing. I mean, a little righteous indignation is a good thing. And when you're talking about 3 million jobs lost or a woman who can't get cancer treatment, you ought to be just a little outraged. Not ranting mad, but a little terseness or something. The media has been pretty gentle on them so far.

[IndianaGreen]

6. The state of the union is in shambles!

Why did they concede to Bush right off the bat? This is appeasement of the worse kind!

Someone better remind these "leaders" that they represent an opposition party not a party in coalition with the government.

What became of Osama bin Forgotten?

[LoZoccolo]

8. I was in a chat room when it was on...

...and people were pretty much talking about how she looked while she was talking.

:puke:

I fear for this country.

Also, some stuff about how Democrats keep talking about Iraq and it's old stuff. WELL EXCUSE ME THIS IS THE FIRST STATE OF THE UNION RESPONSE WE'VE HAD SINCE, UH, LAST YEAR WHEN THEY WERE TELLING US ABOUT THE FAKE URANIUM CLAIM.

[CRYINGWOLFOWITZ]

9. there was something clintonesque about their response

very nice, optimistic, upbeat.

[cryofan]

11. You have GOT to be kidding me!

They looked and talked like freaking androids!

Never mind bending over for Bush....what about getting someone with some extemporaneous speaking skills? What about using the top 4 or 5 presidential candidates for the rebuttal?

[jonnyblitz]

12. looks like bland and emotionless is popular these days.

the state of the union is STRONG? what parallal universe do they live in? why get rid of Bush then if its so damn strong?!

god forbid if anybody shows passion ,they might be considered crazed and deranged. Bring on the milquetoast androids!! lets fake like everything is peachy keen and plaster a phoney politician smile on our face and live in denial. :puke:

[laruemtt]

13. when even imus says they're

milqtoast, that's pretty bad. i wonder if you cut them if they bleed blood? it's like having a defense attorney who sleeps through your trial!