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Everything we\u2019re hearing is that this will be a \u201ccentrist\u201d speech. And given the policies we\u2019ve heard, that\u2019s no surprise. The call to repeal DADT must be the bone to the base.<\/p>\nEverything we\u2019re hearing is that this will be a \u201ccentrist\u201d speech. And given the policies we\u2019ve heard, that\u2019s no surprise. The call to repeal DADT must be the bone to the base.<\/p>\n
\u2026OK, the President has entered the building. I have the text of the speech and am looking over it now as he spends several minutes with the handshakes, et al.<\/p>\n
\u2026He\u2019s going to lead with the jobs bill and offer a real defense of the stimulus. Again, he\u2019s in a box because it\u2019s so hard to prove a negative.<\/p>\n
\u2026Obama on health care will say: \u201cDo not walk away from reform.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2026Setting the scene with the long struggle of America, how we\u2019ve had to persevere and fight. \u201cThese were the times that tested the courage of our convictions, and the strength of our union.\u201d Actually coming back to some of the themes of the 2004 DNC keynote.<\/p>\n
\u2026\u201dThe worst of the storm has passed, but the devastation remains.\u201d This is an \u201cI feel your pain\u201d moment. And it\u2019s something Congress does need to hear.<\/p>\n
\u2026This is starting with a very solemn tone. Talking about the letters written by children with stories of economic devastation. \u201cChange has not come fast enough\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2026This is the Obama of the campaign, the post-partisan Obama, the \u201covercome the numbing weight of our politics\u201d guy.<\/p>\n
\u2026I actually don\u2019t mind this, the \u201cstory of America\u201d stuff, offering a sense of optimism for America. I\u2019m more of a \u201ctell me what you do\u201d guy, but this is necessary stuff to show that the President understands the plight.<\/p>\n
\u2026This is actually reminiscent of the Carter \u201cA Crisis of Confidence\u201d speech, especially the line: \u201cit\u2019s time the American people get a government that matches their
\ndecency; that embodies their strength.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2026Now starts into policy with the economy.<\/p>\n
\u2026 \u201cWe all hated the bank bailout. I hated it. You hated it. It was about as popular as a root canal.\u201d Then says he can\u2019t just do what\u2019s popular, but what\u2019s necessary. This started OK, but the defense is a bit off.<\/p>\n
\u2026At least he said that the previous Administration started it, and most of the money has been recovered, and that he\u2019s seeking to get the rest of the money with a fee on the biggest banks\u2026 Lieberman actually clapped at that one.<\/p>\n
\u2026The first solid policy line: \u201cIf these firms can afford to hand out big bonuses again, they can afford a modest fee to pay back the taxpayers who rescued them in their time of need.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
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