TW: POTUS speeches are the most over-hyped events in American political life. This one was even more so. I cannot bear to watch the pre-, during and post- analysis of the things. If Obama helped the case for health care great (am always skeptical about insta-polls, they should go up if not then a POTUS has a real problem). POTUS speeches are almost always "taste great, less filling". Don't get me wrong Obama is the best at them but these things are fleeting.
Naturally the big story of the post-games is the "lie" outburst. If progressives think this will hurt the Republicans, they are wrong. In fact it will help them. What would the Republicans prefer? Pundits and headlines dissecting the substance of the Obama speech and likely applauding his style? Or pundits dissecting an obscure Republican's outburst. Then dissecting who Joe Wilson is and why he is soooo angry? Then dissecting why he made the outburst (a false immigration meme).
The Republicans would prefer the latter, of course (grave apologetic protestations to the contrary). And in the mean time another false meme will gain a foothold making folks wonder just a little bit more if their precious tax dollars are going to fund Juanita's pregnancy.
By tomorrow few will remember anything from the speech but for the "lie" outburst.
ps feel free to share your thoughts in comments
2 comments:
I listened to the speech as I was heading into the city. Thought there were some excellent points made and "bones thrown" for both sides. My issues are as follows:
1)Obama insisted this(healthcare)speech was not about 'politics as usual', yet he chose to televise his address (I can't remember the last POTUS who asked for and got national t.v. coverage on a speech to congress for a domestic issue)
2) Waaaaay toooo long: he would have been much better off hitting his points and leaving all the 'taste great, less filling' out. To me it just sounded like another political speech after a while.
3) back to "politics"...you can't have it both ways. Obama insisted this wasn't a political speech, and then took numerous shots at the former admin (mainly about the deficit and Iraq) It sounded no different then a campaign stump speech.
BL: I agree that terrific points were made, hell, even I felt better about this trainwreck, but then he kept on talking.
I wonder if we took the cameras and mikes away from ALL of the D.C. people, we wouldn't actually get a bill hammered out.
Leslie
Clinton did the same back in '93 on health care, cannot remember others although I think LBJ did as well with healthcare and/or civil rights act too I think. I did quick search but no handy list popped up.
Every politician says "lets end politics as usual" but it is always tricky sense...they are politicians.
But hey if YOU actually felt better about it then we will call that a W for BHO.
Post a Comment