Conservatives Disappointed with Bush 'State of the Union' Speech

The National Ledger ^ | 2-2-06 | Robert Novak

[Coastal]

WASHINGTON -- While jumping up on cue to cheer during the speech and delivering rave reviews afterward in the Capitol's Statuary Hall, conservative members of Congress were deeply disappointed by George W. Bush Tuesday night. It was not merely that the president abandoned past domestic goals. He appeared to be moving toward bigger government.

The consensus on the Right was that President Bush's fifth State of the Union Address was his worst. Republican congressmen agreed privately that he was most effective at the beginning with his familiar message of why U.S. forces cannot abandon Iraq. The problem for these lawmakers was the rest of the 51-minute presentation, which was filled with unpleasant surprises.

[woofie]

Bush has shown good leadership in the WOT, cutting taxes, court nominees and right to life issues. On domestic federal spending, limited government and immigration reform, Bush has been a failure.

How did Reagan do on those issues?

[Howlin]

Coming from the Queen Bush sycophant on FR

You may think that is the ultimate putdown, but I'm proud to support a man who has freed millions of people and kept this country safe and put two of the finest justices on the USSC that have ever been there and brought decency and honesty back to the White House.

For you to call him a failure just shows your pettiness.

And we all know it's been well established here that you don't speak for all conservatives, just the malcontented wing.

[Petronski]

Dayum!

[Sir Gawain]

Did I say ANYTHING at all about spending?

No, you and your pals always seem to conveniently ignore that topic for some reason. That might shatter your "Bush is perfect" fantasy.

[California Patriot]

"relaxed and on his game."

How nice. But this isn't a baseball diamond.

Or, to quote Richard Nixon: That's not Charlie the Tuna out there. It's Jaws.

[Coastal]

Just an FYI: He is on Fox

[onyx]

Which president granted amnesty?

President Bush made clear last night AMNESTY is not a part of his policy.

[nopardons]

No matter what you think, you don't speak for all Conservatives. And no, those who disagree with you, aren't moderates; or worse.

[Coastal]

I agree, hopefully one more.

[nopardons]

Always is! LOL

[Southack]

"I wasn't disappointed. I give the speech a "fair" because it's the same old shit. In my opinion, President Bush gave a more compelling talk at his discussion on the war on terror, given at Kansas State University. I'm supportive of his foreign policy, Alito, and assorted other initiatives. I detest his domesntic big government programs, was livid at Miers, and am similarly livid at his pick of Julie Myers for head of ICE and associated foot dragging on enforcement of existing immigration law. But he's 100 times better than Kerry or Gore. Criticism delivered as a matter of civic duty."

I think that's fair criticism, and certainly the only intelligent, specific criticism worthy of note both on this thread and in Novak's blue-state (he lives, where, Chicago?!) article.

For the *speech* itself, I'd say that the President's call for fiscal restraint (and the baby step $39 Billion cut delivered to him today by Congress) was a step in the right direction, worthy of applause.

Certainly the President's message to Iranian dissidents was good, as was making tax cuts permanent, as was his commentary against myopic isolationism.

Of course, the child-like idealists will criticize our President from the Left and from the far Right...but the above points in that speech are spot on...true conservative points...as well as points that he campaigned on.

What a refreshing change from politicians such as former President Clinton who campaigned on a middle class tax cut only to instead institute the largest tax increase in our entire history.

President Bush is a stark contrast to the Democrats who came before him (e.g. frmPres Carter/Clinton). Unlike his Democratic Party predecessors, President Bush is delivering his 2000 and 2004 campaign promises. He's governing true to form. He's neither more nor less conservative in office than how he campaigned.

[onyx]

Me and my pals? LOL!

I don't avoid any issue, but in case you need a refresher course in American Gov't 101, CONGRESS holds the purse strings and POTUS asked for the line item veto last night!

[Cboldt]

This has the makings of a good flame thread.

LOL --- ya think?

Yesterday's thread topped with Phyllis Schlafley's article was better.
I predict this thread won't hold a candle to that thread.

I'm still looking for that massive "timed" influx of anti-Bush posts though ;-)

[Howlin]

unintentionally setting off self-congratulatory celebration by Democrats on the floor

I have my doubts about whether that was unintentional or not.

BTW, Novak does work for Fox now!

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I wondered where the Donner Party quote came from/...

[onyx]

LOL -- that thread was a hoot.

[EternalVigilance]

Those who defend this administration no matter what have been busy in the last few days.

Good to see you fighting the good fight, as usual.

[JeffersonRepublic.com]

Poor Robert Novak, he can't be cured. Once infected with CNN...

[Howlin]

and certainly the only intelligent, specific criticism worthy of note both on this thread

Hey now! :-)

[onyx]

He can barely speak for himself. ALWAYS negative.