[Cboldt]

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.

[California Patriot]

"Criticism ... a matter of civic duty."

Exactly.

[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.