"Americans are a free people, who know that freedom is the right of every person and the future of every nation. The liberty we prize is not America's gift to the world, it is God s gift to humanity."
Some speeches are merely adequate to the task -- a memorable line here or there, maybe, but, beyond that, not much. Other speeches standout as above average caliber, those that rise to the occasion and beyond, marked by defining lines and phrases of exceptional quality and brilliance which won't easily be forgotten.But the words and performance from the well of the House Chamber tonight went beyond merely adequate or sufficient -- beyond merely *above par*, or superior, even.
Transcending expectations even of the President's staunchest supporters, what we saw and heard tonight was a vaulting tour-de-force of unparalleled splendor, unriveled clarity and authority, a sweeping political magnum opus of watershed dimensions, a torrent of passion and conviction, certitude and hope only a confident leader with vision and clearness could deliver convincingly.
This was more than a speech, more than a lively pageantry of elegant words, which, however kindling and inspiring at the moment, the spur fades swiftly, leaving no deep or lasting mark, no thrust over the grander human narrative, the course of history itself.
By contrast, this State of the Union Address, Bush's second, will be remembered not merely for choice phrases, polished words or classy lines, but as a momentous, rousing call to history, a crucial and decisive fork-in-the-road for the nation.
As a leader, Bush is exemplary, a man of unshaken faith, steely instincts, unflinching resolve and purpose, yet shrewdly circumspect and judicious, careful to weigh repercussions from policy well ahead of the pack, a knack which drives Democrat foes -- bewildered, baffled, befuddled -- up the wall in frustration. The number of times political rivals have mis-underestimated el hombre de Tejas could, quite literally, fill whole libraries.
Indeed, leading-up to tonight's address, the mis-underestimators, true to form, were at it again describing the President as 'adrift', 'flagging', 'lethargic', 'on defense', 'under pressure', needing urgently to 'reassure' a skeptical public increasingly 'doubtful' of his leadership. The flurry of dour assessments seemed stubbornly immune to facts -- pre-SOTU polls showed overwhelming majorities giving Bush extraordinary high marks on leadership, management, decisiveness, vision and ability to make tough decisions. But implacable Bush-haters -- Washington Post "reporter" Dana Milbank springs to mind -- will not be deterred by mere facts.
So acute was the media desperation over the President's seemingly bullet-proof popularity that celebration greeted a recent Gallup survey pegging job approval at 58% in January, a 'devastation' 'collapse', a 'catastrophic' 'tumble' from December's 61%. The much-heralded 'collapse, never mind, fell well within the poll's margin of sampling error. Oh, facts are such stubborn things!
Another Bush trademark that sticks in liberal craws: A frank, straightforward honesty, a candid, down-to-earth genuineness and reserve rare in politicians, endearing traits which, much to elite chargin, has won him the trust and confidence of Americans across party lines -- a mystic bond defying all precedence.
Bush, his beliefs and personal strengths deeply rooted in experience, his values and virtues the outgrowth of a life rich in vicissitudes -- twists and turns, tests and challenges -- brings to the Presidency a soundness of judgment and horse-sense, a level of wisdom and insight, far beyond Bush's years in politics.
George W. Bush is living testament to the fact that, in a leader, Character Counts most of all.
Bush enters the 2nd half of his term unequivocally in total command of the stage, the agenda and issues framed primarily on his terms, a crippled opposition mired in muddle, floundering after stinging defeat at the polls last November.
Across the full range of issues, Bush spoke with ringing clarity and eloquence, a crispness and energy as only he can deliver, building his case forcefully, girding the nation for possible war.
Projecting from the dais tonight, a portrait of strength, triumph, resilience, confidence, hope -- defining traits ingrained in each of us, the things which make us uniquely American.
Never has a President embodied the mettle and grit, courage and verve, sparkle and spirit, compassion and optimism of America and her people quite like George W. Bush.
Bottom line? What we heard tonight was history-making, galvanizing, visionary -- greatness befitting a great leader.
Great job, Mr. President.
Anyway, that's..
My two cents...
"JohnHuang2"
I love you, man.
Since we have not seen that line in some time and we WON'T be seeing it anymore I thought I'd post it just to point out that the left are the people of the lie and we better not foget that. Of course they have known all along Bush is very smart, of course they have known he is a good and decent man, of course they know that he does as he says and is a man you can trust. They see in him what they are not and cannot be because they don't have the spark in them. They are vessels of hate and godlessness. And their emptiness makes them jealous of Bush. A righteous man.
All free nations have a stake in preventing sudden and catastrophic attacks, and we're asking them to join us, and many are doing so. Yet the course of this nation does not depend on the decisions of others.
(APPLAUSE)
Whatever action is required, whenever action is necessary, I will defend the freedom and security of the American people.
John-this deserves its own thread. Never have you touched me more with your written observations. Thank you so much for this beautiful piece-methinks you put into words what so many of us felt during the unfolding of our President's remarks but would never be able to express in such a comprehensive critique.
Are we a Blessed nation, or what? :^)
Awesome, John. Thanks.