So what did you think of Bush's State of the Union address?

Question

Let me first say that I am a Bush hater. Let me also say that I'm posting this after having watched only the speech - I haven't seen or read any of the spin.

I was intrigued by his comments about heath care and social security. I think this proposed tax deduction for health insurance is interesting. I want to know more, but it's an interesting proposal.

I also agree with him about a temp. worker program and the idea that border patrol needs to be looking for drug dealers not people wanting to work.

His environmental ideas are interesting and ambitions.

I strongly disagree with his idea to send 20K more troops to Iraq, but at the same time I appreciate that he took the time to actually outline his plan. It's probably his most frank discussion on the war.

I give him a big thumbs up for calling for a reduction in budget ear marks.

Bush is definitely getting better at public speaking. The speech had some interesting ideas. Will the follow through be there.

A few more thoughts.

I did think his comments about supporting the troops and the other sentimental aspects of the speech were a bit heavy handed, but that's probably the cynic in me.

Normally I have an immediate and involuntary negative reaction to anything Bush as to say. While this speech isn't going to alter my opinion of him or his administration, I did appreciate that he outlined some commonsense and ambitious goals on some major issues (health care, immigration, the environment, etc). And I really want to emphasize how much I appreciate him explaining his plan for Iraq and why he feels it's right. That doesn't mean I agree.

Answer 1

I agree. Well laid out, but I still don't like the additional troop idea.

Someone on CNN noted afterwards that when the President talked about the guest-worker program, more Democrats stood up and clapped than Republicans. There was even one Republican who remained seated and shook his head while the President outlined his idea.

I don't like people sneaking in here illegally, but stopping the inflow of drugs is immediately more important than illegal immigrants. In due time, both will be addressed and (hopefully) fixed.

I still would like to know more about some of his suggestions on domestic issues. Yes, he outlined them, but I'd like to hear more about his health care plan, and exactly how detailed the reduction of earmarks will be.

Like I've always said, time will tell whether or not he's ready, after 6 years, to fix things, or if it's just (still) all talk.

Answer 2

More convinced that that man is still in the state of denial! It's amusing that he introduces all those 'heroes' during this address. Makes one wonder if Bush really is aware of so many desperate and starving American people outside his make-believe world - people working on two-three jobs and who are missing out on their own meals just to make sure their children are clothed and fed. Boy, when will Bush descend from his pretentious and glorified world of NASCAR, Major League Baseball and selective glorified heroes and wake up to face reality. Does he realize that there are an estimated 301,026,983 people living in N. America with 1 birth at every second?

Oh, his health Plan. Does he acoount for those with no earnings - like the elderly - who can't even eat a decent meal, less have the money to pay for health insurance premiums? Bush seems to live in his own little secluded and fantasized world of glorified and selective heroes!

Answer 3

VERY inciteful analysis! I couldn't watch it because I was busting A S S on the flightline fixing broke jets for our fine president. Some positive and negative points though. Thanks.

Answer 4

WE will see in time.

Answer 5

I was in class, so I missed it. Very refreshing to have a sane opinion on it. Thanks.