The impact of this recession is real, and it is everywhere. But while our economy may be weakened and our confidence shaken; though we are living through difficult and uncertain times, tonight I want every American to know this:
We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before…
The fact is, our economy did not fall into decline overnight. Nor did all of our problems begin when the housing market collapsed or the stock market sank… In other words, we have lived through an era where too often, short-term gains were prized over long-term prosperity; where we failed to look beyond the next payment, the next quarter, or the next election…
Well that day of reckoning has arrived, and the time to take charge of our future is here.
(Obama’s address to Joint Session of Congress)
It was a comprehensive and brilliant speech in every relevant respect, which made his critics seem like delusional and begrudging naysayers. I just hope Obama knows there’s no pleasing these folks.
But, for some perspective on this address, I refer you to yesterday’s post in which I presaged much of what Obama said, including this definite passage:
Frankly, I think Obama has struck the right balance between informing the American people about the serious nature of this crisis and explaining the initiatives he’s undertaking to deal with it. And this is what I expect him to do in his inaugural address before a joint session of Congress tonight. More to the point, despite what his critics say, he has been assuring the nation that he’s certain recovery will come … eventually. And I’m sure he’ll provide more reassurance in this respect tonight as well.
[Obama, the candidate of HOPE, accused of being the president of DOOM, TIJ, February 24, 2008]
NOTE: Am I the only one who finds it irritating that Obama can never leave a room gracefully? Why does he have to shake so many hands – as if he’s working the line at a campaign rally?! This was the U.S. Congress for Christ’s sake! In fact, he was still in the chamber, reaching 10 deep to shake hands with other politicians, after every other dignitary, like his VP and even Hillary, had already left.
Frankly, someone should inform him that, to preserve the aura of, and what little mystique is left in, the presidency, he should always be the last to enter and the first to leave a room.
ENDNOTE: First Lady Michelle Obama is obviously proud of her toned arms; and rightly so. But I do not think this was the occasion to show them off by wearing sleeveless attire more suitable for a cocktail party….
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