“President Obama’s State of the Union address was like many of his other speeches – it was clearly well delivered and certainly he has a gift. But I was a little disappointed because the problem the President has is not a communications problem – he really has a credibility problem. He’s made a bunch of promises over this last year, including one tonight that I liked about more tax relief. But we’ve all heard these promises before, and he simply hasn’t delivered” — Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX)
“While we must concentrate on our economy, we cannot neglect the importance of defending Americans against terrorism and tonight, the president took a bold stance on how to better protect the American people. Having inherited two wars and a growing terrorist threat, he renewed his promise to end the war in Iraq and has refocused his strategy on Afghanistan” — Rep. Charles Gonzalez (D-TX)
“President Obama claims to be committed to ending the Washington political games and ‘politics as usual’ — yet he continues to direct blame for his disastrous and unpopular policies onto President Bush, which is the epitome of politics as usual in Washington. The blame game needs to end” — Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX)
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) did not attend the address.
Text Of President Obama’s State Of The Union
Text Of Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s GOP Address
Only one president will stand before the joint session of Congress in the House chamber tonight, and his teleprompters will all carry the same text. But in a real sense the orator in chief will be giving two speeches rather than one.
That’s because elements of his audience, both in the chamber and beyond, are listening to hear two different and even contradictory messages. Each element is waiting with some anxiety and even anger, and neither will be easily mollified if the president disappoints. — Ron Elving (Watching Washington)
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Excerpts: President Obama’s State Of The Union
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