This is So Harsh

Peggy Noonan can turn a phrase. What she had to say about President Barack Obama's post-election press conference actually made me wince for him:

Viewers would have found it disappointing if there had been any viewers. The president is speaking, in effect, to an empty room. From my notes five minutes in: "This wet blanket, this occupier of the least interesting corner of the faculty lounge, this joy-free zone, this inert gas." By the end I was certain he will never produce a successful stimulus because he is a human depression.

Obama, the human depression. I will be reminded of that description every time I see a commercial for Cymbalta or Yaz or whatever the pharmaceutical industry comes up with next.

Reaganesque Obama's Address Was Not, But "It Was Worthy, Had Weight, And Was Adult"

Here is an excerpt of what Peggy Noonan -- the woman who knows how to write a speech -- had to say about President Obama's inaugural address:

It was a moderate speech both in tone and content, a serious and solid speech. The young Democrat often used language with which traditional Republicans would be thoroughly at home: The American story has never been one of "shortcuts or settling for less," the journey "has not been . . . for the fainthearted—for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasure of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things" who have created the best of our enduring history.
Obama named in stark terms America's essential foe: "For those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror . . . we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you." This had the authentic sound of a man who's been getting daily raw intelligence briefings and is not amused.

Noonan adds, however, that Obama's address "was not an especially moving or rousing speech." Nonetheless, "it was worthy, had weight, and was adult."

It just wasn't at the level of Reagan. Obama is simply not as good an orator (or speech writer for that matter), but perhaps he will be once he has attained the depth of life experience Reagan had when he assumed the presidency. Obama, though, certainly met or exceeded the standard set by those who have occupied the White House since the man who addressed the boys of Pointe du Hoc.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.