The following exchange is from Dialogue Group 7, Thread 52.

1. State of the Union
Wed, Jan 20, 1999 - 10:27 AM/EST
operabuff

I am willing to bet that everyone in this group either listened to, or read, the State of the Union Address. Care to comment? Any thoughts on what the president said, how his audience reacted, or on the republican response by congress members Dunn and Largent? Comments on how this speech fits in with the impeachment trial, what the speech tells us about the Clinton presidency, etc., are sure to be interesting.

2. good thread
Wed, Jan 20, 1999 - 2:50 PM/EST
openminded

Any theories the opposing party and numerous attackers have made insisting that Clinton is no longer able to function effectively as our leader were strongly put to rest during the State of the Union Address last night.He reminded me of why I voted for him the first time, and reassured me that my vote to re-elect him for a second term has not and will not go unrewarded.He has given me no reason to believe that he has'nt or does'nt intend to work towards the issues that are most important to me,social security,our children,our parents,our health,security...our future.

Impeachment
76% approval rating.Give it up.It's over.I cannot imagine the senate throwing this President with against 76% of the American people.It would be political suicide.As determined as they have been, I just don't see that happening now.Even if they ignore the polls(the people)as they have so often done,they still do not have grounds to remove him from office.The country has grown weary of their partisan and unsupported agruments and it is time to move on,once and for all.

Republican response
Like a broken record.I don't put much stock into anything they say anymore,and probably won't for a long time. The actions of the hypocritical hard core right-winged conservatives have obviously been guided by extreme partisan motivations,going all the way back to the beginning of the Clinton Administration.Their party sadly has and will continue to suffer the consequences.

3. Enraptured
Wed, Jan 20, 1999 - 3:22 PM/EST
Kevin

I didn't vote for Bill Clinton in either election, for my own reasons. But I have followed his actions and statements for the last nine months very carefully. He has and continues to hold his own as a visionary, a compromiser and a powerful speaker. My own biggest gripe against him is that he gave up too easily on several key issues, like health care and gay rights, in the face of vocal opposition. I guess that's an example of fighting the fights he can win, as opposed to fighting the fights worth fighting (to paraphrase "American President"). His words were so powerful and vision so focused, I might be convinced to vote for him in two years, were it possible, despite everything.

I also came away with the impression that this is a historic administration in a way that has nothing to do with the impeachment. It was heartwarming to see the cabinet that he assembled, as diverse as any scene at the Chicago train depot downtown. Both genders, many cultures, various economic backgrounds, physical diversity ... More than any other President, Clinton sought out and found qualified leaders and just seeded the next century with role models for all walks of life.

He seemed nervous at the beginning, but he was rolling by the end. I hung on every word, which is not usual for long-winded speeches. The biggest disappointment for me in his proposals was his vague references to providing school choice (read the other post on Education Reform for my views there). Otherwise, he outlined a fine agenda for the coming year. Dennis Hastert is my representative (at least for the next month before I move), and I have been encouraged by his direction thus far. I usually disagree with his politics, but the combination of new leadership in the House and a directed and empowered President give me reason to hope for an active session of Congress this year.

Almost as appalling as the outright rudeness displayed by many of the hardline Republicans in attendance -- not to mention the jerks who didn't have the decency to even show up, local boys Crane and Hyde among them -- was the annoying television producers. I would much rather have watched Clinton's face all night with occassional wide crowd shots than be forced to glare back at the pouting faces of the Republican leadership. Nor did I think it appropriate that they flashed to the stereotyped representative leaders when Clinton talked about each issue. Instead of allowing us to witness and respond to the speech on our own, I felt like I was being battered about between trite associations and political statements of disapproval.

It's seems hard to comment much on Largent's speech (I loved him as an NFL receiver) other than to point out that the man was pleased he didn't know what G-O-P stood for until after taking office.

6. What could have been
Thu, Jan 21, 1999 - 1:30 PM/EST
Jazzy34

The speech demonstrated Clinton's uncanny ability to compartmentalize.

I don't know of many people who could, under the pressure of political enemies, continue to function.

My greatest sadness concerns "what might have been". Last year was virtually wasted.

Clnton seems to be a man who performs best when threatened. Does he set up his own problems so he can
deal with them valiantly? Is he bored unless he is under attack?

7. Jazzy 34
Thu, Jan 21, 1999 - 7:31 PM/EST
AGZ

Clinton is excellent in what he does, I think the best we have ever had. It is sad that he is not mature enough to behave like an adult, that is his downfall. But please do not give him all the credit, the speech he gave was written with many assistants. The topics were chosen because his writters knew they were hot items.

As I wrote in the above thread the surplus is fake, social security is in bad shape because OF the gov. Clinton, Bush, Reagan, and others have lied to the american people regarding these matters.

8. Who Remembers ?
Thu, Jan 21, 1999 - 11:19 PM/EST
Gullivar

I'm with you AGZ. For awhile there I was beginning to think that no one remembered the debt. The President didn't in his State of the Union Speech. Just think what we could do for Education or other equally important issues with just the interest Gullivar

11. Back to Reality
Fri, Jan 22, 1999 - 3:47 PM/EST
Claudia

First, as I watched the speech I was reminded that we still have a government to run and was pleased to see Clinton fulfilling his responsibility to continue to address the issues which should be occupying the government's time. It was like a timeout from all the nasty party wrangling. The impeachment issue faded from my mind as I watched this, as any other, State of the Union Address.

Overall he did an excellent job. I'm always distressed by more money for the military and agree that social security is a major issue. AGZ, I just don't know enough about the budget to address the surplus and the debt. If the figures are that easy to fudge why haven't previous administrations done the same? Why didn't the Republican response address this?

Regarding the response, it was lightweight and usual. Perhaps they could have gotten better people to do this. I got the feeling they wanted us to believe these speakers were just "one of us", nothing flashy, hardworking citizens. I'd rather hear some passionate, heartfelt oratory. (especially after Clinton's words and delivery)

The Republican side of the house sat on their hands, as usual. Those who did not attend did a disservice to their constituents. It was a childish maneuver.

Finally, this exposure to those issues which should be occupying our government's time makes me even more angry at the stupid, futile drawing out of the impeachment.

15. smoke and mirrors
Sat, Jan 23, 1999 - 5:28 PM/EST
operabuff

I would agree, in part, with those of you who have said that the projected budget surplus involves some sleight of hand. But, I would also point out that the budget has been brought under more control under this administration than it has been in decades. No matter how much sleight of hand or smoke and mirrors he might have used, there is no way Reagan could have created even the illusion of a surplus. Kudos to Clinton for doing as much as he has.

The speech was, of course, show. That is the nature of State of the Union addresses. But, it was an excellent show, delivered with polish and a spirit of optimism and hope. It showed a president who still has vision and force, despite the threat to his presidency. It showed a president who can take suggestions from both sides of the aisle and adapt them to his own vision for the United States. And, Kevin, I agree with you that he has caved on certain issues, particularly on gay rights, but perhaps you are right that he is choosing his battles. I was, quite frankly, impressed by Clinton's performance, and, like Jazzy 34, I'm saddened at the thought of what might have been. What might this charismatic and visionary man have been able to achieve had he not been hounded from day one by those who wanted him out of office, had he not been prevented from carrying out many of his ideas by an opposition congress, or had he had the resolve and the strength of character to fight even the difficult battles. But, the game of "what might have been" is unproductive. There are still 2 more years of this administration, there is still time to accomplish some of those noble and inspiring goals, if we can get this impeachment mess over with.