[Rudey]

They considered this one of the most emotional and moving state of the union speeches ever. David Brooks considers Bush's public speaking to be beyond awful as do most of us but he points out that it is his ability to draw emotion through a crowd that makes him connect.

I think the best part was the emotional part in which the soldier's parents and the Iraqi woman hugged.

It was interesting that Democrats jeered when Social Security was brought up, since that's mainly not an American thing but done in places like Britain. It was in response to Bush saying Social Security will be "exhausted and bankrupt". Supposedly the number floating around is 75% of the payout can still be made so you can say bankrupt, but exhausted?? No.

Social Security was left completely general. I think that was the right way to go for the President. Republicans and Democrats are scared to touch this issue so it's really bizarre that the President wants to.

Afterwards, there was decent commentary by Reid on Social Security. The problem with Reid is that the Democrats and the Republicans don't give him any respect and see him as weak. The evil woman, who will not be mentioned by name, had nothing valid to say but I think I am still sexually attracted to her after Hillary Clinton.

As for what is said and what will be done, they say that Bush's key strength is focusing on a few things on his plate and doing them as opposed to changing everything. I don't know how Bush can accomplish anything on Social Security though if both parties don't unite on this.

When the speech had ended he was talking to a Congressional Black Caucus member and they said that he had brought up several issues after a talk with them regarding gangs, AIDS, and DNA testing as well as defense rights in death verdicts.

-Rudey