President Bush’s Speech on Iraq Sovereignty Anniversary
Well, I missed it. The fiance had an after work work function and didn’t get home until late, and we ate dinner when she got here. Of course, I also thought the speech would be at 9.
From the Blogospheric reaction, it appears the president did well.
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Michael Demmons: “I Still Think He’s a Jerk Sometimes, But… I also think President Bush’s poll numbers will be up significantly in the morning. He did a good job tonight. ”
Donald Sensing warmed up to the speech as it went along, but still gives it “no better than a ‘B’ and maybe B-minus.”
Cori Dauber thought it “rhetorically very, very strong” but “argumentatively, not nearly as strong.” She also notes that giving the speech in front of the troops might have backfired, as the audience will take their professionalism as lack of enthusiasm.
Steve Bainbridge missed the speech but loves the transcript.
Bill Ardolino has some quibbles but says it was, “[C]ertainly one of Bush’s best speeches – clear and relatively substantial.”
Dean Esmay believes “this speech should help brace anyone who’s been wavering on whether what we are doing can succeed, or our commitment.”
John Hinderacker dubs it “Clear, confident, substantive. There was nothing in it that we and our readers didn’t already know, but the message is one that many rarely hear.”
Demosophist live blogged at Rusty’s place. He seemed to approve.
Kevin Drum was less than impressed, having heard it all before: “That was sure a….ho hum speech.”
Ed Morrissey live blogged and concluded, “I think Bush did a very good job, with just a few missed opportunities. ”
Jim Henley offers a nuanced take on the speech, both finding nothing new and two things which, if true, are new indeed.
What’s interesting is how many of the sites on my blogroll who’ve updated in the last two hours have no reaction to the speech at all.
If I’ve missed anyone, feel free to add your link using the trackback feature below.
Update: Political Teen Ian Schwartz has the video.
Great, Assmissile liked the speech.
It really pained me to watch Pelosi. I can’t recall that I’ve ever seen another human being have so much trouble making both eyes blink at the same time.
the bushcrime family has always been “more interested`in winning elections than in securing the country” SO? where is the change after tonight
I wonder when all the supportes of the war will actually join up & voulenteer for combat instead of just posting about how swell Bush and the war are. I am not holding my breath.
Speech metrics:
References to “September 11?: 5
References to “weapons of mass destruction”: 0
References to “freedom”: 21
References to “exit strategy”: 0
References to “Saddam Hussein”: 2
References to “Osama Bin Laden”: 2
References to “a mistake”: 1 (setting a timetable for withdrawal)
References to “mission”: 11
References to “mission accomplished”: 0
I wonder where all those human shields went. Why won’t these terrorist supporters go to Iraq and fight the Iraqis and the coalition forces.
Or are they content to sit behind their monitors and whine?
Here come the Kool-Aid chugging, glue-sniffing, tin-foil hat Believers. What are you doing here, the mother ship is calling YOU!
I see that “Bush Lied” joker who just got banned at another site is here looking for a new home.
You have to head off these infestations before they get established, James.
I find it odd that people thought it was good. I mean, it was fine, there was just nothing new under the sun. Same talking points we see every day in op-eds and on Sunday talk shows.
Pushing “democracy” down Iraq’s throat is not Democratic!
WE are the insurgents! Bring our guys home.
You gotta love this one: Our troops are the bad guys! But I support I our troops!
(head shaking)
I am whole-heartedly in ALS’ camp.
This is why we pull out before accomplishing the mission. This is REALLY why the world dislikes us- we get involved, only to leave them hanging, literally.
Out troops should be home, bitch slapping people like that.
How do We know he is a liar
Because he moves his lips
Support the beast in Iraq
they are doing great
so far 200 000 iraq dead no water no electricity all hospital were destryed to prevent the body counts and the injured ones
86 journalist killed 13 known by US troops other suspect the US troops too
Support the criminal in Iraq
Bysh speech was great I hope Bush remain in power for life you deserve him
in fact you voted for the iddiot twice