President Trump's First Address to Congress **live commentary thread**

[Blue3]

I'm glad no Democrats booed Trump. Just chuckles with "draining the swamp" and gasps over "VOICE" (easily the worst way to introduce that possible).

 But overall, Trump gave a polite, disciplined, scripted speech. Even MSNBC is praising (most) of it. No bragging over polls or crowd sizes or hand size.

 Someone else complained about lack of details on healthcare... but that was actually the most detailed part of the speech, with his numbered list of principles. I'm glad he seems to be taking Bernie's/Hillary's side on prescription drug prices, and paid family leave.


 But... that speech was so vague and fluffy... and disorganized. It was so disorganized, kept jumping all over the place. If I'm bored this week I'll probably dissect the transcript, organizing and numbering his priorities. And the talk of the great rebellion of 2015 in the beginning was cringeworthy.

 The applause and close-up of the widow crying and praying was uncomfortably long. Lots of focus on the year 2026. And vague platitudes, like telling Congress to "believe in yourself" and "chase your dreams." Saying clean air, clean water, military buildup, and infrastructure were all the same issue was a little weird.


 I really liked the Democratic response. Perhaps could have gone without other people in the diner, but the speech did all it was supposed to. It gave a unifying message for Democrats that would also appeal to nonpolitical or Republican-leaning working class people. Focus on the real lives, the kitchen table issues, common sense with the world, and appealing to basic decency. If he was 10 years younger I think fewer pundits would be criticizing it.

 Btw, Ellison and Perez must have super-glued their hands together, they literally won't do a TV interview without the other. Good show of unity.

[Blue3]

I watched the speech, and I think President Trump did a very good job. All of the policy proposals he laid out I agree with, and they contain agenda items which I think will move this country forward. The behavior of the Democrats in that chamber was absolutely despicable, and they certainly did themselves no favors with the electorate, acting that way. The speech raised my confidence in what lies ahead, and it lowered my opinion of the Democrats.

wait what did they do that was so despicable?

Clearing out of the chamber so fast, the "wearing white" gesture, the stubbornness, and a number of other things. Also, I am well aware of what happened in 2009 to President Obama. For me, displays of partisanship by either side are unacceptable, but an unfortunate reflection of our polarization. The Democrats should have at least put on the appearance of some conciliation.

Also, by inviting illegal immigrants to the hall, they once again displayed their lack of interest in our nation's true border security.

Republicans in Congress have been on TV praising the civility of Democrats, saying it offers hope for some bipartisanship.

[Blue3]

via robert costa:

Some sources in WH are frankly surprised at how pundits are warming to the speech. Say Trump has not changed, no big shift in policy coming.

lol


Beshear's response was...so-so. It was a nice sentiment, but a white bread, boring former solid GOP state Governor was a strange choice. Could've been worse though.

     The choice suggested to me that the Democrats recognize that they need to make more of an effort to compete in Midwestern states where they are currently getting obliterated. Good news for them if so, but I think there were better strategic choices than Beshear.

Like who?