Post-Game

So how did you love the speech? And for how long did Chris Matthews rave about it?

Comments

[Jack is Back!]

Watched on Fox and I thought Juan Williams was going to do a replication of Mathews but some how sucked it up and stayed professional, if not moved (naturally).

[BumperStickerist]

As long as the other leaders of the world's governments and/or terrorist movements don't mind a TelePrompTer in the room, we'll be just fine.

-

[Appalled]

Speech? It was OK, but not Lincoln's second inaugural address (or even his first one). Did Obama really say we were going to power our economy from the dirt (along with sun, moon, water, wind)?

Music before:

I like Appalachian Spring (though it seemed more like Chicago winter out there), but I wonder whether anyone ever considers to word to that melody:

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free, 'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the place just right, 'Twill be in the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gain'd, To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd, To turn, turn will be our delight, Till by turning, turning we come round right.

I would think the words and sentiments might reflect more W's position and state of mind than Obama's.

Quibbles. Let's see what Obama does...

[Thomas Collins]

I took the "dirt" comment as encouraging, Appalled. Perhaps NewPrez0 recognizes that oil and coal are crucial elements of meeting energy needs. What energy sources other than oil and coal could "dirt" refer to?

Most encouraging to me is that NewPrez0 acknowledged at the beginning of the speech that we are at war. Least encouraging was his reference to "warming planet."

[clarice]

Exactly.Let's.appalled. I'd hate to see us falling victim so soon to ODS

I don't like much of what he's said were his priorities nor do I care for many of his personnel choices, early friends and associates.

I don't like that he was elected without any real experience and no vetting.

But, let's wait and see.

In his own life he seems supremely deft at getting what he aims for and demonstrates a pragmatic cast of mind.

[kim]

Obama springs a herald
This Winter
Of our discontent.
=======================

[PDinDetroit]

Fox News has a live coverage site from Detroit today.

There are poll questions there about the $150M spent and can Obama "get 'r done" in 4 years. If these were Obama's Current Approval Ratings, it would be between 12-17%.

Very telling indeed...

[verner]

Maybe not the greatest speech, but I must confess that I was moved by the entire ceremony. I don't know how anyone who loves this country, and has an appreciation for its history couldn't be.

And he was very gracious to GWB. Maybe because he now understands how heavy his burden was, and the price he paid to keep this country safe. Now it's BO's turn...

Well, he's my president now. I wish him the best for all our sakes.

I also thought Michelle looked beautiful, and the girls are adorable.

[fdcol63]

I bet Chris Matthews is still cleaning up whatever ran down his leg when Obama took the oath.

[Thomas Collins]

I will throw a good natured "ding" at John Roberts for not remembering where "faithfully" stands in the presidential oath. I thought, John, that you took the constitutional text seriously! :-))

[Danube of Thought]

I was quite underwhelmed by the speech, probably because of all the advance hoopla it got. I think it continues to be a challenge to recite a single sentence from any speech he has ever given, other than "Yes, we can!"

I hold out the hope that he is at bottom a genuine pragmatist, and that where defense and security are concerned he's going to cast his lot with the grownups.

[PDinDetroit]

I think that Obama should just take the knee in the end zone for a safety. Then, his team can PUNT this back to Bush since they will definitely not be ready to handle the challenges...

[hit and run]

Thomas Collins, I was reeeeally hoping you would be liveblogging Jane and what's his name's show today.

[MayBee]

I absolutely hope for the best for him, and I believe he has the ability and desire to do a great job.

It is his fawning followers I don't tolerate well. I want him to be treated as a politician as well as our President. He didn't win the Superbowl yet.

[matt]

"I, state your name"

"I, State Your Name"

gotta love the swearing in....

[MayBee]

Matt Cooper is taking over TPM's Washington blog.
That's Matt Cooper, unbiased media man and totally fair witness at the Plame trial.

[verner]

MayBee, that's my concern--the very WORST of the Clintonistas: Rahm, Holder, Hillary...not a very promising start. And I'm sorry, Blago is not the only dirty pol in Chi-land. Are we going to end up with an Obama version of "White Water," when all his dirty laundry from the old days in the Il. senate popping up?

But I'll give him a chance.

At least we know one thing about him. he seems to be a loving husband and father who adores his girls. THat's a big plus in my book.

Guess we'll see tomorrow.

[bad]

We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.

I assume the "soil" is a reference to biofuels. Hopefully, biofuels in the future will outperform the bio-diesal in Bloomington, Minnesota last week. Bio-diesal turns to sludge at 10 degrees and the school buses either wouldn't start or stopped on their routes leaving children stranded on cold buses and standing at bus stops.

BTW, bio-diesal is mandated by the state of Minnesota, the same place that gave us Jesse Ventura and Al Franken.

[Rick Ballard]

"But I'll give him a chance."

Me too. It is my sincere hope that President Obama will successfully change away from his communist and muslim upbringing and his sordid relationships with those who purchased his favors in Chicago and rise to the true level of mediocrity so amply demonstrated by his inaugural speech.

Give President B.O. a chance to demonstrate his ability!

[centralcal]

I don't think the speech had much impact on those present, from the camera close ups I saw.

I personally didn't like it much.

[centralcal]

"Bill, so good to see you!"

[bgates]

I think it continues to be a challenge to recite a single sentence from any speech he has ever given
What about, "I could no more begin a 21st year of generous financial support to a black supremacist who just insulted me, than I could attend the funeral of a woman who exposed the racism that destroyed her soul by being uncomfortable around aggressive panhandlers, her decades of sacrifice to provide for my black ass not withstanding."

I guess it's too early to judge him. He's only been in public office for ten years or so.

[Thomas Collins]

Sorry, hit and run. I couldn't escape from work this morning to go to Central Mass (the station doesn't reach the Boston area). I am hoping that Jane taped her inauguration show with Dick Vaughan today.

I'm hoping to make it out to Central Mass. again soon to live blog another Fun With Dick and Jane Show. I previously emailed Dick Vaughan a plea to expand his station's reach, but to no avail.

[Clyde]

That "poem" at the end sucked like and Electrolux.

[bgates]

I believe he has the ability and desire to do a great job.
He'll be the worst chief executive on the North American continent since Montezuma.

[bad]

I stand here today humbled...

The beginning of the speech for anyone who failed to notice the humility in Obama...he has reminded us, with great humility, of his humbleness.

[bad]

...rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.

More nautical terms and nature imagery, yet one commentator found the speech to be of poor literary value-- practically a guarentee that school children will be forced to labor over it as great literature.

[Enlightened]

Happy Tuesday All -

Good luck to the Democratic Regime, and I hope Josh Marshall can recover from this:

"Wow. It's like a physical sensation."

BTW - Cheney didn't break the law - again. Court finds in his favor over CREW re: his VP records. By a Clinton-appointed judge....

[bad]

Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Wasn't it Obama who told us we couldn't drive our SUVs and set our thermostats at our preferred temperature?

Now that he is president should he refer to him self as a nag and fear monger....

[bad]

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

This may be his most informed statement as he committed every one of these stranglers repeatedly on the campaign trail.

Naturally, he'd love to see this stuff end now that he is POTUS.

Dissent is no longer patriotic.

[bgates]

Now that he is president should he refer to him self as a nag and fear monger....
Bad - bad idea.

Gabby Johnson: The President is [clang]
Harriett Van Johnson: What did he say?
Dr. Sam Johnson: He said the President is a nag, and fear monger....

[Enlightened]

Hmmm, well I guess its good to know that GWB had no real challenges to face during his tenure....maybe that explains the power of BDS.

[bad]

Wasn't my idea bgates...it's in the speech.

[Pofarmer]

So, is it still Patriotic to dissent and debate and disagree?

[Rick Ballard]

"as a nag and fear monger...."

I thought that was Caroline?

Tomorrow should be a fun day in the Senate. What sort of believable assurances might Secretary of State designate Clinton be able to give regarding her coming payoffs to the foreigners who have been so generous to her husband? Meanwhile, in committee rather than on the floor, what sort of story will Geithner tell prior to being affirmed? I don't think the complexity/ignorance gambit will fly. I suppose he could go with stupidity rather than cupidity - that might not be a such a hard sell.

It should make a fine first day for the B.O. administration. Nothing that a good deodorant plus lots of media room freshener won't hide.

[Barbara]

So many thoughts on this Inauguration Day, but three stand out in my mind.

1. I expected more from Obama's speech. I really did. In my view, it was a jumbled mix of conflicting statements, and mediocre at best.

2. Obama is not up to the job that awaits him. I'm not sure if he ever will be.

3. My heart broke as I watched President Bush and his family leave the capitol. I will miss him and his leadership.

[Danube of Thought]

Had to scratch my head in wonderment at his suggestion that Bush had avoided making the hard decisions. Say what?

[MayBee]

So, is it still Patriotic to dissent and debate and disagree?

With Obama? no
With America? Yes. America needs changing.

[Pofarmer]

We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.

Well, after the price of energy goes through the roof, their won't be that many factories left to run,and you probably won't be able to afford a car anyway sooooooo........

Or not.

I can do basic math.

Ain't

Gonna

Happen.

Well, unless he really is the Messiah.

[bad]

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Where are the Iraq and Aphganistan references? Hopefully this ommision was short sightedness and not an intentional dis by the new CinC.

Not good either way.

[Pofarmer]

Had to scratch my head in wonderment at his suggestion that Bush had avoided making the hard decisions. Say what?

That would be the decision to beat our swords into plowshares while the enemy knocks on the door.

[Enlightened]

"we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances"

Drat-No more ChimpyMcHitlerBambiBiden? No
shoe throwing extravanganzas? How will I ever survive.

[polynikes]

I posted this elsewhere but when he said "Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. ..." he was techincally wrong. Only 43 different men have taken the oath. Grover Cleveland did it twice. They should have found another way to make this point as though it sounds nitpicky, historical accuracy should be respected in a historic speech.

[Pofarmer]

and not an intentional dis by the new CinC.

You have GOT to be kidding me. You're smarter than that.

The first order of this administration will be totally tearing down the last, which Bush avoided when there was AMPLE opportunity. I'm afraid we'll probably get to see how low the left can go.

[Captain Hate]

Had to scratch my head in wonderment at his suggestion that Bush had avoided making the hard decisions.

Yeah right; like the "hard decision" was to look at the bombings of the WTC as a criminal matter and say that's all there was to it. We are so screwed under this partisan unserious clown.

[Porchlight]

he has reminded us, with great humility, of his humbleness.

As the old saying goes, he has a lot to be humble about.

[Pofarmer]

We are so screwed under this Seriously Partisan clown.

[centralcal]

We haven't even gotten to tonight's Balls, and already this has been a pretty tacky, low class day.

[bgates]

Only 43 different men have taken the oath.
But when Obama took it, America took it with him. For the first time, and historically. We are all one, and obviously Obama is one, so those plus the forty two relics of what I'm going to start calling "Old America" makes 44.

[MayBee]

Senator Byrd suffered a seizure at Obama's luncheon.

Hmm.

[bad]

reform bad habits,

I guess he won't be smoking anymore..

and do our business in the light of day

I'm gonna let that one go....regardless of the temptation.

[narciso]

"...rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms". Did Bill Ayers fax him this speech too, before he left for Ontario.

I'm underwhelmed even more than I though it could be. It was trite, wordy, uninspiring,
and the Lowery invocation was insulting and condescending, Elizabeth Alexander, was even
more nonsensical, if that was possible. If they can't put any real effort into this,
what hope is there with real problems.

[bgates]

We haven't even gotten to tonight's Balls
I thought the whole ceremony was sucking on them.

[ROA]

I just watched the Inaugural Benediction on Hot Air. Any hope I had that Obama understood what it meant to be president disappeared. It was truly disgusting.

LUN

[Pofarmer]

historical accuracy should be respected in a historic speech

Bush's speech on the Wreckage of the Twin Towers was an Historic speech.

This thing? Not so much.

[hit and run]

No, Pofarmer, now Assent is the Highest Form of Patriotism

BTW, it's a good day to be the number 1 result in this Google search...http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=active&rlz=1T4SUNA_enUS244US276&q=obama+speech+summary>obama speech summary

(Disclaimer: google ranking is as of this posting, results may change over time)

The funny thing?

That post was about his Major Speech on Race, not his inaugural speech today.

HaHa, sorry to disappoint the inbound Googlers…

But thanks, Google!

[jimmyk]

Hopefully this ommision was short sightedness and not an intentional dis by the new CinC.

No way was it unintentional. So much for "We support the troops!"

[Pofarmer]

Previous/Next blows in an indescribably bad manner.

[bad]

Po, I am trying to be bi-partisan in the new era of humble humility...

[MayBee]

It might have been Kennedy who seized.

[Pofarmer]

If they can't put any real effort into this,
what hope is there with real problems.

That WAS their real effort Narcisco. Obviously, you aren't getting the nuance............or something.

[polynikes]

Sorry bgates I'm not good at the new math thingy.

[Pofarmer]

Po, I am trying to be bi-partisan in the new era of humble humility...

Ahhhh, screw a bunch a that.

[MayBee]

What power gives Pelosi the right to give away Lincoln's flags?

[Pofarmer]

The markets are not giving a glowing endorsement of the speech. The Dow is down 1000 in 10 days.

[Sue]

Pofarmer,

It is not only patriotic IT IS MY RIGHT! (Screeched Hillary-like!)

[Pofarmer]

What power gives Pelosi the right to give away Lincoln's flags?

I'd say that's just the beginning.

[Captain Hate]

So much for "We support the troops!"

This is so arrogant on so many levels. Not only does he not recognize their recent accomplishments but he obviously thinks they're too dumb to notice the insult. I predict re-up rates go in the toilet.

I'm ready for the 2012 campaign already.

[Jane]

Hit,

Hopefully the podcast will be up later today.

I stopped at the gas station on the way back to the office and the gas station guy asked if I heard the speech.

Then I stopped to get a sandwich and the commented that it was so dead in there because everyone was watching the inaugural.

Lots of expectation going around.

[Enlightened]

Blegh, blegh, blegh, vomitorium here I come...

"For the nation’s capital, Hollywood’s love returns" - Pulitzer Prize winner Dana Milbank (not)

[narciso]

Snorfle, hey I'm trying to be optimistic, Po, failing miserably but trying. They dissapoint even my lowest standards. Heck
I expected more from Lowery, considering the import of the moment (I remember the 2005 comments, too)Vscuous in the extreme,
We're in "deep doo doo" as Poppy would say, and they don't have a clue, but they're not even trying to pretend that they do.

[Try Hang Gliding]

Jan 20th?

I would like to wish my daughter a happy 13th birthday and to thank W for keeping her (and her brother) safe over these past few years.

John

[bad]

And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Hubris beyond belief and as disrespectful as his oft seen middle finger.

Humility indeed...

[bgates]

I saw TM put up his favorite line from the speech: "To foreign foes - we will extend our hand if you will unclench your fist."

I didn't listen, but I imagine that was part of a longer segment:
"To foreign foes - we will extend our hand if you will unclench your fist. To domestic foes - I will extend my finger while I bump my wife's fist. To supporters foreign and domestic - extend your hand while we pry your money from the domestic foes' fists."

[rayhummel]

thanks bgates. Brilliant. Only thing that has brought a smile to my face all day.

[bad]

VP Biden just referred to the gathering as the most talented people in the world. HUGE MISTAKE!!!!

[Pofarmer]

I predict re-up rates go in the toilet.

Well, that makes two of us. My wifes, cousins, daughter is thinking of enlisting. A bunch of us are trying to talk her out of it, gently mind you. Is that unpatriotic?

[Enlightened]

Oh hey guys - we're doing it wrong - we MUST ENJOY The One's Ascent To Power...How dare we....

"Rightbloggers Not Really Enjoying the Inauguration:

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2009/01/rightbloggers_n_2.php

[Thomas Collins]

I am going to give Zero the benefit of the doubt on his not mentioning troops in current war zones in his list. I believe he was talking about sacrifices made by those in the past. In addition, I believe he later made mention of our current military men and women.

[bad]

...earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. ..they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint...Guided by these principles once more...

Unbelievable

[Captain Hate]

A bunch of us are trying to talk her out of it, gently mind you. Is that unpatriotic?

Not at all; she'll have a CinC who can't be trusted. Until he earns that trust she should stay away.

[Rick Ballard]

C'mon, folks. We haven't had this big a target since Lord & Lady Lard Ass limped in from Little Rock. Think '94 and look forward with some enthusiasm. This crew makes the Clinton's look smart.

We need a 'first to resign in disgrace' pool for high members of the B.O. Administration. I wish the confirmation process was complete so that we could properly handicap the starters.

[Thomas Collins]

By the way, have any JOMers more "IT proficient" than I am found a way to have all comments on a TM post shown on one web page? A few days ago, I remember Rick Ballard making a comment about "Typhus-Pad." Rick, it looks as if the disease has mutated, so that clicking "Preview" no longer brings up all comments on a TM post.

[Pofarmer]

Well Rick, it's hard to handicap this thing when so many are having trouble getting into the gate!!!

I see that Martinez has endorsed Holder.

[matt]

Take it back in 2010! the new motto..now all we need are some good candidates....

[bad]

...duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

Like choosing between a vote of "yes" or "no"

[matt]

I am reminded of the movie Zoolander...

Derek Zoolander's School for Very Good Looking Politicians Who Are Ethically Challenged....

[bad]

With hope and virtue..

I think he lost Hollywood and a number of his cabinet appointees there.

[PaulL]

I heard only a few minutes of the speech but even that little bit dragged. His studied speech patterns do not wear well and more and more people are going to get sick of it.

I hate to compare O to the great and accomplished Rod Serling, but I used to love hearing Serling deliver his lines. But they were only a few lines at a time on The Twilight Zone or Night Gallery. When I heard him narrate an hour long special once, that much exposure got tiresome. I bet his friends and wife and kids got sick of him always using the Rod Serling voice and delivery.

[Enlightened]

Jeesh - what happened at the luncheon? Kennedy had a seizure and had to be rushed to the hospital, and Byrd got so upset he also had to be removed?

I hope they are ok (truly, but I think Kennedy might be in a bad way)

[narciso]

Probably, Rick, this crew makes Bill Clinton look accomplished by comparison, we see our soon to be erstwhile Senator is totally useless, endorse the guy who sent back Elian, are you!@#$#^&% nuts, but give a thumbs down to Sarah, good bye and good riddance, say hello from the Subprime trials
while you're at it.

[Enlightened]

"begin again the work of remaking America."

Huh. I wonder how the crack dealers in Oakland are going to work on that.

[Rick Ballard]

Narciso,

Bill Clinton was accomplished by comparison. In fact, there is no comparison. Clinton was a better speaker and much more personable (for an oily snake). In two years he did so much damage to the Dems that it took them 12 years to recover. I think that B.O. is quite capable of beating that record.

We have decent leadership in both the House and Senate. I don't expect to see excessive frothing at the mouth ala Gingrich any time soon and it would be counterproductive at any rate. Grassley's move on the tax cheat and Cornryn's slipping a stick in the spokes for Clinton are both very good moves.

There's going to be a noticeable stench from day one of the B.O. Administration. Boehner, Cantor and Pence are waiting to take their turns at bat in the House. It's going to be fun to watch them.

[Old Dad]

What an odd speech, a strange mixture of mean spirited slaps at President Bush, liberal nonsense on stilts (which I expected), malaise, and noble sentiments.

I didn't like the malaise stunt when Carter tried it, and I like it even less coming from a neophyte.

Sure we've his rocky patch, but damnit, America is still the shining city on the hill.

God I miss the Gipper.

[Terrye]

Well, I have not threatened to leave the country nor have I felt the need to seek out professional help..so I guess I am handling the day as well as can be expected.

I wish Obama well, but I just do not trust the man. We shall see.

[Pal2Pal (Sara)]

Ugh!

Is this what Barack meant?

[Pal2Pal (Sara)]

I was fine until the shot of President & Mrs. Bush waving goodbye as they boarded the plane to return to Texas. Then I lost it.

[Neo]

... turning out weeklies that are smaller, more serious, more opinionated and, though they are loath to admit it, more liberal.

[Pofarmer]

"begin again the work of remaking America."

Huh. I wonder how the crack dealers in Oakland are going to work on that. '

I'd say they've already started.

[Pal2Pal (Sara)]

Tom is back and we still have the previous/next abomination.