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Subscribe to RSSThe Atlantic’s Jim Fallows: “The standard comparisons of the past four days have been to Ronald Reagan after the Challenger disaster and Bill Clinton after Oklahoma City. Tonight's speech matched those as a demonstration of ‘head of state’ presence, and far exceeded them as oratory -- while being completely different in tone and nature.” More: “[A] performance to remember -- this will be, along with his 2004 Convention speech and his March, 2008 ‘meaning of race’ speech in Philadelphia, one of the speeches he is lastingly known for.”
The New York Times’ Gail Collins: “For me, Obama’s best moment came when he warned that ‘what we can’t do is use this tragedy as one more occasion to turn on one another.’ In his honor, I am not saying a word about Sarah Palin’s video.”
Conservative John Podhoretz said, “The sentences and paragraphs of President Obama's speech last night were beautiful and moving and powerful. But for the most part they didn't quite transcend the wildly inappropriate setting in which he delivered them.”
Politics Daily's Jill Lawrence: "President Obama's Tucson memorial speech was as much about being a father as it was about being a president. He melded the personal and the political into a call for renewal and a road map to a healthier civic life – all of it powered by memories of the dead, in particular a murdered little girl who expected great things of her country."
Lawrence adds, "Obama did not take the easy way out at the University of Arizona. He could have simply eulogized those lost in the eruption of violence last Saturday, and raised up the heroes. And he did do all that in a moving way. But he also went much further. He confronted the sore points and flash points of the rampage and its aftermath. He urged Americans to take stock of themselves, their relationships and their responsibilities as citizens, and to make sure that we 'align our values with our actions.'"
Here’s conservative Andrea Tantaros’ lead, ripe with criticism of the left, but leaving the president alone: “Despite the pressure from some on the left to capitalize on the Tucson killings for political gain, and amid occasional inappropriate cheering from the audience, President Obama acutely understood our collective need to heal when he addressed the nation on Wednesday night.”
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We, the people, are well with the president... we acknowledge him as one of the greatest president's to hold office.
However, I'm sure the media and some on the Far Right will find something to crow about such as he shoulda coulda woulda.
Yes, Louise--
And one of the first trivial and circumventing comment was by John Podhoretz (NYP neoconservative used to be liberal apologist who used to be a speechwriter for GHW Bush and R Reagan, nuff said.)
I went to the UofA (twice), spent much of my childhood there, came back as a young adult to go to the UofA (second generation), taught high school for ten years. Saw it change from the 1950' through now. I haven't lived there for over 15 years, but visit often.
Mr. Podhoretz's grasping at straws with which to criticise saying the "wildly inappropriate" setting (the UofA McKale Center on the campus of the UofA. Well, I know Tucson, and where else are you going to cram the 14,000 inside the stadium and another 13,000 outside on the square watching the screen --total people 26,172 counted). Tucson is a relatively small city and there is no where else to accomodate that many people. That said, What's wrong with our beloved McKale Center. The UofA is still the heart of the city, and many of us graduates stayed or stay for years.
My daughter starts there today. She's anxious but excited. As for the cheering last night she said,"Mom, we're college students who clap and cheer at wonderful things and beautiful words." The kids are going to be all right.
Stop the petty bickering about this little thing or that little thing. Many of us Tucsonans are shattered that our lovely, diverse city is now linked to this tragedy forever. The difference? Tucsonans don't stay down for long.
2 years into his term is a bit early to crown him as one of the greatest ever.
His address was incredible and compassionate. However, some idiot will focus on the fact that he read comments from note cards. Hide and watch.
Actually, I heard people commending him for that.
I do NOT think it would be possible for anyone to give such an emotional speech without some kind of reference material. I have seen notecards or typed notes used at just about every eulogy I have attended- and, make no mistake, this was a eulogy for those who died, as well as a speech about the surviving victims.
His use of notecards,( rather than that other thing we are not supposed to mention), made his speech much more personal- it connected him with those in attendance.
This was the universal reaction this morning.
Wow, no jo. That was very gracious. Good for you. By the way, my feral kittens are now approaching me, one is allowing himself to be petted. Making progress.
Lucky you. Lucky kittens.
I have never seen anything more darling than a kitten. I have two who are not kittens any longer, and I do miss those baby antics. . .
I tossed a dozen catnip mice out for them, and it turned into kittypalooza. HYSTERICAL, and they had a ball. Every now and again, one of them will come out from under the hay to with one of those mice in his mouth. But, I did appreciate your post this morning, no jo. It is a side you should show more often.
Wonderful, moving ceremony from opening to close. Everyone there delivered great remarks indicating that they understand how important it is to leave divisiveness behind and honor the fallen by doing the work of the people. The President spoke movingly, personalizing the victims and tying it to the fact that, whatever our differences we are ALL Americans.
A political rally to say the least? This man is sicko, didnt convince me bit that he was genuine.
Diana, please stop.
I suspect, Dianna, that nothing or nobody can convince you of anything.
If you have nothing good to say, why not try saying nothing at all?
Dianna,.. He did pause for the applause,Don't all Democrats do that at a memorial service?
Dianna - it's people like that scare us and eventually take up guns and start shooting people. Really? Show some respect and compassion - didn't you listen to the President's speech at all last night?
The speech was about respecting our differences of opinions. I respect your right to be a sicko who goes around calling other people sicko's, you know why? Because I'm an American and we have something called free speech that gives people like you the right to bad mouth, tear down, disrespect and hate anybody you so choose. God Bless America but please, don't buy a gun!
Obama's speech was like a shot of heroin. It was tingly. This is a paraphrase of the key element, in my opinion, of his gracious speech: "The young girl began to see and feel a glimmer of what our dialogue is, before she was murdered, and we must live up to her expectations, and the expectations of every child." Wow! This is an excellent attitude adjustment. Unfortunately, I can't forgive the anti-gay religious organizations that have made millions of dollars off of anti-gay dollars to ban gay marriage. I genuinely believe they're disgusting, and deserve bankruptcy.
Why is it you Q(gay)s always bring up being q(gay)r when it has nothing to do with the Article?
I do not have a very favorable opinion of this president.... my only question is did he place contribution cards under the t-shirts that were placed on the back of chairs? Nothing like raising a little money at a campaign stop posing as memorial service.... my prayers are with the congress woman and those who lost there lives.. The perpetrator will be held to the maximum penalty.... I was disgusted by the cheering, whistling, and especially the booing of Gov. Jan Brewer... The part when he spoke on the youngest victim was the best part for me. Seems to be the most honest part of his night....
From "BHO is a Liar" stating "honest" in a comment for President Obama is a step in the right direction.
While commenting about the little girl, I am sure that thoughts of his little girls were embedded in his mind so this was something that he could actually identify with.... Everything else in his belief system is not what Americans yearn for... sorry but I didn't support him in 2008 and will not support him in 2012...
BHO, do not for one nanosecond believe that what you believe is what every American believes or 'yearns for'. You can only speak for yourself and no one else. Period.
First, how do you know what his personal belief system is? Have you talked to him or are you just getting your information from other Obama haters?
Second, tell me just one lie that President Obama has told. But first, just to be clear, a lie is a deliberate misrepresentation or misleading statement, or deliberate misstatement of fact, it is not a promise to try to do something, try to do and then fail to do it.
God, BHO IS A LIAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!, are you an ass!!!
That's putting it mildly.
I thought President Obama gave a beautiful speech last night. I understand that he wrote most of the speech - which to me makes it even more powerful.
Speech was great and thought out very nicely, he did a good job. The atmosphere however was rediculous...I was unpacking some things last night while my wife was watching and was asking her what she was watching and she said the memorial service. I couldn't believe how everyone in the crowd was acting...it was disgusting.
I was at the Pentagon 911 Ceremony and it wasn't anything like that...it was a Memorial Service, not a Pep Rally.
Auntie Fascist, please do not lower yourself to his level, you are better than that.
I know it feels great as I have done it in the past but I am not happy about it and am making a concerted effort to change how I address those I disagree with on this blog.
Matthew, he had it coming to him! Anyone atttributing ulterior motives to this speech needs a trip to Oz for a brain and a heart!
I know, Auntie, and I understand. It is hard to not call someone that when that is what they are being.
Last night after his speech I ventured to Fox News to see what the right had to say about the speech. I started reading a rather negative opinion and then my eyes were diverted by an ad of a playboy bunny type in a tight yellow t-shirt with the statement "A world without Liberals" on it. I lost interest and stopped reading!
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink!
@AnaBanana
I actually watched the memorial on the Fox news cable channel last night. I'm a conservative and I thought that Pres. Obama's speech was excellent. Apparently, the "talking heads" on Fox shared my opinion. I saw no negativity towards the President's words. Pres. Obama seemed taken aback at first by the cheering and applause in what was expected to be a more solemn occasion and was commended by most for his ability to quickly adapt to a "lighter" atmosphere.
This President has what it takes to be a leader and showed it in spades last night. I agree with a previous comment--I'm sure he was thinking of his two daughters when talking about the little girl that was killed. He talked eloquently, passionately and inspiringly. As has been stated before, you may not agree with his policies, but he's not a communist, marxist, terrorist, muslim, etc. etc. etc. Hopefully, the conservative pundits will heed his message and just stop with the rhetoric. At least, one can hope......
Ann: He gave an excellent speech on the victims, the heroes and the families and he should have stuck with that and he would have got high praise. But then he couldn't help it, the politican in him couldn't stop at that, he had to get his points in and campaigned. The more the kids yelled and screamed the more he had to get into the spirit of putting his digs in.
What digs?!?!? I didn't hear any digs. I heard a call for compassion. If that's what's considered a "dig" we're all in trouble. Please edify us with precisely what you are referring to.
I for one being an American last night felt proud to have such a "Presidential President" give such a wonderful and thoughtful speech very moving and to the point for all to hear!
I was not only impressed but moved by the President's speech. We cannot afford to turn on each other as the cost is too great. Pres. Bush's speech writer commented that Pres. Obama's speech was to wordy & that the pres. was more lecturing! Really, do we really need the same type of negativism during a national tragedy? Regardless of political party l we all need to say great job Mr. President!
Exactly what digs did Obama give? I saw absolutely nothing political in his speech. But forgive Obama that he was responsible for the kids in the audience or even the place they decided to hold the memorial. Give me a break Conservatives, you're fighting awfully hard to find something wrong with his speech last night. And frankly, you're failing at it.
We always wait for the applause during a memorial speech, or is that just a Democratic thing?
I don't think waiting for applause to die down before continuing to speak is exactly just a Democratic thing. It's a thing done by people who are trying to communicate.
Maybe you think a speaker should just shout over the crowd. Would that seem more appropriate for a memorial speech? Maybe you think a speaker shouldn't be heard if he or she can't outshout the crowd. Maybe you think. I dunno.
If you were offended by the applause, speak to the people of Tucson about it, about how inappropriate they were in their memorial ceremony to celebrate the lives of the dead and wounded, and the heroism of those who helped end the nightmare, and explain to them why you have the right to pass judgment on their behavior.
Speech was great and thought out very nicely, he did a good job. The atmosphere however was rediculous...I was unpacking some things last night while my wife was watching and was asking her what she was watching and she said the memorial service. I couldn't believe how everyone in the crowd was acting...it was disgusting.
I was at the Pentagon 911 Ceremony and it wasn't anything like that...it was a Memorial Service, not a Pep Rally.
Yea, typical liberal drivel here on FR. I tuned in for a bit last night, only to be aghast at the hoots and hollars from the crowd. The families involved were probably Democrats and they probably didn't mind. But my first thought was the Wellstone memorial. I believe the only reason Obama was on the verge of emotion last night was because Giffords was a Democrat. If this happened at a Michelle Bachman event, the press and this President would have been nowhere near the event.
Some reports susggest that the nut who did this did not watch the news and was turned off by politics.
Me personally? Let's tone down the rhetoric, left AND right, and seek to find common ground. As a man who leans to the right politically, I've become far more pragmatic these past few years.
Most of all, my fellow political junkies, have a sense of humor about politics!
Cicero
You say you want to tone it down, right after saying that the families of the dead and wounded wouldn't mind what you consider inappropriate because they're probably Democrats?!? (Mr. Freedom-Lover Rob seems to be the arbiter what is proper for a memorial .)
And you mystically, magically know that no Democrat would mind if Rep. Bachman were shot?!? How do you know this???? Please, share the magic.
That's a great way to tone it down, Rob. I guess I have no sense of humor, but I just don't get it. Please explain what's toned down and funny about your post.
I suppose you took some things out of context. I could better explain myself in person. That is the problem with having a conversation over the internet. You lose context and lose verbal and non-verbal communication. Too often posts on political internet forums appear to be two people shouting at each other. I know you didn't mean it that way and that you only seek to better understand what I meant. Perhaps that may help to explalin our national political discourse today. With anyone who disagrees with either of us getting shouted down. I wish you well. I just don't find these forums to be the place to have a civil conversation. Too often we are only intent on getting our "shots in". It seems to me today that with certain internet forums and where people who think alike gather is only meant to help us feel better about ourselves, with complete disregard for the other 'mate.. I haven't been here in a while but I find the "group think" is still in full affect. It's not just here, but on consversative outlets as well.
We may disagree, but lets play pool and drink some beer afterwards. Cheers!
@Tired, And you are correct. Inappropriate on my part to talk about "sense of humor" in a thread dealing with this trajedy.
Your reply was very gracious, Rob, and I thank you for it. It is very difficult to express humor or irony in print - facial expression is needed to get it across. We can disagree and still both be reasonable and considerate people. I find that in this age of anonymous online communications, people tend to be more judgmental and less tolerant than when they discussed things face-to-face, like over a beer in a pool hall. Those were the days!
Cheers to you, too!
Exactly, it's easy to hid behind your keyboard in the safety of your warmly lit computer room. Not (your) talking about you specifically, but (your) meaning everyone.
When weren't we all Americans? His campaign speech was a poor memorial for those who died as he paused for the applause.
The entire event, the President's speech, the hopeful, healing, response of the crowd, the applause, the cheers............ All of it.. Were a wonderful testament to the power of Americans everywhere and anywhere to rise above tragedy and touch the Angels.
God did indeed bless this country last night.
The healing is coming along nicely, thank You very much.
Mr. President, the way America can be better is for you to be gone! Take up preaching, or snake oil selling. This shooting is a tragedy, no doubt, and you did a good job at the ceremony, although the crowd made it sound like a political rally. Soon it will pass and you in Washington will get back to the business of America, which by your past, your policy and the make up of your being we can only expect you to continue dragging America down the road to poverty and socialism. You are who you are, no matter what suit you hide behind.