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Subscribe to RSSThe Washington Post writes, “President Obama comforted a community suffused with grief and summoned the nation to recommit to a more civil public discourse as he delivered a eulogy Wednesday evening urging Americans to talk with each other ‘in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds.’”
The Boston Globe’s front page: “Obama’s message is heal, unite, ‘be better.’”
The Wall Street Journal: "The president chose to dwell on the heroes of Saturday, and the victims of the violence -- especially nine-year-old Christina Taylor Green -- as he urged the nation to rise above ugly political debates and see civic life 'through the eyes of a child, undimmed by the cynicism or vitriol' of adults."
"The president directly confronted the political debate that erupted after the rampage, urging people of all beliefs not to use the tragedy to turn on one another. He did not cast blame on Republicans or Democrats, but asked people to 'sharpen our instincts for empathy,'" the New York Times adds. 'It was one of the more powerful addresses that Mr. Obama has delivered as president, harnessing the emotion generated by the shock and loss from Saturday’s shootings to urge Americans 'to expand our moral imaginations, to listen to each other more carefully’ and to “remind ourselves of all the ways that our hopes and dreams are bound together.'"
The New York Times' Nagourney observes that last night's speech presented Obama this challenge that Bill Clinton didn't have with the Oklahoma City bombing or George W. Bush with 9/11: that the Arizona shootings had actually inflamed some political passions. "It was a political reality Mr. Obama seemed to recognize the moment he took the stage. And it was one he seemed determine to address, with language that recalled a central part of Mr. Obama’s appeal as a presidential candidate in 2008."
Politico’s Martin: "In the span of a single news cycle, Republicans got a jarring reminder of two forces that could prevent them from retaking the presidency next year. At sunrise in the east on Wednesday, Sarah Palin demonstrated that she has little interest -- or capacity -- in moving beyond her brand of grievance-based politics. And at sundown in the west, Barack Obama reminded even his critics of his ability to rally disparate Americans around a message of reconciliation."
The New York Post’s cover: “Gabby opens eyes.” The Post’s story called it a “stirring plea for national unity.”
The New York Daily News’ cover: “Hope amid tears” with a photo of First Lady Michelle Obama holding hands with Congresswoman Giffords’ husband Mike Kelly.
The Hill: “The White House has disappointed gun-control advocates on and off Capitol Hill with its silence on the issue.”
“Americans gave higher marks to President Obama and congressional Republicans after a holiday season of compromise paid dividends for both, according to the latest Associated Press-GfK poll,” AP reports. “At the start of the divided government era, the survey found 53 percent of Americans approve of how Obama is doing his job, up 6 percentage points from just after the November elections. The rating is his best since the divisive health care vote 10 months ago. Republicans in Congress got a slight bump too, with 36 percent giving them high marks, compared with 29 percent last fall. … But a majority also now view the Democrats favorably, an oddity just two months after voters dealt Obama’s party what he called ‘a shellacking’ in congressional elections. Democrats generally viewed by 53 percent of those polled, with 45 percent holding an unfavorable view.”
“The federal budget deficit narrowed slightly in December compared with a year ago, but the deficit for the entire fiscal year is still on pace to exceed $1 trillion,” AP writes. But, “Private economists expect that the tax-cut package signed into law last month will lead to a much larger deficit while helping to boost economic growth.”
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One Out Of Many
E pluribus unum is what Daniel Hernandez the 20-year-old intern said last night at the Memorial.
The GOP/TEA BAGGERS blew it. After all of the finger pointing and senseless ramblings they ranted about coming from the left the GOP/TEA BAGGERS did not meet the challenge. When our President faced the nation he was inspirational, professorial, somber, and spiritual. He spoke in a way that heals instead of a way that injures. President Obama urged US (Americans) to be as good as Christina; the 9-year-old girl who died in this horrible tragedy her life and ambitions imaged.
At times the President’s message nearly took your breath away. He moved our collective catharsis. I doubt seriously if anyone who listened was not moved to tears and introspection at some point. Even if you had vitriol, annoyance or skepticism in the past or present, your inner voice had to mentally examine your feelings, thoughts. The President’s motives were not at all antagonist. On the other hand, the President let Arizonians see we are with them in their time of grief and can do better than that because we can all come together in this country as ONE even if we have different ideologies and beliefs. Most certainly, this was shown through the power and miracle of the prayers, well wishes and positive thoughts which permeated our nation without the slightest deviations straight to the wounded Arizonans. That was the power. Even Rep. Giffords felt our power. Se opened her eyes, straightened her hospital gown and touched her husband’s wedding band. I asked us to turn our pain into power a while; and with Godspeed we did/are doing that phenomenon.
. Our national treasure, the First Lady, Michelle Obama, was gracious and displayed some of the most enduring human attributes. She reached out to those hurting. She hugged people in their time of grief. Is it just me, it appeared was so overcome with grief yet was able to sit there in a dignified fashion restraiting her emotions?
I like the president said I" believe we can be better. The President lifted my spirits and I believe most of us who post on First Read.
Oh, not Boehner Yes, Bohenor should be SORRY about that.
Getting close to Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. birthday let me get this straight.
A very sscullious attack has been placed on an icon in our African American History of our country.
He attacks Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. as being sexual degenerate" and "communist
Reese says despite calls for his resignation, he will continue broadcasting the commentary every day up to the MLK holiday on Jan. 17.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: Hero, Visionary and 'Sexual Degenerate'?
http://www.bvblackspin.com/2011/01/10/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-hero-visionary-and-sexual-degenerat/
it’s also my oldest son’s birthday,
Happy birthday to your son, Beverly, Reese sounds like a nutcase. The best night in my life was at a "Spoken Word" contest here in MN. It was AMAZING, and the talent on display was something I will never forget. My daughter was honored with a scholarship, but that isn't what I rejoice in. A minister came and prayed with us before that contest, and the sincerity of the man's words have stayed with me, and the comfort of his hand in mine was a joining of races. Just the most amazing night of my life.
Wow, you are just amazing.
The President, a president whole heartedly support mind you, calls for unity and empathy from both sides, and the first thing you can do is come on here and throw insults and accusations at the opposing politcal party.
Did you not hear the words that were spoken, or do you feel that the words only apply to conservatives?
witt21,
This is so sad it is not even funny. Plagiarisms? Seriously? This is the best you can do? The man gave a hart felt speech at a tragic event and you take this perfect opportunity ( in your mind) to insult him? Sad!!!!!
I watched my President speak last night at the University of Arizona. I was both proud and humbled by his words. I saw images of hope, cooperation and a coming together of all people for a common good. I feel we should heed his words and take them into our hearts. President Obama has laid down a challenge for all Americans; "We must make an America that lives up to our children's expectations." “We must not let those deaths be without meaning” (I paraphrase).
Can we as a nation rise to that challenge? Rep. Giffords opened her eyes for the first time yesterday. Is she watching what we do going forward, I believe so.
President Obama has demonstrated last night that he is the leader we elected. Are we going to follow his lead and move forward or not and fall behind? The choice is ours. Choose wisely, the future of our children and this Nation depends on it.
Navy, I watched your president speak and watched a replay a second time just to confirm my opinion. Unlike you I thought a memorial service to be a solemn event, reflecting upon the souls of the individuals lost; not a campaign speech environment.
I am sorry, but I didn't see or hear what you did.
The event last night was different from other memorials in that it was hosted by a University and no religious figure presided over it. From the coverage of the last 48 hours there were certainly many other traditional memorial services going on in Arizona.
Listening to those on the ground before and after the event it sounded like Tucson "needed" our President to be uplifting. I felt he was just that. Watching the families in the front rows it appeared they approved of the event...if body language is the indicator.
We all mourn and live with our sadness in different ways. I don't think there are any "rules", just personal traditions.
Safecracker, President Obama (your President and mine) spent a full 30 minutes reflecting on the individuals who gave their lives and those surviving. He acknowledged that we may never know the real reason a man chose violence. He asked for nothing from us other than that which we should give every day of our lives....caring, compassion, understanding, civility.
I honestly saw no surroundings of a campaign event....what "environment" did you see? I'm curious to know....
The call for civility should not be confused with conceding to the other side major points of disagreement. I worry that moderates and left-leaning senators and representatives will concede too much to the right as an exercise in being 'civil'--and that the right will use 'civility' as a cudgel to beat down opposition to their more extreme ideas.
Spot ON!! My thoughts, exactly but it is a very subtle concept that I was unable to adequately express. You did it well and I couldn't agree more.
What an amazing speech...so well written and delivered to perfection. It reminded me why I voted for him, and will do so again, with honor and pride.
I pity you witt21 you are a pathetic excuse for a human. Your life must be so very empty and unfulfilling to harbor so much hatred.
I'm with you, Hawkeye... Witt seems to be new here - possibly a new hire? Hateful words like his are a large part of our problem.
Thank you, Mr. President. You and Mrs. Obama showed true leadership last night as you always do, and reminded me of why I and so many others are grateful to you for being our President.
Hey Witt? Take your 'hate' and just go away... I'm sure Faux has a blog for you...
Well done Mr. President, well done. The speech was moving and inspiring. You did this nation proud and I truly believe the people of Arizona appreciated you and the First Lady being there.
Does that man love his wife or what! When he went back to his seat and she hugged him tight, and then he kept reaching for her as if to give him strength. It was a beautiful sight.
There will always be folks who criticize, but he always seems to be the adult in the room, and he seems to keep on keeping on. I am proud to have the Obamas as President and First Lady. I think they highlight what is good about this country. They make the United States look like the country we are supposed to be. I hope we all heed the message. I'm trying, I may falter every now and then, but I will keep trying.
Well done Mr. President
safecracker Navy, I watched your president speak and watched a replay a second time just to confirm my opinion. Unlike you I thought a memorial service to be a solemn event, reflecting upon the souls of the individuals lost; not a campaign speech environment. I am sorry, but I didn't see or hear what you did.
Dear Safe: This ceremony was what the hosts of the ceremony wished it to be. I was very inspired by not only the blessing from the Chief, the speakers, the music, everything. How could you possibly blame the format of this on President Obama. No one asked people to clap and cheer. That was spontaneous. We are really not all bound by rules and regulations of decorum are we? Check out the T-Partier attendance at events? Check out Joe "you lie" Wilson. President Obama delivered a poignant and inspiring speech. He is "our" President, even though you say he is not "yours". Perhaps you take your political foot out of your mouth for a moment just to grace us with an uplifting thought.
I have seen many things change in my lifetime. These type of functions are one of those things. They float into being whatever the community that has them needs. My grandson died at 13 days of age. At his funeral my wonderful son and daughter-in-law, in their grief, picked his tiny body from the casket and wrapped their precious baby in his blanket. Would others do this, I don't know, but whatever gives them peace and helps to heal the wounds is what they should do.
I am sorry you see no pride or uplifting in a community doing what it needs to do, and then blame your narrow vision on the President.
Thank you for your response Cathy. I must come from the old school where the event is solemn, not a wild, shouting, clapping environment where the whoops and cheers are evident to the students.
Perhaps I am more opinionated about the venue than the President, but I did think he overreached.
I guess it is just me, several souls were taken during this sad attack by a disturbed individual and the memorial should be an affair with more respect for those souls.
safecracker I agree with your point that the response from the 17,000 in University of Arizona's basketball arena was unsettling. I am not used to crowds cheering a reading from the Old Testament (read by Janet Napitano) or the New Testament (read by Eric Holder), the cheers of the Student Body President weren't out of place, or the cheers for the hero Mr. Hernandez, who is a UA student. But cheers after biblical readings, or through out the speeches was not what I was used to. However, to blame the President is misplaced. The venue was chosen to allow the largest number of people who wanted to pay their respect to be present, and it still did not come close to accommodating the crowd. The crowd cheered Republicans and Democrats alike. I doubt Gov Jan Brewer is well liked in Tucson, and yet one would think she was as beloved as the President by the warm welcome she received when she was introduced, and through out her speech.
Whether the crowds reaction was due to the youth of the audience, the setting, or whether it was their own personal way of relieving pent up stress the tragedy has caused the community is better left to someone more familiar with the people of Tucson. But to blame the cheering crowd on President Obama, when the event was open to the public on a first come first serve basis is misguided at best. After arriving and seeing the unusual crowd reaction should President Obama refused to give his eulogy, because the proper, or traditional decorum was lacking? Of course not! The content and delivery of President Obama's eulogy was inspiring. Even Pat Buchanan had nothing but positive things to say about it.
hawkeye,
returned to review the President for the third time, and I will correct my original statement about him. The venue, the noise, and a few of the presentations were not what I expect in a memorial service. And, I will retract my issue with obama. It appeared he also was expecting a more somber crowd vs what he received.
I will give him a good grade.
I watched Fox "News" this morning to see what spin they would use to criticize Pres. Obama's speech. Their talking air-head conceded that it was a great speech, but Miss Beauty Pageant artfully developed the theory that it was given at an "inappropriate" moment, and suggested that the President would have served us much better if he had given it from the oval office as Ronald Reagan would most certainly have done. And besides, she declaimed, the audience hooted and clapped during the somber occasion, which she believed to be a failing of Pres. Obama.
I pity the person who watches nothing but Fox News. That view of reality is twisted, bleak, and ugly.
By the way, I believe the determined persistent Witt is voting for himself! I hope there are no other voters.
Wow! The Lefties and Libs are on the warpath. No wonder. They couldn't keep in the rage after taking a well
deserved spanking at the recent elections.
Say Lefties where is that movie" The Assassination of President Bush" Talking about targeting, crosshairs
and bulls eyes. Come on Libs lets see that movie.
Many of us felt stunned and shocked by the tragedy at Tucson. I looked forward to hearing
what our President had to say. He did not disappoint. With his oration, he touched our hearts, I felt lifted.
He set a momentum upon which all sides can build as we go forward with respect for one another. He was
able to inspire us to a higher place. A "place" that Congresswoman Gifford is all about. One of the reasons that
she is so admired, loved and respected. Thank you, Mr. President.