Reply #61: I agree. I think a lot of the 'analyzing' being done...

[YvonneCa]

...both in GD and on other blogs has to do with perspective...and the lens with which they view the Obama Presidency. Some are very protective and react defensively. Others have another view. I think Ezra Klein was just wowed by the speech. So was I.

I think JK addressed a serious problem in our country...a problem whose SYMPTOMS are the gridlock in Congress, the hate speech, the violence from Saturday, the lack of civility, etc. And he defined the PROBLEM as a hollowing out of our democracy, economic distress, and the other things President Obama is trying to fix. If we don't get things working...and work together...we will lose our status as FIRST in the world. That is what I heard John Kerry say.

And I think Ezra Klein (and I) hope the President will spell this out, too, for the American people. FWIW, I think he will...during the SOTU. Although he may set the tone...I hope...tonight. :hi: