Update 1: OK, OK, I get it, I'm tramping all over history. But seriously, many Presidential addresses have had memorable, even great, lines. I understand that. Maybe I should amend and call it the best in my lifetime? Possibly. I have watched and read many a great speech. I don't think we can compare to the ones that we have not heard delivered, because delivery matters. And I'm a huge FDR fan, but his inaugural address just wasn't as good as this. I refer you to the final 10 minutes. My goodness, that was a stunner.
I don't type this lightly, and let's face it: President Obama is such an incredible statesman that he's set his own bar quite high.
But tonight the President was at his first watershed moment of his young Presidency, and he shone like the sun. He accomplished all he needed to do, and more.
In the great tradition of the liberal leaders before him, he passionately supported the biggest need our populace has, but with hands extended to the opposition. He was strong, eloquent, but not vitriolic. He spoke of the specifics, and then of the lofty goals that drive the need for universal health care. He laid out an agenda that - finally - tied this most important part of our progressive agenda to the needs of every American. And he deserves our support.
Like most of you, I want a robust public option. So, clearly, does the President. But he understands how the Congress works, and what the bigger goals are.
So, you may be spitting vinegar at the mere thought that this somehow could be watered down. That we're talking to Republicans.
Well, will you forget what being a rational, reasonable, intellectually honest liberal is?
Or will you be like Congressman Joe Wilson, and neglect all respect and decorum and scream things at the opposition like some kind of psychopath?
Will you push hard and respectfully for what you believe in, and understand that successful legislation is about compromise?
Or will you follow the path of the vitriolic right-wing that led our government for the last decade, and brought this country to the brink of ruin?
Will you have an honest debate even though the opposition may be dishonest, or will you be like Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin and Jean Schmidt, and turn the debate into vile, disgusting, and often racist commentary that has nothing to do with the issue?
The country turned left in 2008. We won the election because - in part - the voters truly were sick and tired of the diarrhea of the mouth and mind that masqueraded for Republican policy during the Bush years.
We show we're no different and we lose. We pass this health care reform bill and do it like grown-ups and we win - the whole country wins. Inside all of his passion tonight, the President knows that. We are all the better for him leading the fight. Let's do what we can to help him push it across the finish line.