SOTU

Okay, so it wasn't actually a "State of the Union" address. But it was terrific, wasn't it?

I haven't been able to watch one of these speeches in I-don't-know-how-long -- maybe since Reagan. (I can't believe I actually watched one of his, but I swear I remember him pointing to Lenny What's-his-name in the gallery). These speeches are just too phony, with way too many applause lines. They can't really be taken seriously. And I have to say that last night's speech also had too much "applause and ovating," as Tom Shales said in this morning's Post.

But . . .

. . . last night, I thought the applause lines deserved, well, applause. And I thought they were remarkably effective from a political standpoint. Frequently even the Republicans felt compelled to stand and applaud. And when they didn't, they just looked sulky and mean-spirited.

(I do recognize and have to acknowledge, that I'm in the bag for this guy. I think he is constitutionally incapable of giving a bad speech.* If he read one of G. W. Bush's speeches, I suspect that I'd be on my feet cheering.)

One of my favorite moments in last night's speech -- a thrilling moment, actually -- was when the camera focused on John Lewis jumping to his feet to applaud. Too bad Dr. King couldn't have been there, but in his absence Rep. Lewis will do fine. Very, very fine indeed.


PS No disrespect to Lenny What's-his-name -- an actual, real-life hero in my book. I just don't remember his last name.

* Great minds think (and express their thoughts) alike. Tom Shales: "President Obama, . . . , doesn't seem capable of bad speeches."