State of the Union: part I

Since this is, after all, a blog, I'd like to give a quick reaction to the President's State of the Union speech just concluded. I've seen and heard quite a few of them, but this one stood out by what I can only characterize as awkwardness. Yes there were moments of the Obama rhetorical style, but there were pauses and significant glances to his left, where the Republicans were sitting on their hands. We were hoping he'd point out that they were the party of the filibuster -- and he actually did! He also pointedly mentioned the terrible mess the previous administration had left -- perhaps he strongest such reference since the campaign.

President Obama was clearly angry, and though he tried to chide both Democrats and Republicans, it was clear with whom he had the biggest bone to pick.

Yes, I noticed that he suggested removal of some capital gains taxes, and drilling for oil offshore, and nuclear power. He also stood pretty firm on healthcare and dared the Party of The Rich to come up with any -- any -- suggestion that improved on the bills already passed by House and Senate.

More later.