Gettin' his mojo back

Article II Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution says with regards to the President, "He shall from time to time perform Magic on the Congress and regain his lost popularity, thereby increasing the chances that his socialist agenda be advanced." Okay, I made most of that up, but he does have to give information on the State of the Union.

The key word being thrown around about the State of the Union is "Magic." Hmmm, magic. I thought it was a well-reasoned and skillful speech that reminded people of why he was elected and temporarily injected a long-term memory into the American people. Nope, he was reclaiming his magic that allowed the Republicans to steal the Sorcerer's Stone* from Massachusetts.

Ridiculous (in the sense of deserving ridicule, not in the sense of "I have an exaggeration to make and this is the only way I know how to make it") reporting aside, I think this was a brilliant speech. By refocusing on the economy he drew attention to the failed policies of Bush. I didn't like the references to "when I got here" because, frankly, when people think of the economy, they think of Bush, and it opens himself to "so when is it your economy, Mr. President" questions. BUT, I did like the reference to Clinton's budget surplus (hey, 'mericans, Democrats CAN reduce the budget) and the structured arguments of why health care and investing in green energy/technology (nuclear?) are crucial to the economy.

It was a broad speech and maybe it ran a little long. But, the politics of it were amazing. I waited until this morning to listen and purposefully avoided coverage to be able to consider without bias. However, I heard this line from President Obama on the radio before I could turn it off: "Just saying 'no' may be good short-term politics, but it is not leadership." Inyoface, obstructionists; you're failed leaders. AND, without saying "mandate" he reminded the Republicans that Democrats whooped them in the last election, hopefully inspiring some trepidation at refusing to go to rehab ("I said 'No, no, noooo.'"). I give it an A- only because it was long.

One funny thing to me is the "Jobs Bill." What a great name. "You sir, voted against, the Jobs Bill. All we need is a piece of legislation and jobs will appear." I'm not disagreeing with the logic and economics behind it, I just think its funny.

* The Philosopher's stone for you Brits.