by Peter Nicholas
President Obama walked through the Capitol Rotunda at 1 p.m. after saying goodbye to former President Bush on the U.S. Capitol steps.
Vice President Biden was at his side. Asked how he was feeling, Obama smiled and said nothing. Biden smiled, too.
A minute later Michelle Obama follwed her husband through the Rotunda. Asked how she liked the speech she smiled and gave a thumbs up.
Many well-known political figures were seen walking into the traditional post-inaugural luncheon in Statuary Hall.
Secretary of State-designate Hillary Clinton, accompanied by daughter Chelsea, filed in and said hello to reporters, though she would not comment.
Cindy McCain was seen walking into the luncheon, as well as Republican minority leader John Boehner.
Asked how he liked the speech, House Minority Leader Rep. John Boehner offered a lackluster, "It was good.''
Obama appeared to have avoided reporters in entering the luncheon at about 1:30 p.m.
He took an alternative route through the Capitol, rather than pass through the Rotunda again and risk a question from the assembled TV and print reporters.
Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, as he entered the luncheon in Statuary Hall after the ceremony, was asked what he thought of Obama's speech.
"It started off a little slow, but it ended up being very poetic and very good.''
Comments
You'd think in a column headlined "Obama's speech deemed good by the GOP" that the reporter would actually bother to talk to a couple (even 2-3) Republicans about the speech.
But NOOOOOOO.
Only one Republican quoted. Not "the GOP". And that one Republican gave a lukewarm endorsement, at best.
Most Republicans I talked to thought the speech mediocre, not as good as a lot of other speeches Obama's given. I'd be happy to give Mr. Nicholas their names.
Posted by: Pay to Play | January 20, 2009 2:55 PM
I liked the substance about of our country being being born and sustained on traditional values; honor, honesty, trust, patriotism, citizenship, civility, responsibility, et al. He also spoke forcefully defending our country, defeating our enemies ("we will out last your"), and protecting our national security worldwide. Fair but firm, open to those who wish to be our friends. He also spoke of moving on from the past, looking to the future, and seeking to reduce the partisan obstructions. He spoke favorably of WS and the need to increase the regulation and oversight. Overall it was pragmatic and conservative. Sorry, leftys.
Posted by: Bubba Porter | January 20, 2009 3:02 PM
Bubba, you missed: We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.
And you forget that lefties believe in traditional values.
Posted by: rupert | January 20, 2009 3:20 PM
rupert, when it comes war and conflict utopian ideals are compromised but not forgotten in a democracy. The security of our nation is foremost. Obama's emulates President Lincoln, so check your history of the many "ideals" he compromised and see if I missed your point. I imagine Obama will find actual decisions much different than all of his lofty rhetoric. So far I'm rather encouraged.
Posted by: Bubba Porter | January 20, 2009 5:44 PM
rupert, when it comes war and conflict utopian ideals are compromised but not forgotten in a democracy. The security of our nation is foremost. Obama's emulates President Lincoln, so check your history of the many "ideals" he compromised and see if I missed your point. I imagine Obama will find actual decisions much different than all of his lofty rhetoric. So far I'm rather encouraged.
Posted by: Bubba Porter | January 20, 2009 5:44 PM
No Sir. Security is NOT foremost. Did you not listen to the oath of office taken this very day? Did Obama swear to "secure the nation"? No he did not. He swore to "preserve, protect, and defend, the Constitution of the United States." I know that you conservatives are scared of your own shadow, and that you truly believe edemocracy is too weak to stand up to terrorism and tyranny. The minute there is a challenge, your first thought is to turn away from freedom. However you are very wrong on all counts. We defeat terror, we defeat tyranny ,only by upholding our highest ideals and NEVER surrendering them out of cowardice and fear. The minute we surrender our ideals we have already lost the war. We don't need terrorized defeatists like you on the homefront arguing for surrendering the very things that make us different than our enemies.
Posted by: No Surrender | January 20, 2009 6:19 PM
I think his point, Bubba, was to say that we can defend ourselves without resorting to torture and illegal wiretapping.
Your statement that it was a conservative speech with nothing for the left, was incorrect. That was my point. I can find more to bolster that point. I'm glad you are encouraged. It was not a very ideological speech. It was a good day.
Posted by: rupert | January 20, 2009 6:34 PM
As a visitor to the USA (just for a semester) I am astounded at the utter nonsense some Democrat supporters seem entitled to throw out in the guise of reasonable & reasoned comment. Take a leaf out of Obama's book; be gracious in victory and moderate in your speech -and kindly stop talking drivel.
Posted by: Eamon | January 20, 2009 6:40 PM
He bashed Bush pretty good in the speech, Bubba. I think the "leftys" might have liked that. And the rejection of torture, etc., as rupert said. Not a conservative speech, Bubba, but I'm glad you liked it.
Posted by: Flo | January 20, 2009 7:32 PM
"We will not apologize for our way of life nor will we waver in its defense" - President Obama
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That was a good line, along with a number of others that had a strong Republican quality to them. And the Heads are saying that the Republican Party is dead. They don't know nothing. President Obama is not just a Renaissance Man, but he also has some Neocon working in him too.
A good speech it was, and hopefully no mistakes were inadvertently made. Just need to have a nice time tonight, (Django Style), not get too drunk, (Django Style), and NOT forget what they said on the morning that follows the night that follows the day that went before.
Posted by: Django - N Exile somewhere in/around the 30th Parallel | January 20, 2009 7:39 PM
This speech was just rebroadcast by CLTV in Chicago.
It grows on the second or subsequent listening.
Lincolnesque, Shakespearian, even Biblical in diction & cadence.
When I heard it live, the effect was dulled somewhat by the fact that I was surrounded by sourpuss Republicans.
Posted by: ornery | January 20, 2009 10:55 PM