300: Obama the Greek Fights the Republican Persians, and Survives

Obama gave a State of the Union speech this last week that refused to apologize, that reminded people of the truth, and that confronted his critics sometimes directly. It was a worthy speech, and did about as much as could be expected, given the difficulties of getting Republicans to extend their thought patterns beyond tax cuts for business. (The same businesses who are woefully underrepresented in the governments yearly income stream, compared to individuals.

Obama went even further, taking time out to accept an invitation from Republicans to speak with them face to face on issues. In the process of confronting their outright lies about him imposing some socialist monarchy on the country, he also managed to put the fire to the idea that he is a man dependent on teleprompters to convey deep thoughts. Those who readily accepted that caricature and lie will go on believing the lie, and look increasingly simpleminded in the process.

Questions were asked respectfully (for the most part), although some questioners took long minutes of speechifying to get there. As in the House of Commons, the questions were blunt and sometimes pointed. But Obama came right back at them, citing chapter and verse from legislation and nonpartisan government reports, appearing to be at his wonkish best.

“I’m having fun,” he said at one point.

(Christian Science Monitor)

You can watch the video here,  and see Obama facing the opposition British style, and without having his own party on hand to toss him softball questions in which to regather his thoughts. I cringe at the thought of Palin even attempting to do something like this, had she been president, let alone actually attempt such off the cuff dialogue in standard interviews with critics.