Open Thread

January 28th, 2010 11:17 AM

For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: two ways to consider the SOTU speech:

As with many Obama pronouncements, you can take his statements on health care in one of two ways.

(1) I haven't learned anything from the public's turning against me, and I still think my plan will win people over if I just explain it better.

or

(2) I'm genuinely open to other ideas and will do what it takes to pass a consensus measure.

... This was a clever speech, in that it all hinges on the president's personal credibility, which is higher than his job approval. But it's also a dangerous speech, because it all hinges on the president's personal credibility, which is also the last political asset in his account.

 Was Obama sincere, or was he simply reverting to campaign mode?