PDA

View Full Version : A Translation Of The NOT SOTU Speech



Kathianne
02-26-2009, 05:21 AM
Pretty much on target:

http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=AB7B397C-18FE-70B2-A8857BDC43766832


What Obama really meant
By: Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen
February 25, 2009 12:53 AM EST

President Obama’s maiden speech to Congress was loaded with durable lines, many aimed with precision at specific audiences or political objectives. As is often the case, the most memorable lines were often written with subtlety and delicacy to keep the speech above petty politics and blame-casting.

Here’s a translation of key passages:

“Now, if we’re honest with ourselves, we’ll admit that for too long we have not always met these responsibilities – as a government or as a people. I say this not to lay blame or look backwards.” VIDEO

TRANSLATION: He said it precisely to lay blame right on top of George W. Bush. The entire speech was laced with shots, some more obvious than others, at the former administration. They were all harnessed to a single purpose: convince the public that every risk Obama takes or dollar he spends is to clean up the mess Bush either left behind or failed to address.

“It’s a plan that won’t help speculators or that neighbor down the street who bought a house he could never hope to afford but it will help millions of Americans who are struggling with declining home values.” VIDEO

TRANSLATION: The essence of this message – “don’t listen to that blowhard Rick Santelli over at CNBC.” White House officials privately admit some reckless homeowners could benefit from their rescue package. But they want the public to see the housing rescue package as the best of many bad options for keeping property values from tanking further. They know they will lose the fight if the plan is seen as a sop to the undeserving. ...