Opaque Lucidity

Live With The President

This is only my second attempt at live blogging, so please be patient. For best results, refresh your browser every minute or so to see if I've added anything. I will be listening to the speech on the radio, so I'll have no comments on visuals. Here we go:

BTW, I'm listening on WHAS 840AM in Louisville, for those of you who are locals.

Don't look for the President to back away from anything. The President is coming to the podium.

It's an active war, and we are not the only people being attacked.
Good...remind us that we are at war and what our enemy is about.

He couldn't have picked a better place than Fort Bragg...it's these men and women who are the tip of the spear of this cause and he's the y are the ones he should speak to in person.

We will defend our freedom. We will take the fight to the enemy. Very simple, very straightforward.

Relate Iraq to 9/11....terrorists all.

He needs to give specifics about how we are spreading democracy in the Middle East...give specifics about the good things in Iraq.

Strong theis: "I will explain the reason why" the sacrifice is worth it. This is a direct attack on MoveOn.org and their ilk. Excellent.

To the terrorists, Iraq IS the center of the War on Terror. He's doing a great job of tying Iraq to WOT...they are one. This is very, very needed. Too many Americans see them as seperate ventures.

The even bomb mosques...good, good point. Paint them as heathens, for that's what they are.

They failed, they failed, they failed...the terrorists are failing in Iraq. Good use of repetition and valid examples.

"On my watch" old naval/military phrase. Tough.

Repeat the plan for the rebuilding of Iraq. This shoots down those who keep crying that "there is no plan". What they mean is "we don't like his plan because it's good for Republicans in the long run".

30 nations have troops in Iraq and other are giving non-military assitance...how often do we hear this?

I would lay easy talking about the Iraqi military; they don't have a very good reputation. Give them another year.

"Complete the mission". He's giving goals and not a timeline. This is an excellent way to answer critics who are calling for a pull-out date.

"A lot more work to do". People appreciate acknowledgement of shortcomings; at least I do.

Haven't combined operations been going on for some time now?

Living with the Iraqis? That has to be a tall order for an American soldier...for a number of reasons. God bless those guys.

I wish he would talk about helping the Iraqis develop a sense of national unity. I believe this is key to a cohesive government and military.

Good, good. Answer the timetable crowd.

Commanders on the ground...he's making it clear that the Generals are fighting the war. This isn't Vietnam, Senator Kennedy. Go have another bourbon.

The Iraqis have no tradition of a free society.

A timetable for democracy. A constitution. Elections. This is a real plan. What will the NY Times say?

The effect on the Middle East. This is crucial to linking the Iraq invasion to the broader war.

Clearly define the immorality of the enemy. People relate to evil, me thinks.

Churchillian commitment is not dead.

The American people ARE behind those in the military. Once again, this isn't Vietnam.

www.americasupportsyou.mil

Honor the dead by completing the mission. Amen.

"..a cause greater than themselves." Remember that; you'll see it again.

Bravo, sir. He's getting better at this.

Posted by Matthew at June 28, 2005 07:43 PM