Posted by
Dawnsblood on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 10:01:34 PM
No, I didn't see it so this is just a round up. John Hawkins
seemed to like it.
Summary: I liked this speech a lot because it revealed a
workable plan, it gave people a key date to watch (Nov, 2007 for the
Iraqis to takeover), and it did seem to explain the point of the surge.
I love the fact that he told the Iraqi government that they have gotta
move on these militias, they've got to fulfill their promises. He also
warned Iraq and Syria. Great. Not a great delivery, but it seldom is
with Bush. All in all, B+.
Captain Ed?
8:21 - A nice finish to the speech, and a journeyman effort in
delivering it tonight. Will it change minds? I don't think it will have
that much effect.
POST SPEECH ANALYSIS: Bush and his team spent quite a bit of time on
the address. They included several elements to bridge political
differences. His assumption of responsibility for the failure to quell
the violence in Baghdad is the one element that had been missing until
now, and it may help take the edge off of some of the criticism.
Uncle Jimbo at Blackfive?
I think W just gave the best speech since his second inaugural. He
admitted failure, which he has rarely done, but he also articulated a
clear vision of what we can now do.
Hugh Hewitt?
President Bush was at his best tonight: serious, detailed, and above all, resolute. He spoke to many audiences.
To the public weary and grieved by the death of many of the finest
Americans, the president spoke of the crucial issue: "For the safety of
our people, America must succeed in Iraq."
It isn't, he explained repeatedly, just about giving Iraqis hope,
but maintaining American security for all of the reasons he detailed.
Oakleaf at Polipundit?
The President’s Address was well presented and definitely had
military “warnings” to the meddling of Iran and Syria. However, the
rhetoric is not backed up by “the Surge” and instead simply has “a
surge.”
This evening, there will be many conservatives that
will be saying things like, “Bush is taking the gloves off, 21,500 will
kick a$$*, we are going to show them now……………”
In the morning,
many of my friends that are Battalion and Brigade Commanders will wake
up and greet this plan with quiet. More detail will come out in the
days ahead but this is not “the Surge.”
My friends will also
understand that they will remain under the same politically correct
Rules of Engagement with continued fear of American prosecution. The
only change in the “Rules of Engagement” is that Iraqi Forces will have
greater say, and may possibly solely determine on what targets to
actually “engage.”
Just a round up. I'll hopefully watch the speech at Whitehouse.gov soon.
*= the filter again
Addendum: the second half is here.