President Obama's speech at a memorial for victims of last weekend's Arizona shootings generated the expected reaction, with supporters trumpeting his remarks and critics saying the event was more of a pep rally.
And it was certain to leave talk radio and TV producers with more than enough material to keep them busy for several more days of non-stop coverage of this story.
The first thing that one sensed while watching the memorial event was the behavior of the crowd, which was not exactly like one you might find in a church, or anything.
"The decorum is a little un-nerving," complained some, as Mr. Obama's arrival at the lectern was greeted with huge cheers and whistles, what sounded more like a campaign stop in a basketball stadium than a memorial for people killed in a mass shooting.
"He just doesn't get it! Thinks he's giving a campaign speech," said one of my Twitter followers.
But to supporters, this was Perfect Obama, the President whose soaring rhetoric can help heal the wounds from last weekend's shootings in Tucson.
"Palin's pathetic vitriol pales in comparison to this uplifting speech in Arizona," said one of my listeners.
"Good speech by POTUS," was another message I got on Twitter. "I like the personal details and the humanizing elements."
While, the focal point of the speech was a call for a more balanced political debate in the future, Mr. Obama did not join other Democrats in attacking talk radio or blasting certain Republicans, rather he simply said now is the time to improve the way people treat each other, as he invoked the name of the 9 year-old girl who died in Saturday's rampage.
"I want our democracy to be as good as she imagined it," said the President.
"If this tragedy prompts reflection and debate," Mr. Obama said, "let's make sure it's worthy of those we have lost."
Another item that's sure to prompt some controversy were the T-shirts handed out at the event - yes, you read that right - there were blue T-shirts handed out that said "Together We Thrive" on them.
If you don't believe me, here is the link: http://is.gd/DvySDa
Like many things in our current political world, about half of the country will look at Obama's remarks and smile and the other half will denounce it as just an effort to take advantage of a big story for personal gain.
I'll let you fill up the comment boxes below with your feelings, pro or con, on this speech and the whole Arizona shootings issue.
President Obama's speech at a memorial for victims of last weekend's Arizona shootings generated the expected reaction, with supporters trumpeting his remarks and critics saying the event was more of a pep rally. And it was certain to leave talk radio and TV producers with more than enough material to ...
