The 2008 State of the Union Address
President Bush delivers his State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress, Monday Jan. 28, 2008, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
The Drudge Report has the State of the Union Transcript
BUSH TALKS IRAQ…
When we met last year, our troop levels in Iraq were on the rise. Today, because of the progress just described, we are implementing a policy of “return on success,” and the surge forces we sent to Iraq are beginning to come home.
Bush Hits Iraq Success Hard!
SCORE!
Just last year the War in Iraq was lost. Democrats demanded a withdrawal of troops. Defeat was their only option and they believed that America was behind them.
But, President Bush decided to surge US troops instead.
“Ladies and gentlemen, some may deny the surge is working, but among the terrorists there is no doubt!”
Vets For Freedom— Give President Bush a thumbs up before the speech begins:
Last year, President Bush used his State of the Union address to make the case for a “surge” in Iraq, in order to regain the offensive and defeat Al-Qaeda. One year later, sectarian attacks and deaths in Baghdad have decreased more than 90%, Iraqi civilian casualties have dropped 75% throughout the country, and monthly coalition casualties have dropped dramatically. Political progress has sprung up at the local level, and national-level reconciliation is beginning to take place. Without this bold move—and bold speech—America would not be succeeding in Iraq today.
As the President prepares to address the nation tonight, and as the brave men and women who wear our nation’s uniform continue to pursue victory in Iraq, Afghanistan, and all the battlefields of the Global War on Terror, Vets for Freedom proudly supports the Commander-in-Chief as he continues to do everything he can to pursue a more peaceful world, and a more secure America.
** Here’s the Guest List for the First Lady’s Box at the 2008 State of the Union
Babalu is excited to see Blanca González, Mother of Cuban Political Prisoner; (Miami, Florida)
President Bush: “Others have said they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their enthusiasm, and I am pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and money orders.”
Bush promises to veto any new taxes- and delete pork- American families have to balance their budget, so should their government.
Bush will veto bills that do not cut the earmarks in half.–Great move!
Glenn Reynolds gloats that Bush leads off with earmarks.
Michelle Malkin is liveblogging.
African American and Hispanic students have posted all time highs in school testing.
Bush asks for trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.
Democrats have been blocking the agreement with Colombia… We must show our neighbors in the region that democracy means a better life.
Pelosi looks like she is going to pass out.
Bush pushes the wonderful images of liberty from the past 7 years:
In the past 7 years, we have also seen images that have sobered us. We have watched throngs of mourners in Lebanon and Pakistan carrying the caskets of beloved leaders taken by the assassin’s hand. We have seen wedding guests in blood-soaked finery staggering from a hotel in Jordan, Afghans and Iraqis blown up in mosques and markets, and trains in London and Madrid ripped apart by bombs. And on a clear September day, we saw thousands of our fellow citizens taken from us in an instant. These horrific images serve as a grim reminder: The advance of liberty is opposed by terrorists and extremists — evil men who despise freedom, despise America, and aim to subject millions to their violent rule…
Yet in this war on terror, there is one thing we and our enemies agree on: In the long run, men and women who are free to determine their own destinies will reject terror and refuse to live in tyranny. That is why the terrorists are fighting to deny this choice to people in Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Palestinian Territories. And that is why, for the security of America and the peace of the world, we are spreading the hope of freedom.
Bush gives the Democrats a thumping on Iraq.
When we met last year, al Qaida had sanctuaries in many areas of Iraq, and their leaders had just offered American forces safe passage out of the country. Today, it is al Qaida that is searching for safe passage. They have been driven from many of the strongholds they once held, and over the past year, we have captured or killed thousands of extremists in Iraq, including hundreds of key al Qaida leaders and operatives. Last month, Osama bin Laden released a tape in which he railed against Iraqi tribal leaders who have turned on al Qaida and admitted that Coalition forces are growing stronger in Iraq. Ladies and gentlemen, some may deny the surge is working, but among the terrorists there is no doubt. Al Qaida is on the run in Iraq, and this enemy will be defeated.
When we met last year, our troop levels in Iraq were on the rise. Today, because of the progress just described, we are implementing a policy of “return on success,” and the surge forces we sent to Iraq are beginning to come home.
This progress is a credit to the valor of our troops and the brilliance of their commanders. This evening, I want to speak directly to our men and women on the frontlines. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen: In the past year, you have done everything we have asked of you, and more. Our Nation is grateful for your courage. We are proud of your accomplishments. And tonight in this hallowed chamber, with the American people as our witness, we make you a solemn pledge: In the fight ahead, you will have all you need to protect our Nation. And I ask the Congress to meet its responsibilities to these brave men and women by fully funding our troops.
Unless, of course the Democrats, decide not to fund the troops adequately.
Bush didn’t spend much time on Iran or North Korea.
Overall, it was a great speech- Bush brought attention to Iraq and that Democrats were pressing for withdrawal.
Governor Kathleen Sebelius is giving the rebuttal speech from
the Kansas State House.
–Americans are losing their jobs(?) 5% unemployment –lower than the Clinton years?
Will you join us, Mr. President?
We’re ready to chart a new course— (If Republicans join us we can claim defeat!)
We have fewer allies. (Who????? Name one!)
We can transform America.
We need to share sacrifices and share prosperity— Tonight’s call for SOCIALISM.
Captain’s Quarters liveblogged the address tonight.
Don Surber was hoping to see the Iraq success story as #1 on the list tonight.
