Politics –
Acting Presidential
Is A New Role For Trump
Who was that man speaking to a joint session of congress last night while acting presidential, and what has he done with Donald Trump?
Politics
In case you missed Trump’s first State of the Union address to congress, it was everything you never thought it would be. Yes, Donald Trump — THAT “Donald Trump” — was actually, for the first time, acting presidential.
Trump began his remarks by honoring the final day of Black History Month. Â He then segued into civil rights violations, notably regarding the recent attacks against Jewish Community Centers and the vandalism of Jewish cemeteries.
“While we may be a nation divided on policy, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms,” Trump said.
Trump also spoke against the deep political divide within the country, saying “The time for trivial fights is behind us.” Â He also asked the country to get behind him in his plans for the nation.
“Cures to illnesses that have always plagued us are not too much to hope. American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream. Millions lifted from welfare to work is not too much to expect. And streets where mothers are safe from fear — schools where children learn in peace — and jobs where Americans prosper and grow — are not too much to ask,” Trump said. Â He added that he was “asking all members of Congress to join me in dreaming big, and bold and daring things for our country.”
However, the most stirring moment of the speech came when he spoke directly to Carryn Owens, the widow of Navy Chief William “Ryan” Owens, who was killed in the military raid in Yemen that was ordered by Trump shortly after taking office.
“Ryan’s legacy is etched into eternity,” Trump said. “Ryan died as he lived: a warrior and a hero.”
He then led a 2-minute standing ovation as Carryn Owens stood, crying and clasping her hands.
“Ryan is looking down right now. You know that. And I think he’s very happy because you just broke a record,” Trump said, joking about the length of the applause.
“For as the Bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” Trump said. “Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom — we will never forget him.”
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CNN contributor Van Jones, who once worked for the Obama White House and supported Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election was surprised at the performance and actually praised Donald Trump.
“He became President of the United States in that moment, period,” Jones said of Trump’s moment honoring the fallen Navy officer. “That was one of the most extraordinary moments you have ever seen in American politics.”
Jones added: “If he finds a way to do that over and over again, he’s going to be there for 8Â years.”
Hmmm…
What did you think of Donald Trump’s first congressional address?
Thanks DJ for this detailed summary of Trump's speech last night. The truth is, I can't stomach listening to the guy for even 2 seconds so nooo…I didn't watch it. But your summary along with listening to C-SPAN callers this morning AND also reading analysis of the speech by Factcheck.org has provided me with enough reliable information to help form an opinion of his speech. First: Trump is nothing if not a 2-bit con-man who knows how to *act* the part. With him (and his staff) feeling the burning heat of the hot lights of intense media scrutiny of his sham of a presidency…which has thus far been defined mostly by chaos, confusion and rank incompetency… Trump knew darn well what was at stake. So it seems he managed to give a decent performance last night. (Side-note) I listened to CSPAN callers for about an hour this morning and i… Read more »