With 51 weeks left in his presidency and approval ratings at an all-time low, George W. Bush issued his last State of the Union address Monday evening, one of the few remaining moments in the spotlight for the man overshadowed by the race to choose his successor.
Mindful of his declining presidency, Bush did not announce any new initiatives that are typically unveiled in the annual address and although he referred to the last seven years repeatedly, he spent little time referring to his legacy.
He did, however, attempt to allay fears about the economy, which has replaced Iraq as the top concern of Americans.
“To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy. As we meet tonight, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. America has added jobs for a record 52 straight months, but jobs are now growing at a slower pace. Wages are up, but so are prices for food and gas. Exports are rising, but the housing market has declined. At kitchen tables across our country, there is a concern about our economic future.”
(Photo: AP)
Bush urged Congress to pass the stimulus deal announced last week.
“In the long run, Americans can be confident about our economic growth. But in the short run, we can all see that growth is slowing. So last week, my Administration reached agreement with Speaker Pelosi and Republican Leader Boehner on a robust growth package that includes tax relief for individuals and families and incentives for business investment. The temptation will be to load up the bill. That would delay it or derail it, and neither option is acceptable. This is a good agreement that will keep our economy growing and our people working. And this Congress must pass it as soon as possible.”
Read the entire State of the Union Address at whitehouse.gov. NPR has a great fact-checking section on the President’s speech.
KUCINICH DROPS OUT
Two-time Democratic presidential contender Rep. Dennis Kucinich abandoned his long-shot campaign for the White House.
In a speech delivered in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, Kucinich said:
“I deeply and sincerely believe that we fought the good fight – in large part because of the support from all of you here and from hundreds of thousands of people just like you all across this country. I stood strong because you gave me strength. I spoke out because your voices needed and deserved to be heard. And I told the truth, no matter how unpopular or inconvenient, because, no matter how long it takes, the truth really will set us free.”
“I won’t be President, but I can continue to fight for these important issues as a Congressman…”
Kucinich received little support during his presidential bid, receiving less than 5 percent in the Michigan primary, 1 percent in New Hampshire and coming in last in the Iowa caucus.
KENNEDYS ENDORSE OBAMA
To an excited crowd at American University in Washington, D.C. yesterday, Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts said that “in Barack Obama, I see not just the audacity, but the possibility of hope for the America that is yet to be.”
According to political analysts, the embrace of his party’s most famous family marked a crucial moment of acceptance for Obama and while the Kennedy name will carry clout in many states on Super Tuesday, Sen. Kennedy’s endorsement also brought the self-styled outsider into the inner circle of the liberal establishment.
(Photo: Harvard University)
On Sunday, January 27, Caroline Kennedy (daughter of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis) announced in a New York Times op-ed piece, “A President Like My Father“, that she would endorse Barack Obama in the 2008 U.S. presidential election.
“I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.”
what a waste!!GWB
Obama Obama!!
Except for Caroline Kennedy who supports Obama
I watched it, but i thought alot of it was, “here’s the problem, I’m almost out of office, here are some half-assed solutions…HOLLA”
Bush….horrible.
OBAMA 08– ITS ON PEOPLE! Do your research, its truly time for our generation to speak and be heard.
Notice how Bush never mentioned Katrina and or how they still need help? He is the abosoulte worst President in history. We need a change, We need Obama!
#4: Hahaha…That’s great.
All I could think was: you’re talking, but you’re not saying anything.
It’s almost over, though.
Peace and blessings,
J. Dakar
Oh and could Nancy Pelosi possibly have been more bored?
It was hilarious with her half eye rolls, and scoffs. I was right there with you Nance….
The ONLY thing I agreed with was his immigration stance. You have to have a process for immigrants to go through, a real standard process. You can’t tell them to come here legally and not have a way and a process for that to happen. Get ON IT!
his only legacy is this war and an assault on our civil liberties. pathetic.
i couldnt event support that man and give him ratings. i dont support him, not do i respect him.
Lets get rid of the dynasties! Obama in 08!
Don’t forget to report that ALL of the Kennedy’s are not supporting Obama. Some are supporting Clinton.
Also, please do not conveniently forget to post something on Maya Angelou endorsing Hillary Clinton.
Lastly, I also encourage people here to think for themselves. For once, the Black websites, newspapers, radio stations, etc., I frequent are not endorsing a candidate I support, and the bias that I am “seeing” for the first time has stunned me. The Headlines have been twisted to make a particular candidate look bad. Radio stations are playing clips of Clinton Attacking Obama in debates but will not play the entire clip where Obama attacks her FIRST. The Clintons twisted Obama’s words about Ronald Reagan BUT Obama twisted Clinton’s words about Martin Luther King, but Obama is not penalized for doing what he accuse the Clinton’s of doing and the headlines read, “Clinton Using Race to Divide Voters”. Folks wake up.
Concreteloop, I do give you credit for at the very least making some attempt to hide any bias. You are doing that better than a lot of other sites and sources of information.
Obama 4 President ’08! Thats great that he has the support of JFK’s daughter. My mom told me how wonderful a president JFK was and she was only in the 6th grade when he passed. So for her to know his significance, is truly a great deal and for Obama to be compared to him is an even greater deal. I attended his Rally in Charleston SC and when I left there I felt like he could and would bring faith to our country. Im 22 years old and I have never been this inspired about any canidate!
@ 11. No one “conveniently” forgot to mention that. Most of our round-ups are drafted the night before and the story wasn’t even out yet. I understand your anger with the media, but take that “ish” elsewhere.
I don’t know what to say about G.W.Bush. I’m actually glad that he’ll be out of office in a few months. It is good to hear that Ms. Kennedy said that Barack reminds her of her father. I can honestly say, he does remind you of John F. Kennedy. His personality and everything he plans to bring to the table. It’s not a black or white thing, it’s about change, and sometimes people are afraid to admit, but sometimes, change is a good thing.
That was a very forgettable, half-ass state of the Union address, but what besides wreaking havoc on the world and the country has George Bush done or said that’s been worth a damn?
I have been a Obama supporter since day one! Since that speech he gave at the last Democratic convention, I knew he was special. I think he has something to bring to the the national table, and the international table. I think he has the willingness to go to the table with those around the world that have a different point of view and have a serious discussion about things that effect everyone.
I was almost in tears watching him on that stage with the Kennedys. It just showed how far we’ve come that a black man has such a real chance of becoming president of the United States. The fact that they see in him something so special, something so similar to 2 great men, John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, that they’d throw their support behind him speaks volumes. The world would have been so different had JFK not been gunned down in Dallas and if Robert hadn’t met the same fate in California. I’m just happy to be alive to see a time when someone might be able to complete the mission that they started years ago!
Post #13 Angel, I look forward to reading about the Kenndy endorsment for Clinton as well as the story about Maya Angelou.
J,
I was hoping that you would post this thing about the Kennedy’s endorsing Obama. This is very interesting to me. Let’s be honest, why would the Kennedy’s endorse Obama????????????????????????????????? I am sure the politically correct answer would be that they “believe in Obama” and according to them, it is. However, do you think that is the “real reason”??
I am not a political officiando, but this is the way I see it. This endorsement is questionable, at best. I was under the impression that the Kennedy’s were in bed with the Clintons and had been for years. Why would they jump ship???? Does their endorsement hurt Obama more than it helps him?
Bush…..NEXT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Obama 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ 16. The Maya Angelou story will probably be in the round up this week. What Kennedy’s are supporting the Clintons? The only reason the Barack endorsement made news is because it was JFK’s brother and daughter who spoke on his behalf. Cousins and uncles aren’t really newsworthy.
Bush all I heard was blah blah blah
Go Obama getting The Kennedys on your side is big biz. Of course the media didn’t let him have his moment, they HAD to talk about the Kennedy cousin that endorsed Hillary.
This news is several days old.
How about talking about battle of the best selling authors: Morrison supports Barak, Angelou supports Billary.
Hey CL, don’t forget Toni Morrison’s endorsement of Barack Obama.
Please everyone check this link:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/a...oplemorrison_080128193949
the Maya story is all over the net…google it…you hardly have to wait…
why can you give a reform to imigrants us who work hard to get something?
#21
Who cares about who the “best selling authors” are endorsing? Maya’s endorsement of Hilary is only newsworthy because Oprah has made a big deal of calling Maya a mentor… Maya’s endorsement then is merely important in that someone Oprah has canonized disagrees with her… It’s almost a way of garbling what Oprah’s said about Obama.
Poster #17, because Bill Clinton and Teddy had a fight a few days ago. That is why Kennedy did not keep his word about staying neutral.
Yeah, “Change”, “New Way of Doing Things”, “Dynasty”…….all words the Obama campaign is putting so much emphasis on, yet they not only relish in but actually COURTED the support of Ted Kennedy who represents “Dynasty”, “Old Way of Doing Things”.
“The Emperor Has No Clothes”……..is this our future?
Wow @ Carolina K. that’s a really strong statement
Thanks again for the political posts, ConcreteLoop — there is a whole generation of us who not only enjoy discussing celebrities from time to time but also love to be informed on more serious issues. I am loving it.
OBAMA ’08!
Ba-Rack the vote!
I watched portions of the SOTU last night and I can’t believe this man was our president. He could barely pronounce the words he was saying and if the term “lame duck” ever fit anyone before, it sure fits him. He looked practically limp. His 8 years have been a disaster.
I can’t believe everyone is forgetting about Kucinich. He was the only thing with anything new to say. He was the only one who could do all the “change” everyone is talking about. He actually cares about poor people and minorities. Oh well looks like at least another four years of broken promises. No need to debate Clinton or Obama they are one in the same.
I saw this hogwash performance last night and I am glad that that was the last time the Jorge (intended spelling) will interupt the regularly scheduled program and bore me to no end. And what was the bs about proposing to keep his ignoram tax cuts in effect throughout the next term of office ( yawn, smh) Damn Jorge minimum wage barely went up during yo bogus ass administration and you want to propose to keep us broke even when you not in offce…shit look at tha damn gas prices..the war and the economic recession that is breaking way!!!!!!! All this because of the poor way tou govern. What are we fighting for again?????????????????????????????
VelvetJ
LOL…If a blog chooses to bias or not bias during the campaign…to be honest it’s the writers’ prerogative. Who are YOU to dictate what does and does not go in THEIR blog? If you don’t like it, there are plenty of other blogs on the internet that support Billary. Hell, start your own blog! =]
I think most can agree that this is a fairly URBAN blog and therefore you can expect urban issues/stories to be explored a little more in depth than other non-urban issues.
@ 27
Maybe some black women aren’t supporting him for actual tangible reasons, and not such trite, ignorant reasons as you would like to believe.
Poster# 19 Angel,
Robert “Bobby” Kennedy’s children are. Kathleen, Bobby, and Kerry Kennedy are all endorsing Clinton. As most American’s know, Bobby Kennedy was no insignificant figure in our history (remember that movie “Bobby” that was released about his life on last year with Nick Cannon, Lawrence Fishburne, and Harry Belofante).
So you may find their endorsements insignificant because they are Caroline’s cousins, but Bobby Kennedy’s children endorsing someone says a lot for some people.
@ #6 Daphneyvette
Actually, GWB did allude to Katrina, but Think Progress called his azz on it:
Bush said: “Tonight the armies of compassion continue the march to a new day in the Gulf Coast. America honors the strength and resilience of the people of this region. We reaffirm our pledge to help them build stronger and better than before. And tonight I am pleased to announce that in April we will host this year’s North American Summit of Canada, Mexico, and the United States in the great city of New Orleans.”
FACT — KATRINA HAS SLIPPED FROM BUSH’S RADAR: In the 2007 State of the Union, there wasn’t a single mention of Hurricane Katrina or the ongoing Gulf Coast reconstruction effort. [SOTU, 1/23/07]
FACT — GULF COAST STILL STRUGGLING TO RECOVER: “Almost 40% of the people displaced from New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina” lived “below the poverty line last year,” according to a Census Bureau survey. The survey also found that “nearly a third of those who fled the hurricane could not find jobs last year, and thousands more weren’t trying.” [USA Today, 10/8/07]
FACT — BUSH HAS SHORTCHANGED SCHOOL RECONSTRUCTION: The estimated cost of hurricane-related destruction in K-12 and higher education in Mississippi and Louisiana is $6.2 billion,” but “the federal government has provided only $1.2 billion.” Foreign governments contributed $131.5 million to recovery funding for Louisiana colleges, slightly less than the $135 million contributed by the U.S. government. [Southern Education Foundation, 8/29/06
Did anybody else notice that when the address was over …how Bush conveniently skipped over acknowledgement to obama with his ugly beady eyed ass!! He acted like he did not even see him and spoke to all of the ppl surrounding Obama….asswhole!
@ 36.
I noticed that too. Its a shame how polotics compormises the moral character that upholds us a ladies and gentleman. Even if he doesn’t like Obama, as President of the US he should’ve at least shown fair play and been cordial with him.
Such a disgrace.
#36 That is not true. He actually spoke directly to Obama.
http://www.huffingtonpost...s-obama-refr_n_83807.html
And Velvet J, while the RFK’s children are supporting Clinton, RFK’s wife endorses Obama. She said he would be the next president of the united states.
-The reason the RFK’s children story is not as important is due to the fact that they have been endorsing Hillary for a while, they just decided to issue a new statement in the wake of the Ted and Caroline’s endorsement.
If you listen to Obama’s speech from yesterday, he list all of the Kennedy’s who endorse him.
Please do a little fact checking before you accuse a media organization of being biased.
I want to know are a lot of you endorsing Obama because he’s black or because he’s the best candidate. For the first time in a long time we have hopefuls who the majority knows nothing about. It’s best you get on the internet and do some research, the last thing you want is to be stuck with candidates who are not what you thought they were.
This is a very very important election, and while the popular vote doesn’t count in the presidential election, these primaries do. So people get out and vote, before that privledge is take away from you. Like I said do the research so you can find out where they stand on certain views. We need to get this country back morally. We need some Moral leaders in office.
I think that the Kennedy endorsement of Obama is a largely symbolic, albeit meaningful gesture. Blacks have traditionally almost universally supported the Kennedys since JFK, and RFK, & MLK, reaching back to the most crucial times in the Civil Rights era.
Although their current political power has waned a bit, the name and legacy is still rather potent within in the Democratic political machine, are still considered to some as the closest to an American Political/Royal dynasty and should not be discounted. Notice I said BY SOME.
THIS IS A DEVASTATING BLOW TO THE CLINTONS.
That being said, there will be lots of opinions as to whether this will hinder Obama’s chances, considering the “curse” that has followed the Kennedys throughout the ages. Suffice it to say, however, Obama already faces a real threat should he become our next president anyway – don’t forget those militia compounds in Montana and Idaho, y’all, let’s keep it real! But that’s neither here nor there, I suppose. The die has been cast, and he is on his way.
Indeed, Hillary, partnered with Bill, does comprise formidable team, with a lot more political experience than Obama on the surface, but Obama has yet to pick his supporting cast, his
CHENEY, if you will, not to suggest that he’ll be a puppet, but he’ll need a strong VP (My money’s on Edwards). And should he be elected, we can only speculate at this point as to whom he’ll pick to serve in his cabinet.
All told, Kennedy was right, it’s time for a change, the torch has been passed, and I’ll cast my vote for change, accordingly.
yay obama. i’m interested in knowing why people support clinton. I can’t stand clinton, particulary because of her inconsistent take on health care throughout past years.
after reading through this heated debate- I’m dying to know why velvet j is a hilary fan?
@ 38 ….um where does your reference show Bush acknowledging Obama…Like I said I saw with my own 4 eyes him ignoring Obama…now he may have went back and gave him dap but initially he ignored him…Thank YoU!
@40
I love how so many of us keep bringing up “are you supporting him just because he’s Black?”. Yall need to stop that nonsense. Listen, if Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton were running I would NOT be supporting, I would vote for Billary. I am not voting for Obama just because he’s Black. Obama is a very good candidate and happens to be Black. If you would rather support someone a good candidate that looks like me, rather than someone else. We have a chance to make real history here, a change. Imagine the effect on our community if we had someone who looks like us in the white house. This is long overdue.
Ok it did say that but what I saw was different…that’s BS!
#30. Kucinich dropped out of the race.
#45 Yeah, I know. I was just sayin its sad that no one is talking about him and instead going on and on about Obama/Clinton, when really they are the same and Kucininch being the most progressive
Too little too late George…The economy has been bad for i don’t know how long and he is just now trying to do something?
I LOVE Obama. And not just becuase I’m black. I think America needs change and new direction. I don’t know too much about Ted Kennedy, but I’ve heard that he’s a liar, a cheat, etc. Personally I don’t care about him or his endorsement. And lets not forget Bill Clinton isn’t a sain’t either…….(I’m from Arkansas)….we need not bring up White Water, Monica L (adultry)., or any other scandal of that era. The point is people need to make an informed decision before loving Hillary just cause she’s Bills spouse, or loving Obama just cause he’s black. The two generally have the same amount of expericence as Senators.
Personall I believe people are tired of the Clintion and Bush Administrations. Obama is like the J.F.K of our time, in that he’s young and fresh, with new innovative thought. I believe he has a greater chance of changing the way the world (especially militant nations like, Korea, Iraq, Iran, Africa (Sudan), etc who believe women should be seen and not heard) views us. I think that Hillary is a wonderful powerful woman, but I don’t believe she can change the WORLD! If we’re going to see a better economy we need world change, not just American change. These men who run these nations are bread to believe women are inferior. I don’t believe they’ll show her the respect she deserves or take her seriously. And for those of you who do not know how the economy works; let me explain it to you…….
The world’s economy (not just America) is dependent on Foreign Trade. Without foreign trade, there is NO economy. That’s how the World works. And always has. From as far back as History has taught us. And even up to today. The US is dependant upon other nations of the world like Middle Eastern Nations (Iraq, Iran, etc) for oil, coal, etc (i.e. Energy). These nations will supply us oil at a low cost per barrel in exchange for Treaty Agreements to become an ally; which would allow them the use of our Military for protection against their enemies like the militant Insurgents in Iraqi nations. We need them as much as they need us.
If we are going to change our economy well have to negotiate better trade practices regarding our dependency on foreign resources; which would lower everyday American energy cost (electric bills, gas prices, etc). This will have to be negotiated by a fresh face. People in America may feel that Bill Clinton did good for Americans, but how do nations of the world view the Clintions? If she wins, (which I hope she doesn’t) she’ll be persecuted for guilt by association. If these nations feel slighted by any doings of the Clinton Administration, she’ll receive the burnt of it which will effect all of us as Americans.
This election is not only about healing America, but also mending nations of the world. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!
Knowledge is truly power!
PRESIDENT BUSH – 2001-2007- “WHAT A EFFIN WASTE”
people love ones dying for the control of oil. bring them people HOME!!! don’t try to blind me by handing out CHECKS….you tried this a few years ago. thanks for the first one, but you eventually got that money right back.
@#7, That is exactly why i didn’t watch…I knew he wouldn’t be talking about anything
Well said #40
I’ve got to commend you again Angel for placing really important issues that young people really need to pay attention to on your blog.
I can’t believe I watched that mess ! He didn’t say nothing he aint already said. And did everybody look like the were sleep or about to fall asleep lol.
I can see why the Kennedy’s endoresed into the Obama campaigne. Obama is one of the most eloquent speakers of today. Kennedy and Dr. King were the same way during the Civil Rights Movement. I’m voting for Barrack not because he is black because the man can reach out to people that some public figures can’t. The old and the new generation respects this man and that is something that is very hard to do. Well the primary voting for here in Illinois is taking place on Tuesday can’t wait
If you ahevn’t regeistered, register because we the young kids make a difference. We are the future. Senior Citizens make up the large population of votes and that’s not good people. We young kids need to take a stand get involve 
I’m too happy for Obama. I’m so excited to be voting for the first time in this election. I’m for Obama all the way!!!
32.
Diamonds & Girls
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
VelvetJ
LOL…If a blog chooses to bias or not bias during the campaign…to be honest it’s the writers’ prerogative. Who are YOU to dictate what does and does not go in THEIR blog? If you don’t like it, there are plenty of other blogs on the internet that support Billary. Hell, start your own blog! =]
I think most can agree that this is a fairly URBAN blog and therefore you can expect urban issues/stories to be explored a little more in depth than other non-urban issues.
_____________________________________________________________________
You just saved me some typing lol. People act like this is not a BLACK BLOG.
Seriously, Black people should not have to defend why they are supporting Obama, nor should people assume that one is doing so because of his race. If a white woman supports Hilary or a white man supports Edwards, it isn’t questioned, nor are they demonized. So cut the bull out! Barack is intelligent, can unite all Americans, is graceful and if the naysayers bother to read his policies will see that they are indeed insightful!
Obama 2008!
Obama!! You’re in when the Kennedy’s endorse you!
The Kennedy endorsement is good, but I think the media is playing up to a nauseating potential. Its big, but not that big and Hillary has received key endorsements today. Congresswoman Maxine Waters in California and the announcement of Maya Angelou. There are a lot others that aren’t being said, I didn’t even know Kimora Lee was endorsing her too until last night, but I remember the big slash showing Usher and others with Obama. Again I respect everyone opinion and their vote. In all honesty, the Kennedy endorsement is very fishy. I am young and don’t know much about Ted Kennedy, but what from what I have heard, he doesn’t have the greatest track record. And the three Kennedy’s supporting Hillary I think two have delegate votes in their respective states, so I would say that counts more. To all the Obama supporters, he has a very very tough task this coming Tuesday. Hillary is leading in the states with the big delegate count and in double digits. Obama really is going to have have a good debate this Thursday. He is going to have to talk about the issues and not just sit and talk about what all Hillary and Bill has to say about him. Everybody make sure to catch the debate this thursday.
Hillary 2008!
Wow not one word about helping our Brothas and Sistas in New Orleans after all they went through, that’s cold…The people of New Orleans are as tough as a dollar steak, for the B.S. this Federal Government has done to them.