A Home-Run or a Triple?
Russ Smith and David Limbaugh weigh in on Bush’s address to Congress.

Compiled by Kathryn Jean Lopez, NR associate editor
February 28, 2001 9:35 a.m.

Russ Smith, editor-in-chief and "MUGGER" columnist for the New York Press
The triple that President Bush hit last night wasn't withdrawn from a trust fund; that was a Horatio Alger three-bagger. The sops to the Democrats at the beginning weren't much to my liking — although who could quarrel with the Joe Moakley tribute? — but that's politics. What was most impressive was the way the speech kept building and building until he got to the tax cut crescendo, which was laid out in a manner that liberals, who are already up to a $900-billion plan of their own, will have a difficult time discrediting without sounding petty and Clintonian.

To my relief, Bush hasn't forgotten about partial privatization of Social Security, and, though its repeal may have to be sacrificed this year, correctly calling the estate tax the "death" tax shows that the President isn't just thinking about the first 100 days.

But the most satisfying part of the evening was that it wasn't President Gore before Congress.

David Limbaugh, syndicated columnist
They can say what they want about President George W. Bush, but the man has style and class. I think what was most noteworthy about his address to Congress was his deftness in threading the political needle of confrontation and compromise, firmness and graciousness, sobriety and cheerfulness.

He was unapologetic and uncompromising yet completely inoffensive, as when he subtly quoted scripture (without referencing it) or when he avoided the word "vouchers," but unequivocally expressed his intention to make them part of the mix to ensure accountability in education. Bush showed his skills as a negotiator, yielding little turf but allowing the other side to feel courted and accommodated, rather than alienated. It works for Bush because he is sincere; he's not posturing or angling to deceive.

Who says Bush can't communicate? He turned the tables on the Democrats when setting forth his tax plan, making the case that it would be irresponsible and, yes, unfair not to implement it. He covered all the budget bases, including deficit reduction, entitlement reform, defense restoration, contingency funds, and a refund of the balance. He was careful to make the point that all the debt that is available to be retired will be retired.

Bush took every opportunity to distinguish himself from Bill Clinton, something that 90% of Americans would agree is a judicious move. How sweet it was to hear the sounds of praise for small business, industriousness, pride in the military — and an emphasis on values, civility, honor, and the rule of law.

Finally, we again have a leader with a positive and uplifting message who is obviously committed to building America up, not tearing it down.

Bush's performance appeared even better when contrasted with the carping, demagogic, divisive, and insincere rejoinders from Daschle and Gephardt. My only regret is that they didn't take more time to dig themselves into an even deeper hole.

The two Democrats came off as petty high-school debaters more interested in scoring polemical points than in solving the nation's problems. Their perfunctory overtures to bipartisanship following their unsavory harangues oozed with insincerity. I doubt that even their wives believed them.

The opposition just doesn't know how to deal with this unusual Texan. Bush won a major battle last night without firing a kill shot. But the shrapnel was everywhere.