Tired, somber, apathetic? When the president stood up at the podium before Congress, all he was criticized for, with good reason, turned into nonsense. His speech proved him ready to fight, resolute, lighthearted and, first and foremost, full of political fervor.
Up to now, every time Obama is in trouble and the support behind his presidency withers away, he suddenly takes action and manages to give it a boost. Will he be able to regain trust once again? One speech alone will not bring the change.
However, this particular speech focused on the state of the nation was of major importance — for Obama, for the outlook of his party and for his place in history. Will Obama make history as the first African-American president of the United States, or will he accomplish more than that? It will become evident as early as this year. Is the health care reform going to be a success despite all the major setbacks? Is the nuclear deal with Iran going to become a reality? Is immigration reform going to begin? Is Obama still able to use his personality and charisma to win elections again? The past year, the first of his second term in office, has been mainly a waste of time.
His speech had three major goals: to unify and inspire his fellow Democrats, show his determination for action unaffected by political adversity and instill optimism among American citizens at a moment when 62 percent of them believe the country has taken a wrong path. The first poll results following the speech indicated that this triple-jump may have been a success. Whether the change in the national mood will withstand the wind can only be proven in the turmoil of the harsh political reality.
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