SOTU

It was apparent immediately that the constitutional small print had morphed into high drama--more than usual. The politicians in their usual finery, hair coiffed, whitened smiles--but this year with politically integrated seating, implying that political principles distinguish the parties and that they were willing to put them aside to sit with each other, like self conscious school kids, while the press ooh'd and ah'd about the pairings. It was felt this would be of more import than most. The country feels it is under some pressure and is looking for solutions. Obama, the best speaker since Reagan, would surely rise to the occasion. Everyone knows the budget has to be cut. Everyone knows that taxes have to go up. Everyone knows that the result will be a decline in living standards--"temporary inconvenience, permanent improvement". The Americans can do this. The question is: How will this be done? What is right? What is fair? What will do the least damage? And, with the singularly American preoccupation, how will this be done consistent with our political principles? (This strange nation seems to have more principles in its population than in its politicians.)

The worry, anxiety and labor of the last year gave birth to a mouse. Obama was strangely subdued. He was fluid but facile; nothing was challenging, nothing hard won. We were encouraged but not led, inspired but to no end. He was like a sparring partner: Technically perfect. Like General McClellan, he knew everything about combat but commitment.

Some coaches are all fire; they rely on their assistants for technique and tactics. Some are all tactics. At a moment last night that demanded energy and vision, Obama walked into the spotlight, won the coin flip and deferred the choice.