From our own TheBlaze:
His speech was designed to be a pep-talk. It was designed to give basic facts and to leave average Americans feeling slightly better somehow about this whole situation.
We were not his audience for this speech, so getting pissed that it didn't cater to what we look for is beyond ridiculous.
I'll tell you what I wanted him to say. I wanted him to give me DETAILS. I want to know EXACTLY what is being done. I wanted to hear him say 'WE DON'T TRUST BP AND THEIR ACTIONS ARE SUSPECT."
It's really that simple. It's such a no-brainer I'm flummoxed he didn't realize it. DETAILS. REALITY.
So, did you want him to spend 11 hours describing a comprehensive energy plan coupled with plans for clean-up / stopping the leak? Did you think anyone other than political nerds like us would WATCH that shit?
No. Not 11 hours. Just 10 minutes. It's not just information for "political nerds." It's the reason there is discussion about this.
Lots of people here are frustrated with this speech and it's not an illusion. Just because we bear left doesn't mean we don't recognize a stumble when we see one.
This is also not about arming the right. Sometimes, situations occur that no amount of disregard can cloak. For a man that, I think, has conducted himself well in office, tackled a potential depression, got healthcare reform passed and created at least a modicum of optimism among the masses - this is a poorly conceived moment. He started off well. He ended well. The middle was missing.
This was not a speech for ignorant. It was not a speech for the Blue Dogs. I honestly don't see the urgency from him. I wish I did. It leaves you to wonder whether we were harder on Bush during Katrina than we should have been - and to even consider that kind of 360 degree turn is anathema to me.
I sincerely hope he gives us some more details in the next few days. It's what is necessary for this situation. We need to see more boats in the gulf collecting oil and keeping the marshland safe. It's been a month.
I absolutely HATE that I have criticism for this man, but it can't be helped. It's not unwarranted. It's what democrats do. We hold people accountable and react based on our own values and work ethic, not a party line.