Hello Anderson and Erica
Great show tonight !
Hi to all the bloggers Megan,Ashley, Chris Sosa, Pati , Brandi
Obama plan to help health care , jobs is hopeful

I was pleased to hear the President's plan; however his plan on education reform falls short of making the child's caretaker responsible for their education. I believe that it takes motivation to learn and motivation towards education starts at home.

Thanks M.Woods

Hi there,
WOW – What a speech, I knew he'd do well.
Facebook was interesting.

Obama's speech was laced with bulletpoints from his campaign: reforming healthcare, rolling back the Bush tax cuts to wealthiest Americans, ending the war in Iraq.

Sure, I'm an Obama supporter and have been for at least a year, but even so I cannot remember another President who stayed so focused on his campaign promises once he got into office.

Paying for all this will be tough and I think he's going to have to raise taxes. That will hurt but I think it's necessary.

Good evening Anderson, Erica, Randi and all Bloggers. Listening now to the State of the Union.

Interesting speech so far.

goodevening everyone. happy mardi gras!

WE don't have the money for all these promises Obama is making. I suggest just giving ALL Americans a tax cut in their checks immediately and let us use the money we as see fit .

I agree 100 %!

Evening Anderson, Erica, CNN and all bloggers. The Facebook experiment is great... but it's eating about 15 MB of my hard drive space every minute. (I already had to clean it out once...)

President Obama's speech was broad and exactly what was expected. I am 110% behind our President and Commander in Chief. With that said show me the money. Where do we go to see these line by line 2 trillion dollar cuts? Where do we go to see the stimulus package line by line? This is the open administration so show me the money and the documentation.

Good evening, Anderson, Erica, David G, Megan, Rikki, Esma, Bea, Pati MC, EJ, Ken, Brandi, Jennifer, Barbara, Isabel, Glen, others I surely forgot to mention, and new bloggers!

So far I am thoroughly impressed by this speech.

Obama recognizes people and the real struggles that brought them to the piont to electing him it's more than Bush ever gave anyone credit for

Happy Mardi Gras, everyone!!! Hey Brandi!

We want America to succeed.... but do we have to support those institutions that are failing through greed and recklessness?

Good evening Anderson and all bloggers.

How can Obama propose the biggest spending bill in history, when he just said the deficit is too high?

good evening everyone...anderson, erica, fellow smartees
I'm def. liking this peech..I like hope oozing from the president lol
And yes...Don't mess with Joe..that should be the slogan for this recovery plan

Just blindly giving _all_ the stimulus money through checks to the American public would get the Obama administration as criticized as the Bush administration for not setting requirements and regulations to the Banks who got the TARP money... and wouldn't guarantee that the money would be spent (What about all the people who speak of being frugal and saving their money?).

Good evening Anderson, Erica, Ashley, Megan, EJ, Brandi, Vanessa, Chris, and all my fellow conversationalists! Listening to President Obama tell the stories of these inspiring Americans should remind us all that at our core America is still strong and we're not quitters! Wow...it gave me goosebumps! That speech was amazing!

Great Speach!

Evening Anderson, awesome blogger pals....

Best line of the speech "Nobody messes with Joe"! That was awesome!

Thank You M. Woods! You don't know how many times I see it as a teacher. If the parents do not care, it's hard for the student to care.

That was a great speech. I'll wait to hear more about the specifics.

I liked what the President had to say about education especially.

Anyone have a dollar amount as to how high the US deficit is, post-stimulus plan?

I loved when he said education starts @ home, it's not a republican or democrat issue

President Obama gave a frank but hopeful speech. I am very proud he is my president. It feels like he is really looking at issues and resolutions that will advance our country long term rather than solving a short term problem. I love Barack Obama -

When a company falls on difficult times, they reduce their staff and workers. During tough times, our government should not be immune from similar thinking …

Therefore, reduce the House of Representatives from the current 435 members to 218 members and Senate members from 100 to 50 (one per State). Also reduce remaining staff by 25%. Gains would include …

$44,108,400 for elimination of base pay for congress
$97,175,000 for elimination of the above people's staff
$240,294 for the reduction in remaining staff by 25%.
$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork barrel ear-marks each year. (those members whose jobs are gone. Current estimates for total government pork earmarks are at $15 Billion / yr)

Tension between Presidential rivals fades when individuals decide to work together.

Good evening all! I was as usual impressed with President Obama's speech he does speak very well and his speeches are wonderful but at this time they are just words to me!

I want to see some real actions being taken!

Hi everyone. It was a good speech. And Congress got a bonus workout. Up. Down. Up. Down.

Greetings everyone!

I don't know about you all but I feel better after listening to President Obama's speech.

I love you Obama, and I loved your speech. May your words inspire every American as it inspired me.

Hi Rikki, Chris, Glen, Ashley, Megan, all.

Good evening Cooper, Hill, Gergen, King, Blitzer, correspondents, contributers, panel, staff, and crew.

Also happy Mardi Gras bloggers (Rikki, Chris, Esma, Megan, Vanessa, Lauren, Glen, Brandi, EJ, and all others).

I thought it was a great speech. I feel like he's trying to be a superhero a bit though, and it scares me. As Gergen is saying right now...

Ambitious or naive?

The more I hear and see of President Obama the more proud of this country I become. I am 41 years old and for the first time in my adult life I feel that we have a President that finally understands what needs to be done to bring our country back to the greatness that we are capable of.

Very inspiring speech. Even I am not an American, I feel all charged up after listening to Obama's speech.......I was on facebook and I think most of the Americans love this new President.... and so does the rest of the world!

This is the most challenging admisinstration Obama is trying to help people he laid out a agenda and wants to recover this economy so badly .

I may have answered my own question. An online "US debt clock" mentions the US owes over $10,843,000,000,000... That's almost 11 trillion dollars. _Way_ bigger than the $825-billion stimulus plan, which is less than 10% of the total debt.

What I find so scary is our country going into further debt and other countries seem to be doing better and possibly one day have the advantage over us?

am i the only one that was a little confused about the facebook thing??

hey esma!

"Tension between Presidential rivals fades when individuals decide to work together."

Fantasyland.

Amazing, amazing tale of that South Carolina school girl. Wow. We should be ashamed of letting her down, South Carolina should be ashamed of failing to provide basic and adequate school facilities to a little girl of hope, ambition, and vision. We need more people like her for the future of our country.

Terrific speech. America has become so accustomed to having folks who are not talented in the oval office, some don't realize the possibilities. Much of this can be done.

Anderson and Erica, can we get AC360 streaming on Facebook now?

I would agree to return my stimulus check, credit or whatever you call it if it were made possible. Not because I don't want it, because someone may need it more. Join in, make it possible.
I am us!

I'm wondering how the stock market will repsond tomorrow. Any thoughts?

Can he do that AC? Pulling things off on Capital Hill depends on what the perception if his speech is.... I try to remain fairly Stoic, though there are moments to differ and defer.

I love you Obama, and I loved your speech. May your words inspire every American as they inspired me.

wow..congressman "twitter"-ing? was he talking to Jack? lol

ha! the new prez is a lefty! i wonder how many former prez's were lefties?

A lovely speech. But a good salesman understands it is best to under-promise and over-deliver. No one could disagree with the lofty goals and important wishlist for our nation the President puts forth. If our nation had unlimited resources and money to spend, I'd be all for it.

The only little problem is how to pay for it all. I hope the President has a fairy godmother waiting in the wings. I see no way to do this otherwise.

I think its awesome that the Senators Twitter!

In listening to President Obama’s speech and considering myself a moderate, I am struck (and I’d love to hear David Gergan’s thoughts on this) on the similarities between this speech and President Nixon’s 1974 State of The Union address (YouTube). Not just broad statements on energy, healthcare, environment, cancer research & oil – but specific language. What has happened between now and then? And Obama sounding like Nixon? Not exactly twins – have we come full circle?

I thought Obama's speech was just more of the same rhetoric that he has been saying all through out his campaign. I heard nothing new.

Cindy...Ga.

All I heard was spend, spend, spend, spend....

I agree with you Pati! That was awsome! Noooo-body messes with Joe!

Great speach! I have not felt this good about the hopes and dreams for America in years! Thank God that we have a new President with new ideas and a since of urgency to get us there!

He did an amazing job!!!! He outlined his plan very well. He understands the value of education. He is not an elitist nor was he born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he has worked with the poor and working class and he understands their pain. TEAM BARACK!!!!

From Obama's speech i can tell he is in touch with what is happening in our households. That is what we need. We need someone in Washington who is in touch with our lives.

I think Obama has the best laid plans Health care, and education are very important, thank you!!!

Thank God there was no "Mission Accomplished" banner!

Good evening everyone on the show & best blogggers

Pres. Obama sure can make me feel better, even when i remain very concerned about the state our country is in and the wars.

Hope he can do what he says...

I can't belive Jindal is the republicans choice of response to Pres. Obama...i thought Jindal was too busy denying his state benefits from the stimulus package!

I loved the speech.
Hey Chris, EJ, Megan, Ashley, Rikki, Isabel, the Vanessas, Glen, the rest of the awesome bloggers, and of course, all at AC360!

The speech did not ease my mind about the economy or the recovery plan. All I see is short term gain with long term pain.

oh that was a great speech with lot of promises. If we can get two out of three agenda works, that will be a great accomplishment

After listening to his speech – I thought more about more education (I already have a masters degree) but I'm all student loaned out.

@ Cal: Brillant idea!

Hey Ashley! yeah he does resemble the superhero figure swooping down to save us.

Anderson,
The Address was great–determined and focused–especially for the limited time Pres. Obama has been in the White House. Thanks for your excellent coverage.

@ashley,

im going to go with naive, trying to be an optimist. lol

ej, you forgot me!

I was pleased to see the address by President Obama. I am a veteran of the US Army, and I must say that tears began to flow down my face with hopes of a new nation, a nation that returns to "in God we trust", and a nation that I am proud to be a part of. It is amazing to see a people of all parties and ethnicities that embrace the focus of our country. I AM PLEASED AND PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!

Impressive speech. It kept my interest throughout – to the point where I grabbed paper and took notes.

Adored the fact that Pres. Obama challenged every American to participate in further education. So many important points were made.

Evening Chris.S, Michelle D., Vanessa, Silver Spring, MD, Canelssa, TX, Gill, Glen, Stacy, Jennifer, MI, Ashley, Lauren, NY and all you guys...

Senators twittering, getting the President's autograph...it's like Disney!

@ Brandi-Clinton and W are both lefties. (I'm a lefty too, so I tend to notice)

During tough economic times, we should reduce the size – and cost! – of government.
We need to start with a reduction of congressional staff sizes and salaries, plus a reduction of the federal government offices, workers and their salaries....woops!......we elected Obama and the opposite is happening. It is so hippocritical that it's scary!

Mike, Fantasyland? We don't know what goes on behind closed doors when McCain and Obama don't have to worry about their parties (or supporters) overhearing them... Maybe he's hinting at something?

Borrowing money, to pay off money that you couldn't afford origanally & then adding more things that you can't afford to do with that borrowed $$ .....
mmmmmmm as a single parent I've been living this way for years myself!

An analogy comparrison of Kayne West and Obama Roland Martin keeping it real !

Next speech, would someone please put some superglue in Nancy Pelosi's seat? How many times did she stand up tonight, I lost count. Overall, I thought he gave a very good speech, but that is just words, what the US needs now is ACTION!

Did you all hear that laugh on the audio? Humm...... and Anderson thinks he has a goofy laugh.

Jindal is trying to rewrite his speech at the last minute I guess!

Nice campaign speech. I'd like to see the $2 trillion in savings he found.

Obama is realistic he said this is not going to be easy.

Hi Pati Mc – Good speech tonight, ey?

This is what real leadership is, and thank goodness we have him as our president today. He said what he needed as far as explaining his policies, defining his vision for our future, and how to deal with the many problems facing our country.

We need to get behind him as a country and stop the sniping that has hurt our politics for much too long.

Great speech–just what we needed at this time!

k, im waiting to hear what my governor has done.

he picked a good day to do it, most people down here are still drinking up mardi gras and probably wont hear about it. lol

Good evening everyone. Great speech but hard to be optimistic with the problems so huge. I really want to believe. Now for the Republican response...not sure I want to hear the negativity. As I watched different interview Bobby Jindal did with the press this week I found myself wondering if John McCain isn't kicking himself for choosing Palin over him...what was he thinking?

It's great to hear the CNN subtle commentary while watching the presidential coverage.

Good evening bloggers! I can't believe I missed the WHOLE thing.

Xtina, you may be right re: "spend, spend, spend"... but to quote/paraphrase Obama himself: "It's a stimulus bill. Of _course_ it's all about spending!"

Hi Brandi and Pati! : )

Hey all, i had to switch over from the CNN/LIVE Facebook blog to this one. WOW What a speech. My President did an amazing job tonight. "We are not Quitters'.

Hey no one mentioned me either ? I hope that Obama will end the war and bring the troops home . It's bringing the country closer as a nation

Sonja– glad you noticed that too. I thought I was going to be ill having to stare at her the entire speech. She is sooooo fake!

It's like a concert, groupies and all.

Great Speach! Wonder what Jindal could possibly say in response?

i have never seen Nancy Pelosi smiling so much. How about we get G W give him a call.

@ Glen Up North: It's a small world after all. Disney is America's largest employer - 65,000 employees. They are layoff a large part of their workforce. Las Vegas is suffering too.

Hello Bloggers! Was over doing the Facebook thing. Pres. Obama's speech was very optimistic. Can't wait to hear the GOP response!

I heard him discuss the school situation and I heard on local news today that several schools in Roanoke VA will be closing! Sad!
Wonder how the stimulus will help them?

@ Jennifer, MI – Excellent question about Wall Street tomorrow. The President was a little tough on Wall St, and rihtly so. I am thinking it may be mixed. (and I am trying to be hopeful in saying that).

Hi, Anderson,

Hello, bloggers!
Hello, Megan, EJ, Mave, Brand, Ashley!, ChrisSosa, and Esma!

Wonderful speech by the President and I loved the CNN Live with facebook. Only regretted not having bloggers in my contacts. But you are of congratulations! Very modern and very connectivity! Great!

Nancy Pelosi couldn't keep herself in her seat. lol

Greetings All!

Good speech. I would like to meet my president.

HALLO! Obama comeletly wowed me. Wonderful rhetoric as always!

I'm not too sure about the cancer cure part but overall, it was a very inspiring speech. I know that some may be disappointed by the lack of details, but details on every single goal would have probably carried us into sunrise. Friday. May 6th.

Woohoo! What an inspiring speech! I feel downright patriotic.

I was excited to participate in the CNN/Facebook thing..kinda slow though @ times, delay

Hey guys!!!!
I am back to CNN now from Facebook!!!!!
Hellooo Anderson, Erica, David G, John King, and more...... Also helloooo bloggers!!!!
Pres. Obama is great speech tonight!!! Awesome!!!!

I can't say that I was impressed. It was the same old rhetoric and the same old arrogant attitude.

Bobby Jindal is glib and that's it. What has he done for Louisiana?

Jennifer, actually, you just described basically what every corporate country does with regards to their respective privately-owned "Federal Reserve": borrow more money to pay back the debt plus the accumulated interest... as the only source of money is the same "Federal Reserve".

So glad that there was some sort of bi-partisanship in Congress. Just hope it wasn't all acting.

Hope everyone is having a good night.

If democrats are Kanye West then Republicans are 50 Cent...I loved it Anderson.

Miranda

I heard one your commentators ask about details in the President's Speech. I want to know How much details can anyone put into a one hour speech that is supposed to cover all these issues plaguing our country.
Thanks

I guess we shall see.

Hi Anderson,

This is exactly the type of speech President Obama needed to make at this time. It was direct, confident, motivational. I agree 100% with Roland, President Obama is a ambitious president. An ambitious president is exactly what this country needs and is asking for leadership.

When are Obama and his staff going to stop campaigning?

I can’t believe the taxpayers are funding this political operation.

I also find it hard to believe that taxpayers are financing all of these new high-level government positions created by Obama (and the many millions of dollars that go with them for staff, offices, transportation, etc) that are only political machines for image and have nothing substantive to contribute.

This is insane!!!

President Obama never ceases to amaze me with his energy and insight on so many issues. Amazing speech.

Hello, the reason our President needed to talk about health care, education and energy is because they are so closely tied to the economy. I think he made that point very clearly...did you miss that??

GREAT SPEECH. AMAZING. EXTRAORDINARY

The fan fare for Obama is like a rockstar congress shaking his hands getting autgraghs

Yes Michelle D, but what was Anderson's response about 50 Cent. Don't tell me that Hip Hop does not matter!

Ken B. I'm with you, the tears fell and I realized how much I needed to hear the President project hope during these dire times , yet remain real and honest about the current situation. The speech was on target, seeing Michelle show such pride was great but what made it come together was watching all the politicians in one room for a time appear to be on one page. We'll only succeed if we unite to save each of us.

Absolutely fantastic speech. The most inspiring presidential speech I have heard in my adult lifetime.

My hope is that members of Congress and the House take the President's message seriously. My opinion is that most Republicans, to include Bobby Jindal, are too busy trying to crush the President's plan for American success instead of thinking about the citizens who elected them and who they serve.

I am so grateful we have this President. Education, energy, and healthcare- it is about time we finally addressed these. For the first time ever in my political life, I actually do have hope. I am inspired.

Thanks for the luv Renee ... some innovation is what the country needs to pull us out of this crisis.

Jindal...you're move, Sherlock.

There better be something good to say about Obama from the GOP side....

Good evening everyone! I was over on Facebook, but no sign of anyone from CNN.

No problem, I'll just hang out here with my buds

Hellooo Anderson, Erica, David G, John King, and more…… Also helloooo bloggers!!!!
Pres. Obama is great speech tonight!!! Awesome!!!!

So Obama is going to get praise for raising troop levels yet Bush got trounced for it! Yeah...that makes perfect sense!

Cindy..Ga.

Bobby just wants to get on camera. He sounds a bit like Mr Rogers

President Obama provided a wonderful overview of things to come. For the comments made about all of the different aspects being ambitious was STUPID! The economy is a multifaceted problem and has many contributing factors. And failure to look a the total scope of the problem is asinine. The closed minded right are a big part of the problem and the hipocrasy that was shown this evening, just to get a camera shot did them no good.

With President Obama's speech, we watched a real leader who speaks in complete sentences who called on us to stand up straight and fly right.

His priorities of the economy, energy, health care and education are the core values of all of us who have despaired of the selfishness of Bush/Cheney and their Republican predecessors.

Jindal is unctuously insincere.

Governer Jindal sounds like he's reading to children with his high pitch rehearsed voice. It does not sound genuine.

I love Bobby's accent.

why do we need to bring up the race issue everytime Obama makes a speech? And why do I need to know Jindal's life history?

There's too much debt (leverage) in the system, as Americans have lived beyond their means for yrs. What's Obama's answer (Hank Paulson's too)? More debt – that's what the TALF program is all about, trying to revitalize moribund parts of the lending market. Fortunately, for now, the Chinese will finance the incremental leverage as they have no deisre to see their currency appreciate. At some point, the game will end.

I agree with the comment on cutting back employees at the white house level as well! Don't you think they have just a few too many getting paid way too much?

I still think car companies will never gain my respect again in America until they lose the worthless unions and pay their employees a good average wage! I have not owned an American car in years and don't plan to ever again I want something good on gas and that is built to last, some of us don't go out buy a new car every year so that car loan thing is stupid!

I wonder how 50 cent feels about being compared to republicans. Maybe Michael Steel can get 50 cent to be a surrogate and recruit those hip hop republicans.

President Obama did a good job this evening telling the American people the "high times are over".......and it's not about saving "banks" but saving people!!..............He spread it too far though.....just as the stimulus bill was drafted with too much.......the Federal govt. is too "big" and the stimulus will just create more govt. bureacracy at the "state" level. Let's get out of Iraq, and dismantle the FHWA that was created to create the interstate highway system that is now complete. Use that reform to create a new Federal Transportation Agency that will use the money for high-speed rail line......more money into highways only reinforces our dependence on foreign oil.

why is Gov Jidal is doing rebuttal? He kinda sounds like he's "acting" the speech

Why does the GOP reaction have to sound so....rehearsed? It makes it so much more.....dreadful. The enthusiasm? Uh, no.

Wow. Gov. Jindal's been coached. I can almost feel the pain in his smile.

No AC360 webcasts tonight?

How can this be a nation that returns to “in God we trust” when we can not trust our government…sneaking in so many political paybacks into the Spending (oh, sorry, Stimulus) bill that they should be ashamed.

I bet Obama’s team sits around at night with their feet up on the desks we taxpayers have purchased for all the new government positions Obama created and laugh their heads off that some people are actually believing this stuff.

k, jindal sounds so scripted and does much better without a written speech. he sounds like he is reading a book to kids.

his charisma is not coming through. and he has so much of it.

i hope it gets better.

Are you serious Jindal? From a lifetime Republican I have never been so disappointed in the Republican party since "W" started down the path to the toilet.

The Gop is all about buisness and how the richh get richer .They are not for the people.

We are not quitters!!!! I agree with Pres. Obama!!!

I don't like the Jindal standing up thing. This personal story has nothing to do with the financial crisis.

If after a month of its possession President Obama has the approval of 68% of Americans, after his speech I think that number grow!

welcome everyone... a lot to cover tonite...

Why does it sound as if Bobby Jindal is talking to me like I'M FIVE YEARS OLD??? Oh my God, his tone is absolutely infuriating. It just sounds condescending...

OK, Bobby sounds like a Disney movie narrator. I'm disturbed. What's going on?

Wow, Bobby Jindal walking up to the camera freaked me out. And what is this, an infomercial? It sounds waaaay too scripted.

I love our President. He is so positive and energetic. When he speaks, I feel I can do anything. Tomorrow I will go out and spend some money. I truly believe in Multi-tasking. I'm a single mother and I know this first hand. I totally believe President Obama can multi-task and get enormous things accomplished. Washington moves way toooo slow. We're lucky we have an energetic caring man that has an abilty to walk and chew gum with such grace and conviction.

Gov. Jindal is talking way too fast!

I think Rep. Jindal has a compelling story, but he sounds like he's reading to third-graders.

Bobby Jindal campaigning already.

Mr. Rollins is living is the past. He, Bobby Jindal and their fellow conservatives need to stop putting up roadblocks and phony rhetoric and provide new ideas and new solutions not the same plans and schemes that got all of us into this mess.

Come on now, it is obvious Bobby Jindal is positioning himself for the future not actually seeking consensus for the country. Enough of the rhetoric Mr. Jindal we need solutions.

Thank you President Obama! You have put the hopes and dreams back in Americans. We are all behind you...and yes, I am back in school about to receive a Masters Degree and have decided to pursuit my PhD. Thank you for putting the hopes and dreams back in all Americans!

Cooper...I enjoyed watching the speech on FaceBook. I'm thinking that you need to do your cam and live blog on one page like that so it would be SO much easier for us to do both.

Cindy..Ga.

I don't care about your personal life Jindal. Youv'e already started to run for President.

President Obama delivered a poignant speech. He covered all the areas that needed to be covered. Who knows whether all he wants to work will work. Just give him a chance though. We can't do any worse than we've done in the last 8 years. Just give him a chance, that's all.

Jindal sounds so rehearsed. Hard to listen to this dude.

Hey Anderson. No kidding. Even I have notes!

hello anderson! no mardi gras for you this year???

Is Jindal channeling Kenneth from 30 Rock?

First off let we say most of us here in Canada can only dream of what it would be like to have a leader like Barrack Obama.

I watched his speech tonight and then listened to some of the comments from the people on your show. The reason I post this comment is that I'm not sure your guests understand. Americans shouldn't see what the President can accomplish, they should get involved and see what Americans can accomplish. If he fails with what he says can be done, you as Americans lose. If our Prime Minister gave a speech like that I would stand behind him 100% and failure for him or my country would not be an option. You shouldn't be talking about whether or not he is too ambitous you should be talking about what Americans can do to GET IT DONE! Too Ambitous is that the new American dream? I'm beside myself. Let me know if Barrack needs a ride to Canada, we will welcome his ambition with open arms!

Why does Gov. Jindal sound like he's reading to a kindergarten class?
I like him, but come on....

This is crazy! people are asking Obama for his john handcock,lmao. He is a president not a pop star and he really didn't have nothing new to say but the same old bull. You followers act like this is something great,lmao. I want President Obama to state what jobs exactly will be made in the "private" sector all I read was construction in the local,state and federal sector. I would really love him telling exactly what the government intentions towards our banks! Please reporters lets quit using tax dollars to have lunches and dinners with the president and do your job......... I know that would mean asking meaningful questions and not just B.S.

"Let me tell you a story..." does Bobby record audiobooks on the side? If not he should!

How fabulous was President Obama's speech. Why not be optomistic and reach for the stars? As an educator I know that there is no where better to aim. We can do it, we have done it. All it takes is a little hard work, a little team work. Teams need leaders and it's about time we have one we can all respect and follow.

Thinking Jindel sounds like Mr. Rogers?

Won't you be my neighbor.

hey anderson...I think gov is gearing for Decision 2012 I don' like his "phony" enthusiasm

Very difficult to listen tp Mr. Jindal! ...then why not quit!

I know that the news persons have to look a and remark about the presidents speeches "there wasn't any substance"
But at this time we need all positive thinking and remarks as possible to motivate the American people not fuel any negative fires.
The American people are hurting and wreaked save the destructive remarks for later when there is signs of recovery.

Good evening Anderson and Fellow Bloggers –

Thought President Obama's speech was inspiring. I like his agenda.
Listening to Bobby Jindal now - is this the best the Republican's have to offer?

@ Brandi-I remember Jindal as being a totally different guy when I lived in NOLA, what happened?!

Obama just makes you feel good and confident went he speaks. He can walk, chew gum, talk, rub his head, and pat his summy, all at the same time. Unlike the do nothing Republican G. W. Bush and his cabinet. It is so freshing to see someone in charge and I have no dought he will get the things do that he say's he will. Go cry in you beer Republicans.

PLEASE, make it stop! This is totally scripted, He needs an acting teacher, and please get that man away from his enthusiasm in his voice. I've heard of speaking to gain attention, but not like this....

He sounds like an infomercial.

Gov. Jidal: "A democrat, and a good friend of mine!" Not a bit obvious. Haha.

Hey, Anderson. Wasn't sure if you'd be joining tonight with the hectic nature of tonight's program.

Hi Anderson, Erica, Megan, Chris S. EJ, everyone. I got on facebook but it slows my laptop way down.

I thought President Obama kind of opened things up. Going to the future in energy technology(wanting to lead, laying new cable to transmit energy), opening up access to higher education by 2020 (having highest proportion of college grads), addressing healthcare reform ( impacts on medicare and on jobs going overseas or staying here)

A lot in this speech to back up families, people working and looking for work,

Welcome Mr. Cooper!

This was a disappointing speech. All the same old stuff. How can a president stand there and lie to the Americans that voted for him. He said no pork in the last bill? DID I hear that right? Are you kidding me? and did he say no pork in the next bill? We are seeing pork already! The sad part is the drooling Democrats will be suckered in once again. How sad is it that a president will stand there and lie to Americans thinking we are all so stupid. Today was a sad day in history to me.

Republicans don't care about us. Pure rhetoric Jindahl.

Great presentation by Gov Bobby Jindal... at least he got the personality .... I felt like I was watching a very good TV evangelist. kuddos.

Why does Bobby Jindal sound like he is the narrator for a children's show?

Pres. Obama showed his ambition to help the people in America who need it most the (poor & mid-class). He is moving us out of stinky oil into the future where we belong!. Republicans do not like this becasue they have gotten pretty "FAT' these last 8 years and do not want to see the tax cuts expire in 2010. They should be thankful they get to stay fat for one more year. Republicans are spun, or should I say still spinning? Government stands for "WE" the PEOPLE so look out, the people are in charge and that is why Barack ROCKS ON!

Very difficult to listen tp Mr. Jindal! The Strength of America is not found in our government...then why not quit!

I agree Jindal sounds stilted...frankly, I don't think anyone's mind is going to be changed tonight. Obama's supporters will stay supporters, and those who disagree are going to continue to disagree. I did think he was characteristically well spoken, though.

I agree with you Esma. He does sound like a Disney movie narrator! Very strange . .

@ Casey J – I just said the same thing. He must have been a teacher in a past life. He sounds like he is talking to children. It is annoying me and I like the guy.

I think the president did a great job. What ever is necessary we must do.
The American people really need to feel that if our government can rescue the world with our tax dollars, why can't we rescue ourselves.

I just want to let all the AC360 American bloggers know that we have been hearing a lot of positive and very hopeful feedbacks about your new president in this part of the world.... everyone believes President Obama can fix the economy crisis (not only for US but the rest of the world as this whole crisis is a chain effect kind of thing). People also believe he is able to improve US relation with the Muslim world. YES, we are seeing a world class leader here!

Did anyone else think Nancy was trying to get her aerobics class in tonight? A little too up and down for me.

Hello, Anderson!
How many news today

Uh...... what is Jindal talking about?

...and the wolf said, "I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down!!!"

hi everyone, who is gov jindal talking to his children. rebuttal he is gonna get ran out town.

Sue – How can you mention him and the great Mr. Rogers in the same sentence. Rogers is probably turning in his grave.

I echo fellow Canadian James' comment 100%. We should be so lucky to have a leader like Obama up here! I believe I'd do my best to follow...

This is painful to listen to...

I couldn't stomach another teleprompter performance and loads of promises that are only going to cost the American people billions of dollars, with no real positive outcome. My proposal would be to send Congress and the administration to a refresher course in economics. Let the market do what it was set up to do.....correct itself. As for healthcare, I have family that lives in country with socialized medicine and trust me, you don't want it. 900,000 people are on waiting lists for procedures. The economy is in a bad state right now, but part of that is due to all the doom and gloom talk coming from Obama and the media. Even Bill Clinton asked him to stop. How many more years of this?

Bobby Jindal's response is weak and patronizing. It would have been better if he went off script and spoke from his heart. That's the difference between President Obama and everyone else. He speaks or at least seems to speak from the heart with honest passion for the American people. All I hear from Bobby Jindal is more negative criticism and no solutions.

Gov Jindal sounds like he's giving an informercial. Well at least he's not being negative, this is a good thing.

I am so tired of our government, both republican and democrat alike, pandering to the masses. Nearly everyone seems to feel that the period from the end of WWII to the late 1960's represents the best period for the middle class in our history. This is a period of time that witnessed some of the highest marginal tax rates in history (90%+ in top bracket). How can we pay for what needs to be done without taxation? A good, accessable, discussion of this can be found in Kevin Phillips "Wealth and Democracy: A Political History of the American Rich (2002)".

He sounds so chipper......he shouldn't sound like this when he's talking about taxes! I'm getting more and more worried about people's sanity....

Jindal needs to be more himself. He sounds too much like he is acting.

BTW..love your tie Coop!

Cindy...Ga.

We know he can talk up a storm and sounds very credible, but where is the meat and actual results? I am sorry but he sounds more like someone running for office than the President. Let's quit the twice or thrie weekly "on air" preachings and get down to actually running a government.

THANK YOU Bobby Jindal for telling it as it really is since the media is so in love with Obama to press him on the issues that effect main street!

Isn't it intolerant of people to attack Bobby Jindal personally ? maybe we could listen to the content of his speech, now how he says it.

Ok. Have heard Bobby Jindal. Sounds phoney, does not offer solutions, complains that we need bi-partisanship then goes on to slam Democrats, robotic. A very shallow attempt by the GOP to look "hip" or mimic the President but, alas, he's no Obama.

Sorry dudes.

Hi Anderson. I can't wait to hear the analysis of Jindal's speech.

Great speech.
Bobby Jindal sounds like he's reading a night time book. He's sound so fake. He needs to stop thinking about himself and start thinking about the people of this country.

I don't know, I kind of want them to monitor volcanoes. We've got a biggie up in Yellowstone that could blow Denver off the map.

I"ve just watched President Obama's historic speech. Finally! We have a leader , a real leader of this great country, who has the intelligence and will, confidence and strength to help us to rise to the heights most of us want to see this country reach. I have never been so proud to be an American. I"m inspired to do my part, and I believe with Obama at the helm, we CAN achieve all the things he spoke about tonight.

Are you kidding me with this guy? All I'm hearing is a 20th century rhetorical response to a 21st century speech from Obama. Republican's ideology is stuck in the past and its sad to watch.

Sorry, Bobby Jindal, but for someone who lives near a volcano, I DO care about volcano monitoring...

The economy has got to get better. I didn't have to mute or change the channel during a Presidential address. That is progress

Good Lord! What is Bobby Jindall talking about???? Ugh...

LOL you can tell Jindal is reading like a kid just learning to read.

After the last 8 years not sure any legislator (republican or democrat) should have the gall to stand up there and criticize spending. IMO there is a big difference in spending to help struggling Americans and spending on an unnecessary war and people who didn't need the help.

Anderson, I am very surprised to see you commenting tonight.

Ok I don't quite get the how this thing is going to create all these jobs? Permanent jobs? or just a few jobs here and there?
What about the school situation?

I know where I live we have no money for schools or anything in our budget?

How is this going to help that? And the car loan thing really is pathetic! I'm not buying a new car until things settle down period!

@ Rose NY, We (collectively) are the fairy godmothers WE are looking for. Getting America back on it's feet is a job for all of us. What are your ideas?

GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If nothing else atleast President Obama sounds like he is going to make congress work for their money! Sounds like theyre going to have to be like the everyday American that I have ever met

the President said that the automobile was invented in America .Not so .Who helps the President prepare his speech? shouldn't that person know his facts?

this is not the same jindal i met and listened to. put a mic in his hand and let him go on his gut. its obvious he is uncomfortable.

he likes to move around also.

Hellooo Anderson!!!!
Nice to see you on Tv with Wolf Blitzer tonight!!!!!

Im not sure... Gov Jindal has the right even if he is from Louisiana to use the governments poor response to hurricane Katrina as a political platformed response to President Obama's State of The Union Speech...it just seems wrong especially for those who died in the streets and were not picked up for days...just wrong.

Miranda

@ Rodney Obaigbena...i agree with you he is reading in a very akward way...and also i think it's too easy to just criticize! bring better ideas...and i will listen.

President Obama was take the center stage, to try to sell their broad agenda to people and to remove the US of deep recession and economic challenges facing the long term.

The GOP doesn't seem to understand that Americans are not in the mood for naysaying. Jindal's speech is negativism instead of hope. We voted for Obama because he looks for ways to inspire us toward "Yes".

Welcome Anderson! A lot to cover is right .
I have to wonder how you can find the time to blog during all this
have some red bull and gummy bears to keep awake !

Gov. Bobby Jindal is one of the worst liars and public speakers I have ever seen.

Jindal address to America ... I'm not impressed and like everthing from the GOP, Jindal is a Joke, the GOP is grasping at anything to make us forget what Nut Crazy Crap they've done and will continue to do.

Jindal is terrible. Why is he repeating Obama's ideas?

Hi Anderson and Wolf!

President Obama's speech and delivery tonight in my opinion was revolutionary. He covered all aspects of our Nation's concerns; Economy, Energy, Health Care, Education and Defense in a manner in which Democrats nor Republicans can dare gainsay.

Great job Mr. President!

Gil Anderson, Connecticut

Thank You Barack Obama! Intellect! Foresight! An American for America! Forgive the narrow sighted for they know not how to analyze, it has been eight years! God Speed!

Who staged this speech? He sounds local and small town. Frankly, he's talented but I keep feeling that if Obama were not black, Republicans would never have given Jindal this chance no matter how talented he is; or Michael Steele. Jindal had better be careful defending what's going on in Louisiana.

Why wouldn't someone want to send their children to a private school, as Gov.Jindal suggests? Please listen to his text, without judgment

So I suppose Gov Jindal won't be taking any stimulus money for LA then? Also, why is he talking to us like we're in kindergarten?

I wonder how many people turned off the TV after Obama's speech was over.

Bobby sounds like hes reading a bedtime strory to a 7 year old. Classic example of talking down to the public

Jindal has some good points, but bless his heart, he needs to work on his "stage" presence. I do agree with him about the pork that was in this last bill. Do we really need a rail system from Disney to Vegas or an updated volcano monitoring system?

You mean Bobby after all this time you still haven't read the...law.

I really don't hear much of a rebuttal. Jindal is basically regurgitating Obama's speech.

Anderson–or anybody else who happens to know the answer to this (I know you're crazy busy, Coop)–why exactly was this *not* considered a state of the union address? It may as well have been one, so why did they elect to not to call it that?

Jinaal..blah, blah, blah

He is repeating much of what Pres. Obama said tonight...boooorrrring!

f he wants to be president, he's got a long way to go.

Hi
Anderson, is the blog on longer than one hour tonight??

I hope SNL does a parody of Jindal's speech. That would be fun.

Don't take the money for the State of Louisiana and don't expect to be Governor long Jindal.

With all do respect Bobby Jindal please don't speak on the conditions of Hurricane Katrina because in a city that is celebrating Mardi Gras 10 blocks from the French quarter are neighboorhoods that are still in shambles and look the same as they did in 2005. He is rejecting money from the stimulus but his people are suffering in this state when is the last time he visited the former 9th ward? Don't be fooled I took calls for the last two hurricanes at 211 Shreveport and processes are still not where they should be 4 yrs later. Is he pushing his own political agenda? It's time to keep Bobby Jindal honest!

Rikki – My ears are bleeding...

David from Indiana – Hey, there! Knew I forgot to write a name. Even added the "G" so I could list you both... then got sidetracked trying to keep up.

What kind of phony rebuttal is this? Stop trying to win brownie point for the next election. you only show faithfulness by sticking to the now and not what any other party can and will do. Put all your attention on now. That's what will make you worthy to be looked at. Don't be a phony!

This is painful to listen to…

I agree with you, Rikki!!!! I don't want to listen him now!

Jindel is reading a speach just like obama only it's not live

it's like obama's infomercial that interupted the world series

Carly, how much of the bill is pork? Is it easy to look at the 1% rather than the whole package? Personally, the President delivered what I needed today, hope, truth, and the feeling that he truly cares. He could sit back and do nothing and have his job for four years but he's decided to give it his all to make the country better. No one is perfect, no plan is perfect but to have a president that tries and cares are all anyone can ask for in a leader.

Gov. Bobby Jindal is talking about energy saving with every light on in his house. What up AC

Who is this yahoo Bobby Jones? I'm confused. I feel like I'm watching some children's story time show.

Obama did great and if everyone would quite criticizing and just let the plan work maybe, just maybe it will. Republicans have a lot of nerve encouraging and predicting it's failure – it's no wonder the American people have no confidence – the bureacrats are trying to make sure Obama does not succeed and the expense of the people and I am entirely sick of it.

If Jindal were in a Adavance Placement Literature class, he would fail....an EPIC FAIL.

Pres. Obama spoke to us as an adult, and treated us like adults.The governor is speaking to us as if we were children and don't really get it. Maybe he's the one that doesn't get it.

The fight is over...move on.

Hey Anderson. Great Speech from President Obama tonight.

Jindal should know he can't go on after Obama and make a speech, Obama is the man when it comes to speeches!

This guy is boring!

Jindall stop milking Katrina for your own political purposes when you were probably cutting up John McCain's cake with Bush...ya ya ya..blah, blah, blah...all this Republicans want to work with President Obama rhetoric is a lie and Jindall same as Rick Perry here in Texas know it.

Stop lying Jindall!

is he preaching?! yikes...sounds like me when I'm telling my kids to behave and the consequences of misbehaving lol

I love that he said "SOMETHING called volcano monitoring."

Because that isn't self-explanatory AT ALL!

Wait. Isn't he just saying what the President said, only putting in the republican caveat of "but we need to do it OUR way" ? Feh.

I believe the tone of Jindal's speech is quite that the Republican conservative and subdued group likes. I think he's hitting home with his constituency.

I hope the Presidents plan work better than he thinks if will the republicans end up looking bad for not supporting the President

this guy bobby jindal is like a gop puppet....he is trying to talk like an " old timer" gop leader..

I agree xtina, acting like adults and showing respect even when we disagree would be a welcome change in our political culture.

shame on bobby jindal,we are not looking for a new president,we have one. you have not convince me that you are better than our new president,will not have my vote for anything.

The President's speech was outstanding! He has an agressive agenda. It sets our standards high, which they should be.

Our President just gave the best speech that, I have ever heard. He will be true to his word. He taking us on the right path to recovery for the USA. God Bless Us All.

As in a theatre,
the eyes of men, after a well-graced actor (Obama) leaves
the stage, are idly bent on him (Bobby Jindal) that enters next

We can do it America, lets pull together and get this country back on its feet. WOW he was great, great speech with passion and authority.
PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, I love it.

Bobby – this sounds like the same old same old. Tax breaks for goverment, school vouchers... you want everyone to have healthcare, but you don't want the goverment involved. In the local venacular, "that dog won't hunt!"

Bobby Jindal, your timing is horrible, the campaign is over, it's too late for the republican Barrack Obama so rather then campaign how about fixing your country

Yeah republicans do need to regain the trust of America

Carly, the questions I have to ask here are: "Where's the pork?" and "Who's qualified to determine this as pork?"

Jindal's response is ridiculous. It's just an add for the Republican Party! Why isn't it a senator or congressman? This is certainly the last breath of a dying beast.

Interesting and excellent speech!!!.......I believe the President, along with lawmakers will draft legislation to get us out of this economic mess. It truly is about the people! God Bless America!

Jindal is making me want to scream. He's "rebuttalling" by agreeing with Obama, and he's doing it like he's trying too hard.

Anyone got a count on how many times he said Hurricane during his rebuttal?

Anderson,

Great speach, problem is with the Republicans it's their way or the highway. The only Bipartisan support you will ever get from the Republicans is when it's their way. We've had 8 years of their version of fiscal responsibility. If you lost your job tell a Republican and you 'll understand who really cares....

Drew

Trust is a hard thing to regain once you've lost it...the Republicans have a lot of work ahead of them in order to regain the trust of America

WOW! I can't listen to the republican response seriously. It sounds like a instructional video gone bad.

Gov. Bobby Jindal's points would be convincing if the last 8 years had not been so disastrous! Sorry, America has to "hope" in something more...

This afternoon, I did a workshop for a WIA youth group in SE Kentucky about how important it is for them to continue their education beyond high school. I was happy to see all of Congress giving President Obama a standing ovation for his vision (and mine) of education. I am so happy that Education is now Patriotic.

Sharee
Barbourville, KY

Bobby should have Listen to the President before he spoke

He does sound like he is reading Dr. Suess.

Bobby is insulting my intelligence...Where is Anderson????

Anderson,

After the speech of President Obama, you believe that the opposition will have a better dialogue with the government?

Jindal will win over America's trust by leaving us to drown in lava.

No thanks.

We just heard the president talk to us like adults and attempt to explain the issues in an honest manner. Then we go to the response in which I felt like was talking to me like a 3 year old. It sounds like he is telling a bedtime story to his kids.

I don't think the president told us anything that we did not already know...just another campaign speech. Details are what the American people want and need. HOW, will I benefit from this package? I won't. I will continue to support those who cannot afford healthcare, homes, food etc. My taxes will go up, while others are getting bailed out. How, please explain, will I be helped as a citizen who played by the rules and worked my way up to the point I am at today? I do know, socialism is not the answer.

Jindal is truly awful. I thought he was so brilliant (at least that's the way he struck me before). Gosh, I am so surprised. If this is the best of the Republican Party then we will have a Democractic President for at least the next 12 years!

I'm not even listening to what he is saying he is so bad.

blah, blah, blah from Jindal....Do the Republicans continue to think that all Americans are that shallow and stupid? What is he talking about? I enjoyed President Obama's energy and fresh enthusiasm. We will all get the job done with his excellent leadership.

I would not want to be a resident in the state of Louisiana. Again, it is a reminder of how detached those in political offices are from America and that the "throwing rocks" game still exist. Once a child always a child.

Gov Jindals tone of voice makes it difficult to even hear his words and impossible to feel inspired by them.

There's NO comparison.

Anderson, It seemed that Jindals response was pre-empted by a Mr. Rogers re-run. He seems to be addressing a third grade class not the American people. I tried to get my 16 year old son to watch but he couldn't stand the condesending tone.

President Obama speach was great tonight and he is a true Statesman.Bobby Jindal was and is one of the most fake and phony speakers that I have ever listened to.If they are grooming him to run against President Obama in 2012 they are in BIG trouble again.

I haven't had the chance to see President Obama speak tonight however I am seeing Bobby Jindal on television now and it seems to me Rep. Bobby Jindal is on a mission to further his career as a political figure. He sounds ridiculous on television, it sounds like a campaign advertisement. Furthermore, I think the American people know we dont need this kind of politics especially in a time of urgency.

It's nice to have an intelligent and articulate President! Just Awesome!

Gov. Jindal, how can you or the Republican Party regain the trust of Americans when you guys are full of greed and corruption or did you forget, Gov. Jindal?

I wonder who wrote Gov. Jindal's rebuttal?? It's time to get over it and move on.

Where was Gov Bobby during the last 8 years ?

What pride to have a President who can speak eloquently about substance – long overdue. Jindal was dealing with a Republican President and Congress for Katrina. His state is still a HOT MESS and shows that he and the Republican Party cannot accept responsibility or accountability. I would never give that Party my trust !

Where is your proof Carly? Where? As usual you are making statements with no support. Just like the majority of the Republicans. Carly don't believe the hype - The Republican hype.

Is Bobby Jindal kidding. How did he and the rest of the Republicans not read the stimulus. What the heck are they doing up there all this time if they are not reading the package. What did the American people put you in office for if you can't read 1000 pages over a two month period.

I have friends who are lawyers of big firms who constantly read through thousands upon thousands of documents in a week. If they can do it, how come the Republicans can't during a crisis like we are in right now. Enough of the BS already.

Bobby Jindal's response to president's speech seems to be a Election campaign speech rather than a response to President's speech.

Bobby Jindal you need to go the people in your state that are sleeping under bridges years after Katrina. And stop reading from the damn script and speak from your heart! You picked this non-creability having clown to speak!

The President is sure a breath of fresh air as a speaker. He was excellent in describing his master plan for the country. I think he needed to tell Congress to (1) pass a porkless budget so we can cut the deficit and (2) look at their own spending and cut it drastically. For (2), no travel unless mission critical, and wives/family pay their own way. They ought to demonstrate a recession style of governing, as we all face rough times. Finally, I would like a moratorium on the words: "democrat" "republican", "conservative" and "liberal", "tax and spend" and other such useless labels, so we can face this crisis together. Name calling is really immature and deflects from progress in moving us forward. God Bless America. I'm scared.

@esma,

im not sure, he wasnt like that a couple months ago when i got to meet him. given the freedom to speak as he wants shows a lot more of his charisma. he is very charming in person.

The best way to show the American people that there is no such thing as bi-partisanship in our government is to have a rebuttle by any party after the President speaks. It is simply irresponsible to say we need to work together, then to party-bash 5 minutes later. Especially behind an agenda of running for the Presidency of 2012 as Jindal is doing.

As I sit here and listen to Jindal, he loses credibility everytime he says "after Hurricane Katrina." Is he so blinded by the teleprompter and the Republican parties to realize that the government sent him the money to turn everything around, that he is touting he was able to do in Louisiana...

If this is the best the Repulican have for a rebuttal, they will probably lose the next election.

Brandon from Texas

It seems that somebody started his presidential campaign early.
This is the main reason I hate politicians. Is a group of liars with same philosophy.
Its time for the Republicans to realize that there are poor and rich in this country and they should all get same treatment.'
What Jindal talked about has been spoken by many before him and as we all know it hasn't work. Republicans needs to wake up and face the real America.

Since when does the opposing party give their comments on the other's speech.
Bobby Jindal sounds like he is talking to two year olds...oh that's right, that's about the average intellect of Republicans.
Republicans have consistantly screwed up the budgets. If you keep on giving tax cuts, then how do you pay down the debt.
Republicans screw everything up. If Bobby Jindal is the new face of the GOP and he gets elected, then I will sit back and have a beer while I watch the downfall of the U.S.

Cheers,

Governor Jindal gave a speech which is in essence the same as President Obama's. The goals as stated are the same as our President only he recreated it as a Republican view. It left an impression and puzzlement why Republicans opposes his plan at all. However, I think he would have made a powerful speech if he started with "I read the bill and...". At the same time, he failed to focus on how to resolve our current economic crisis. And no, tax cuts is not the be all and end all of our recovery. The apparent disconnect to people losing homes, losing jobs and losing money remains apparent for the Republican party.

Anderson:

David said it well, first part of the President's speech was New Deal and second, New Society. It's a lot to accomplish, but we can do no less. We owe it to all the little girl from SC and all children sitting in the classrooms of this country.

Jindal sounded like he was repeating a lot of what POTUS just said. He makes me YAWN!

For Brandi–President Obama is the eighth left-handed president. It made my daughter very happy; she's a lefty too!

I am currently listening to the Gov. talk...took him long enough to get to the point! Given the past 8 years and the mess we are in, it is time to let some other policy take over. I voted for Mr. Obama because my family just can't afford four more years of Republican, free market economic policies.

Free market only works in theory because economics can not accurately take human nature into account with its formulas! That is just a plain and simple fact. Greed trumps free market every time! There can be no such thing as a true free market because of it! The government has to maintain a watch dog position in order to keep recessions like this one from happening. Too much temptations for $$ makers.

I'm tired of Republicans insisting that the Stimulus bill was full of pork. Most of that stuff CAN create or save jobs. It's not merely pork if it works. Heck, many economists are afraid the bill isn't big enough!

As a person of color I must say there can be infuential individuals on both sides of the isle.

Thank goodness he is finally done. Whew! I have no clue how substantive his words were. I just could not get past his horrible speaking tone.

I think what's turning me off of Gov. Jindal is that it is so obvious that his speech – and IMO, him as well by association – isn't sincere at all. It's so practiced! He reminds me of how storytellers read books to little kids – really annoying like. =\

I was impressed with President Obama's speech tonight and I think he made a situation for Republicans that based on their reactions will cause them to be pushed out of politics or will give them a place at the table. I think all of America has seen that he wants all Americans to come together to work to pull ourselves out of this mess and if he is met at every turn with resistance all of America will rebel against the group that is resisting his efforts.

The GOP party is suffering, so why did they chose an obvious amateur come behind the President? I mean honestly, why not ask K. Hutchinson, J. McCain or any other gop with experience to showcase the GOP?

Oh well, the president was fantastic and I'm still feeling good from his speech.

Also this guy was there durring hurricane katrina teling the sheriff to go help the people on the roofs of homes that were flooded...it took fema 10 days to get water and help to the peopleof L.A.

Why are you airing this speech from the gov. of Louisiana?
I find it abhorrent that this man is using the atrocity of hurricane katrina to argue against the ideas of the current administration.

My husband and I listened intently to a wonderful speech given by President Obama. He was full of truth and hope in one speech. We have a suggestion for the media....you all are great too...but give your viewers some relief too. Every night we hear only negative rhetoric, sprinkle some hope on our lives too.

The President was great tonihgt. God Bless Us.

I am not a Democrate. I'm just a citizen.
Why do these people ( the republicans) think that health care should not be reform. We have health insurance and we are still paying for my husband kidney stone attack that put him in the ER. They didn't even do anything. Gave him pain killers and sent him home.
The Republicans don't want to reform educations. I have to wonder why. Is it because, when people are not educated they will not be able to fight back when they are being robbed by the people who they voted in to office.

I don't think it is a question of wanting to send your children to private schools but the cost! I know most people would prefer private schools with all the crime and half raised kids that go to public schools but God who can afford that?

I love Obama for the fact that he knows how to connect with an audience in such a way that doesn't conotate a bad symbol

Bobby Jindal and the stability in Louisiana. You have to be kidding me. The people of Louisiana are starving and suffering more than most of us here in the country. We do not appreciate the grandson of a prominent Banker in India telling us how we should take care of our country. Perhaps her should run for Presdient in India. Not here. Not this time. Not ever.Obama is the real deal.

Republicans have started the campaign for 2012 early . I hope Jindal will stop speaking to us like two year olds and remember we just listened to Obama offer the same proposaals ..from the democrats

Gov. Jindal made a statement about how the government failed to help after Katrina. Was this not during the Republican held government? Why do the Republicans continue to complain about the large government spending now when it is needed? Do they not remember how much they spent during the past 8 years when it wasn't needed? We should always invest in our country and its future especially now!

Really? Were we all listening to the same speech? Obama didn't do anything but recap what he's said time and time again! No wonder he only needed one full dress rehearsal – he's already had so many during his campaign, the inauguration, and every speech he's given since he was elected! Come on – I know what he plans or wants to do, but now I want to know how!!!! How will we emerge? How will we rebuild the economy?

Um, I'm lost. Why does Jindal feel he can use the slow Federal government aid for Hurricane Katrina victims... against _Obama_? Surely he realizes the GOP was in power when Katrina hit?

Did Bobby Jindal ever think about narrating Disney movies or High School health movies? He's really got it down and the content was as meaningful and relevant in those flix as was the content in his rebut this eve..

I'd love to hear Jeff Toobin's analysis of Jindal's speech.

Re Jindal comments about Volcano monitoring.

For folks in Oregon, California, Washington State, Montana and Idaho this is similar to the role of the national weather service monitoring hurricanes. Who needs it?

Gov. Jindal reminds me why I stopped supporting Republicans. Waving a flag and tooting your horn doesn't work to solve problems. Mr. Rogers in a suit.

Rex from Maui

lmao anyone who disagrees with president Obama gets attacked you followers need to calm down and listen to what Bobby Jindal said your so busy making fun of him that you sound like a bunch of school kids .

Bobby Jindal and the stability in Louisiana. You have to be kidding me. The people of Louisiana are starving and suffering more than most of us here in the country. We do not appreciate the grandson of a prominent Banker in India telling us how we should take care of our country. Perhaps her should run for President in India. Not here. Not this time. Not ever.Obama is the real deal.

I don't want Obama's big brother government. I don't believe Congress and Washington can spend my money better than I. Are all Obama supporters really that confident in the these goofs in Congress? Do they really want to follow the leader their whole life?

"The republican party wants to regain your trust" says Governor Jindal. Is this a campaign speech? The country just voted no to your ideas. Can we give the democrats a chance for the next 4 years? He could make his response speech 4 years from now.

I agree with you 100% Gisselle. Amen Sister. Amen.

Why is it that a governor from one of the poorest states focuses on a natural disaster that they still haven't recovered from by say that tax cuts is what helped them survive. That is a blatant lie.

Ugh! Okay, enough of Jindal already. He's making me have flashback to my Physics of Music class. BORING! He made me want to pull out hair. Oh, wait! He done! Thank you. Thank you

Hi Anderson and Co.

I thought it was a great speech that touched on the issues President Obama considers most important, energy, health care and education. I esp. like the fact that he told parents that they have a responsiblity with regards to their children's education and that education starts in the home.
I wish him the best and hope he's able to accomplish all that he wants to do.
ps. Piyush Jindal's speech is rather boring..he needs some lessons in public speaking.

I wonder what other bloggers from around the world think about tonights speech? Mr. Jindal give the president a chance! and guess what? I'm a registered Republican, and yes I voted for Obama

I just can not believe that Obama still does not think that there was any pork in the stimulus bill. He must be kidding himself! It was packed!!

Cindy...Ga.

Energizing speech...he continues to raise the bar for this country, something we have not had in many years.

Question: Anderson in years past, have members of Congress sought after the autograph of the President as they did tonight? I would like to see the footage after Bush's first speech to Congress.

The republicans need to do better than that. They still haven't recovered from the mess of the campaign.

Jindal response – one word boring

he started off pretty bad

Gov. Bobby Jindal? How embarrassing!
How shallow of the Republican party to select a member with "diversity" – but the face and delivery of a salesman.
Absolutely pathetic. Thank you Govenor for helping me be very, very clear, that this year, I voted correctly.
My advice to you sir, is get a new coach. Thank you President Obama, for staying so clear – when it is so very, very tough out here.

I believe the POTUS...I believe we are gonna rebuild

P.S. Vanessa, Silver Spings...this is the first time I use "POTUS"....YAY lol

President Obama knocked this speech out of the park. Did Bobby Jindal whatch the same speech we did?

Did someone tell Bobby Jindal that his audience would be a bunch of 1st graders? I fell like I'm back in grade school and I've just sat down for "Storytime." His tone is rather insulting.

I think Jindal is joke. His speech doesn't feel sincere at all. He reminds me of a Maverick we saw last year.

Many will say Obama missed the detailed part of the plan, however if he give it all up, there would be no room innovation from others. We are a union and the details should come from all of us, not just Obama.

I think the speech was amazing and very inspiring! But I did not appreciate Bobby Jindal had to come out so negative. At least though he announce that republicans MESSED up! Still not good enough, these last 8 years have made me mind my mind up. Republicans no more, democrats ALL DAY!

One word comes to mind- Spectacular!

Pres. Obama stated tonight that the Bush tax cuts are going to be rolled back for the top 2% of wage earners. For those top 2% that own "S" Corporations, that means those companies will have a tax increase. Thus that translates into an indirect tax increase for the consumers that buy that company's products.
Would that possibly mean that the company's employees might take a cut in pay?
How does this stimulate the economy?

Pres. Obama said that the stimulus pkg. will extend unemployment. From what i read in the pkg all that they extended was the DATE to APPLY for emergency extended, and not extending unemployment to Tier 3. Can you confirm or explain if the pkg really does extend benefits to the people currently in tier 2 and about to run out.

LA Gov. says he has done so well but look at his unemployment rate compared to everyone else. Its not any different?? He's just a new face and nationality for the Republicans that they hope will give them media time. He also just repeated ALOT of what Obama stated right before him. If he doesn't want the money send it to Florida. We need it bad!

Bobby Jindal's speech was terrible.

WOW, finally some positive charisma in one of this country's darkest hours.

There are many things happening right now with or economy, but it all needs to start with consumer confidence. If there was ever a speach to instill confidence in Amercans, this was it!

I felt like Gov Jindal was talking to me as if I was a kindergartner learning the alphabet for the first time. If these people would stop treating citizens as children, maybe more of us would grow up and take responsibility for our own situations.

Jindal's rebuttal was pathetic.

I think that President Obama's speech did exactly what it was intended to do. It provided an uplifting and ambitious agenda that allows the American people to hope for a better future for ourselves and our posterity. As for the Republican Response, I think that Bobby Jindal's staunch partisanship and out-dated ideals of this country's political parties crushed his credibility with anyone who is not a loyal supporter of his right-wing stance.

Omg! Did anyone else get annoyed by how Bobby Jindal was talking? He talked like the American people are all in pre-school. It was so annoying.

As an American now living in Greece, I got up at 3 AM to watch the President's speech, and I'm glad I did! . My immediate thought as he finished was "Gosh, it's good to be truly proud of my Country and my President again !

There is no doubt in my mind that two types of people will believe that more drilling is a solution to oil shortages1. People who are wealthy enough that it isn't a real problem. 2. people who are sucked in to believing this to be an option.

Jindal's strengths and weaknesses seem to be the opposite of Obama's. He is good with Q and A, but pretty stiff with pre-written speeches.

After watching Gov. Jindal's response, I'd like to remind him and the GOP that bashing science like he did is pretty hypocritical. I'm pretty certain something called "weather monitoring" save thousands of lives during Katrina.

This Canadian was impressed and hopes the people of the US are inspired and heartened by Obama's speech.

As a member of a uniformed service, I was filled with great patriotism when I heard the President speak tonight. Lofty goals some may say, but Americans aim high, and they can achieve high as well.

Jindal is completely ridiculous. If he's the bright hope of the Rep. Party, I feel sorry for them. I felt as if I was being talked to like a moron. And am I the only one that was slightly turned on by Obama's speech?

@ Renee: I completely agree! There were too many standing ovations. I understand support but they didn't have to interrupt President Obama every 5 minutes.

Sounds like the Republicans response was made to be read as a bedtime story!!! Sounds appropriate!!!

Kudos to President Obama. That was the best speech he has done thus far. He is outstanding. He is real. And I am behind him 110%.

Governor Jindal seemed to be using a tone of voice I use when talking to my 3 year old. What's up with that?

How many times did congress need to stand up clap and sit down? It was ridiculous, seemed more like a rally than a speech. Was anyone else annoyed by this? I’d like to know how many times they did that.

What a political showing.

What an incredible speech. Open and honest. Hopeful and realistic. It is the best Presidential speech I have seen in years.

Bobby Jindal only wants to push his parties agenda onto the american people. I do not see any bipartisanship occuring anytime soon.

Tonights speech was amazing. It served a great purpose in these tough economic times. Tonight we saw Obama in a new light. As our Commander in Chief. He was assertive and blunt, which is just what this country needs right now. America is going through rough times. But if we set aside our differences, erase our party lines. We can and we will over come our problems. It just takes time, confidence, and team work.

President Obama's agenda is very ambitious and I Love It!! Its about time we had an ambitious president.

Jindal – sounded like he was giving an infomercial presentation. I felt no sincerity in it.

By far the best speaker and most leader like commander in chief we have had in my lifetime. He does inspire hope and trust.

Look forward to see the President's plan put into action. If only half of it can be accomplished then we, the Americans who can anything, will be in great shape!!!

i'd like to see tom friedman as an advisor to president obama

I am glad we have a President with some ambition! Gov. Jindal comes off a little hokey- and almost like he didn't HEAR the president's speech.

President Obama didn't say anything really new. He can speak that is a given but he didn't say anything to me personally.

The rebuttal sounds like a bad infomercial at like 4 in the morning..."All we have is fear itself", a wonderful quote and it seems the Republicans are trying to play that card...really hard to us...even though they were responsible for the majority of the debt we now have and wants us to forget it to trust them again so they can try to push their agendas through...I hope we don't buy it...we need change not more of the same...President Obama needs to remind us of these facts when Republicans try to say they will work with him yet do otherwise despite the will of the people.

Miranda

The President said many things that the everyday person has been saying for months and wanting someone to finally stand up and say it in congress. It was a clear signal to everyone, he has come to do the job that we voted for him to do – excellent speech and best I've heard in many years

Why did Bobby Jindal sound like he was speaking to 5 year olds? It was like Mister Jindal's Neighborhood. I thought he'd get out a picture book or introduce Mr. Greenjeans.

Who can go into specifics of the plans if you only have an hour! He has the specifics. Do you have 24hours to listen to them? Can you give those type of specifics in only an hour?!?! The president is on point!

Are you kidding... No pork in the recent stimulus bill... Wake-up America

anderson cooper, could you tell me if gov. jindal of louisiana has
fixed ward 9 yet? he sounds like a man who don't want to help the poor. he maybe the new face of the republican party but does he
help the poor of his own state or just talk about?.
this governor talks abouts doing anything let us know what has he done to really fix louisiana ward 9 district and get his poor back to their homes. i believe brad pitt has done more than this governor, which makes him a bad spokes person. i apologize if my knowledge is incorrect and i am listening to you to answer this big question for us. does he cut taxes for his state and starve the poor, or does he fix the problems of his state by any means necessary, even raising taxes.

That GOP rebutle was absolutly ridiculous. WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO DIVIDE THE COUNTRY?!?! If there is any time were people need to get together it is NOW. Why is he saying "we did this", "they did that". NO!!. We are all in it together. Get some guts and stop being politicians.

Obama just nailed so many of the things that simply had to be said, and said them clearly, succintly and made me feel good! Nancy Pelosi messing with her agenda in the background irritated me.

What was Jindall talking about when he railed against reducing the military? Obama said that he was increasing it and raising their pay. Though I would have liked to have heard him talk about reducing contracting out the war, but that may be part of the budget cuts.

Jindal was more positive than Obama has been. Obama was a better speaker, but it was just another campaign speech.

@Sharon S. Regardless of jobs being temporary or permanent, it gives people money, who will then spend it in stores and on services, and those businesses will grow and offer jobs which will again give people money to spend and so on. Trickle up economics is what's needed now, not tax cuts in the hope those who benefit will invest in new workers because as we've seen over the last 7 years since Bush gave tax cuts to the richest Americans, it didn't work.

Jindal was terrible, but to be fair, the rebuttal is usually a recipe for failure. It's hard to follow the president and the energy in that hall.

Bobby ....We keep hearing the same-o same-o from you republicans. I'm falling asleep listening to you.

Jindal was terrible. i do not understand why he is gaining popularity.

why are people intimidated by Gov. Jindal? All he said was "don't trust Washington with your money". He's got a right to oppose Obama, doesn't he?

Yay, Gergen! ILU Gergen!

If Jindal is the future of the Republican Party, I'm biting the bullet and changing my registration to Democrat.

When was the last time we heard a president use the words "Accountable and Transparency"? I'm sold.

I think President Obama addressed all people tonight. Democrats, Republicans, and most importantly the American People. He made it clear and to the point. I believe he will save this country.

Lots of promises,,lots of talk =lots of taxes
Pelosi was making me dizzy

I was very pleased with Obama's forthright approach and honesty. Speech wa exactly as expected but necessary. However, listening to Gov. Jindal, he read his speech like it was a bedtime story. I know he was trying to be engaging but it didn't come across well

I was impressed with President Obama but unhappy with the republican party. I am sick of them talking about tax cuts but if you don't have a job how is this going to help me or anyone else. These tax cuts will only help their rich friends.

I couldn't understand the argument about Katrina Jindal made either David Gergen.

im confused bobby jindal talks about the republicans want whats best and their plan is for the american people hello..... didnt the republicans have eight years to get it right thats what i thought have a seat republicans its time for change.

My God, the response by the GOP and specifically Jindal, was the most pathetic response I have ever witnessed. It sounded as he was addressing a bunch of 6th graders with his tone and demeanor.

President Obama insires me again keeping my hope alive. He was reassuring and presidential. A promising leader at last!

Obama did a wonderful job tonight, however, I'm unsure of what the Gov of Lousiana is hoping to accomplish with this useless message. The bill has passed. What does this do other than cause dissent among our nation. I feel as this is disrepectful to the President and our country. Furthermore, I his message was condescending and offensive.

I was overall impressed with the speech, this is what the country needed! However I did make me question if Obama is watching h is back- With all the talk about how badly the countries economy was and how he is going to stop overspending by government etc- what about the Speaker of the house behind him that just returned from an all expensed paid trip to italy? This does not make sense...

I think President Obama did an excellent job of explaining what and how things need to be done. Gov Jindal seems like he's running for President in 2012. Give Obama a break, he inherited a Republican problem and he's been in office barely 30 days.

How can we believe any of this from Mr. Jindal!

Promising and inspiring speech? Very twisted and dishonest!

Have not learn anything from the lost campaign from the expectations for changes from the american people! Thank you for staying in the past and not providing a new world vision of the new and better place of America at home and with friends and allies!

Jindal's response was anticlimactic. After being titillated for an hour by Obama's rhetoric, I was let down by Jindal's words. What they say about grandma's house holds true for the GOP; regardless of what baked goods she gets you in the door with, she'll still tell you the same story about uncle Hank you hear every time. Lets try something new.

Jindel is a JOKE!!! New Orleans is still not rebuilt, but he has such a great plan on who to rescue the nation. RIGHT!!!!
How about you see about your own state first!

Obama's speech was great! As a public school teacher I appreciated his emphasis on parents taking an active role in thier children's education!

everett

It is not the President or government that can change things around for us. It is us that can change things.

Have you not heard, "Ask not what our country can do for you , but ask what you can do for your country?" I guess that Obama, Nancy or the rest of the Democratic Party never heard that either.

Gov. Jindal spoke to the country as though we were about 10 years old.

Give me a break CNN (and everyone else) how fake and phony can Governor Jindal be? Wow, Obama has only been in office for a little over a month and he (Governor Jindal) is already politicking for 2012? How disrespectful to give Mr. America face time and try to undermine President Obama–trust me, the Republicans got whipped in this election, keep it up and it will be another landslide come 2012-The Republicans had their 8 years--What a phony-you can tell he is jockeying for position-and I can read right through his disingenuous "caring" about the country–please-

What a speech i didn't think that President Obama would be thoughtful and clear headed and don't worrying about what the Republican party was going to do after his speech. He talked to tha people and that is what I enjoyed tha most keep it up MR. PRESIDENT.

It's extremely annoying listening to people who voted for 8 years of george bush complain about the deficit.

Obama said the right things and said them the right way. Communication is key. I was disappointed with Jindal's response. There was no substance. His Katrina analogy didn't make sense.

Great speech by the President! Short, to the point and on point! Now, about Bobby Jindal - new face, same old republican message.

Where's the magic wall John King to make this economy mess disappear . An emtional warm bath David Gergen -that's the idea calgon take me away from this gloom

Did I hear President Obama say that the checks were on the way? He was talking about the 95% of American who will receive a tax cut and I thought I heard him say "by the way, those checks are on the way"....are we getting a check?

The President speech was excellent. Even though it had many highlights/topics, I think it gave enough information for us the people to know wheres hes going.

Why won't he stand up to the members of Congress and stop all the earmarks, he promised us he would and he won't do it! And how about stopping the Congress from using Government jets instead of complaining about the CEO of the largest companies in the world having them?

Republicans need to realize that the Ultra Conservative Christian Right does not represent America. Bobby Jindal seems like a cloan in a young body. Wake up Republican Party!

President Obama is in a league all by himself.
The GOP does not have anyone who can
communicate on his level.

Seriously? Bobby Jindal already criticizing and pointing fingers. That was typical politics. Blame the others for being irresponsible. He even sounded fake.

For a guy who says he wants to be "bi-partisan", he sures spends a lot of time throwing darts an the Republicans. If I were a Republican congressman, I sure wouldn't have a warm fuzzy feeling towards this guy.

It's sad to see Republicans smerk when the President was speaking. They still can't believe they got us into this miss. After the speach, I feel more confident on how we will recover

As a Portland, Oregon resident, keeping an eye on volcanoes is important to our state's economy – an unexpected eruption would be a body blow. If Gov. Jindal can give up his levies, then we can talk.

Love the "take charge", "rebuild", and "move forward" rhetoric. Positive language helps build confidence. Not so much enjoying the "economy we inherited" rhetoric. Language like that only further drives the partisan wedge.

Jindal should have listened to President Obama before he wrote his own campaign speech. Did he forget Bush gave us a $5 trillion debt to destroy this economy

I was disappointed in Gov. Jindal's speech. He was not the eloquent speaker that I was expecting. Citing Katrina, which was a Republican administration's botched job, was just inappropriate. What was he thinking.

@ Gabriel, LOLOL! That's it. You nailed it. Whew! Jindal's speech was hard to sit through.

He did the job for me.. If i'm asked to grade the speech as a neutral Canadian.. He got the Job done

It seemed that the president was calling everyone out. He did very well and I hope the two sides can come together. That is really what we need.

It's been too long time to see a president who can show leadership, speak clearly, and show real dedication in helping this country.

Thank you, president Obama.

Rebuttal or informercial? It was like he was selling something I don't want to buy and will not.

As a former soilder and a current college student I think that this speach is what we need right now as a country and a world!

It seriously felt like Bobby Jindal was talking to a bunch of kids. Seriously. I don't think he's gonna get good reviews – is this guy really a contender for the Republican nomination in 2012?

I just listened to Bobby Jindal. The Republicans really are a one trick pony. Do they have any ideas other than tax cuts?

As a small business owner & a new home owner (for a year) On Main Street.... who's responsible and about to get married..... It was sobering and inspiring. Govenor JINDAL made no sense. Yes it will take time

my sense is that the president's speech was a move to be open and start to change the mindset of our country. it was not a state of the union like the republican counter person said. it was an opportunity to give all of us insight and a focus on the future. it wasn't a speech for details, i believe they will come. he is setting a new standard.

p.s. can we try to keep nancy p. in her seat, she's a bit distracting.

President Obama is trying to sell the impossible.

Debt got us here, debt cannot get us out. This is not a movie, and Obama is not the hero to come in last second and save the day. People need to be realistic here, and realize that our lifestyles far exceed our means. Until we balance that, there is no remedy unless you want to burden future generations.

O-B-A-M-A
YES WE CAN !
What a great speech !
I was tearful and jumping up and down.
I think that he is an inspiration to all of us and truly gave his listeners and our country Hope.
Oh,and I did catch Gov. Jindal's lame response.What a waste.
I have hope in our country !!!
O-B-A-M-A

I think Mr. Jindal somehow thinks he has a shot at the 2012 election...sorry for you if you think that. He's on air broadcast like he's is running for president... this is all an act for a shot at the election in 2012....he has nothing better to do..state your case why u will not be accepting the money and move on...republicans are just full of it...you guys lost deal with it.

Why did they let Jindal speak, and last time I checked Louisiana is still in the gutter and it too the former Republican president DAYS before even coming to Katrina Victims Aid

the president wants to buy 1 billion dollars of cars for congress, he's not just buying cars but creating a contract for JOBS!!!! Why cant they GET IT!!

Is it just me or did Gov. Jindal remind anyone else of Kenneth from "30 Rock"? Is he seriously the new face of the Republican Party? It seemed like he was addressing 6th graders in his remarks!

President Obama – excellent speech.

Very Energizing.

He has done more in the last 30 days – than Bush has done in 8 years.

Wake up America, Obama is just a puppet. If you thought Bush was bad, you haven't seen anything yet.

Great speech, and as expected I saw McCain's scowling face there, sore loser – he wouldn't be asking about military spending on Obama's helicopter if he or another Republican was riding in it., and he didn't raise the issue of spending for the last 8 years.

If the Republican Party wishes to earn back our trust and belief in their commitment to transparency, let them introduce a bill to prosecute the members of the previous Republican administration who betrayed that trust and led us down this path.

Was the President speaking to the party... especially when he spoke to what was inherited.... and was Jindal speaking to the party as well?

President Obama was nothing short of outstanding. On the other hand Jindle, that was nothing short of dumbing down. I felt like I was watching sesame street.

I love the way Bobby Jindal thinks money spent on monitoring mother nature (Volcanoes) is a waste of money, when his very own state was leveled by a hurricane.

Jindal can't rebutt that speech as much as he tried.
He sounds funny

Can everyone please stand behind this President? We will recover if we stick together! I do trust him.

Why did Gov. Jindal obviously misquote the President? He said that Obama said "may not be able to recover" when he infact said "if we dont act now, we may not be able to recover". That is dangerous how they are trying to mislead us.

The problem is complex and require more than one miracle decision; yes we need help, but we also need to change our ridiculous spending... we all did it; give it time

Wow, a great inspirational speech. I do believe in this stimulus bill and I believe that this can reduce our national debt. I believe he can become Franklin Roosevelt and pull us out of this disaster. I thought Jindal brought up some great points however we have leaned on the great spirit of these people for the last eight years and it has prevailed before but at the moment it needs help. We need to be boosted and I am confident that President Obama will use this package as that boost.

I am so pumped by Obama's speech, America is now a creditable nation again on the right path forward, it is up to us the people to make this happen, Obama will show us the way

Gergen is right, as he ALWAYS is...:) but Jindal was confusing about some of his arguments, the speech itself was horridly bland and it was hard to follow.

Miranda, this was not a State of the Union Speech.

Anderson-
The presidents speech may not have reached to business owner in particular, but to Americans as a whole. The president realizes the risk in the stimulus and the risk that it may take on our next generation. What an honest man. As American's we will get there....hold tight.

Anderson, you actually counted how many times the President said "Recover", you are too amazing!

Did anyone else get a Mr. Roger's feel from Bobby "Big Easy" Jindal ? Weirdo ! Obama's speech was definatly intruiging ! =)

Best speech to congress in my lifetime!! It inspired yet he told the truth !! If the dow was open it would have jumped plus1000 points

Amen to Karen C. We couldn't agree more. Gov. Jindal speaks about transparency in Gov't. Where was that transparency over the last eight years. All I can say is YES WE CAN...beautiful job Pres. Obama!!!

This president should have been a motivational speaker, not the President of the U.S. What he has done so far is far less than stellar. Government is never the solution.

The President's address was excellent, however Gov. Jindalls' response seemed more like yesterdays news, and didn't really reply to what the President said during his address. To be honest it made him (Jindall) sound unprepared. His (Jindalls') argument about Katrina simply was not true as the Federal Gov. has spent 175 B. dollars towards their recovery, their recover was not solely or even mostly on "good will".

Is the goverment assistance for college tuition only if you go to a state or city school?

PS That Jindal guy is the "rising star" in the Republican Party? Makes me want to cry.

i enjoyed the president speech. 2 trillion dollars we can save found during from the last administation. Gov. Jindal rebuttal proves more and more how the republicans are being disrepectful to the president and to Americal

"Emotional warm bath". David Gergen, you are awesome. Good to see you.

I appreciated the fact that Pres. Obama told the truth about the economy – he said it is in "crisis" that is the first time I recall hearing that from him. Telling it like it is is crucial at turning it around, surely.

I want Wall Street to bounce back but today I so needed to hear where the president was going and that he really believes it will get better. I do trust him, which is what we need during this time.

Maybe Thursday, he'll talk to the bank.

Why don't people on this blog discuss the content of Gov Jindal's speech? For example, do people agree that bigger government in this country not a good thing?

Although Obama faces searingly difficult challenges, I am so grateful and proud that we finally have a President who is grounded, thoughtful, courageous, intelligent, and who clearly loves our country in the way it should be loved...a combination of tough love and true devotion. I salute him. How can I help?

Thank GOD for the hope and 360.com
Tward

Did Gov.Jindal forget that Bush is the one who left Louisiana stranded during Katrina? If Jindal is the savior of the republican party I'm looking foward Pres. Obama's second term.

President Obama continues to restore my faith in this country's top administration. He is honest, realistic, optimistic, and intelligent. Progress is inevitiable. I trust this President.

Nzingha Ali, 44 yrs old
Atlanta, GA

The President just gave the speech I have personally been waiting for for over 7 years. It was concise and to the point, and almost too good. Bobby Jindal somehow had a speech that was a fake and unoriginal as any of W's. Wow, we are in the midst of a everything we have produced as a society. Let's go with the one that was optimistic at the very least.

Thanks Anderson,
chris

Obama did an amazing speech tonight. I trust Barack 100 percent.

I feel that Obama did a great job

I think President Barack H. Obama is truly one of the most
fascinating Presidents this country has ever seen. He's
inspiring, ambitious and i sense a very trustworthy man.
I'm content with his address tonight, brilliantly spoken by him.

I think his speech was just like ALL politicians speeches. He said all the things he knows we all want to hear. TALK IS CHEAP! I dont believe a word he nor any other suit in Washington says. ACTION speaks louder than WORDS!

I think that the speech Bobby Jindal gave was very obvious that he was readig from a tele prompter and wasnt clear in his message nor was it a strong enough presentation for his debut to the nation

The speech by Bobby Jindal is a clear indication the republicans refuse to work as one with the democratics. This country needs to be united as one!

Wow!!! Barack Obama is so inspiring. Then Bobby Jindal came on and I felt like Bush was in office all over again. Why are the Republicans so afraid to acknowledge that there might be something out there bigger and smarter than them!!!

@Lauren re – State of the Union - as I understand it, the State of the Union is held every January, with the exception of an inaugural year, in which case the inaugural address replaces the State of the Union. The State of the Union is the stage for the president to set his agenda for the year and during an inaugural year the outgoing president (in January) has no agenda to set. Hope this helps.

United we acheive, divide we fail. We all need to back the President in improving our economy and saving our country!! To go against Obama is to commit self destruction!!

Question: have they ever had a rebuttal after any address, or is this a new thing to bash the new President?
Not sure, that's why I'm asking.

President Obama is demonstrating what a leader is, and we are thankful to finally have one in office.

Pres. Obama's speech was typical of his speeches... he is a priest giving a revival sermon.... Gov. Jindal's speech was the same but felt Sleasy

Republicans suck. I think this language is dumbed down enough for y'all GOP supporters. This is a joke. The last 8 years people, last 8 years. I will say this again.....Republicans have been trivialized and marginalized!!
The whole bloody world can see it, except the religous right in the U.S.

The Republicans do not get it! They were in charge, gave all kinds of tax cuts and it did not work, both their policies and ideals failed. How much money did Louisana get from the federal government from Katrina? Jindal is a joke and so are the republicans.

Obama has what it takes – Gergen said it best – it was the what the country needed. Maybe not all the details we wanted but it his way of saying "Trust me."

Great speech. We have to see how it plays out. I'm hopeful.

Not impressed with bobby jindly.....he states no government intervention, and made out that his state alone fixed the problems brought about by hurricane katrina....did he forget about all the federal money that was put into his state....he lost any credibility with me.

Is Gov. Jindal planning on running for President anytime soon? Thats what it seems like to me. I don't think there exists any man who can out run President Obama. Thats just my take on it.
Faiza

The speech by the president tonight was by far one of the most moving speeches he has ever given! This touched on all the points that America needed to hear. He inspired this nation to belive in itself again. I dont care who you are or what party you identify with, if this wasnt brilliance then I dont know what is.

I thought Obama speech was wonderful!!!!! Straight to the point and what we need to hear with no B.S.

Great, Jindal just assured the American public that the Republicans will not join the bipartasian effort but instead will stand strong with their principals. In a time of change, the Republicans seem to go with politics instead of the good for America...

i think the speech was great .and everything he is trying to do is doing the help the people of the USA

sounds like obama wants to make congress work for their money!!!! Just like the rest of us.

Tonight President Obama restored some hope to the American people. He was honest, well-spoken and sincere in his obvious commitment to the recovery of the country. Well done!

I agree with the president about the wasteful spending in Iraq. Most of the money is going to contractors. It should be going in buying equipment and troops. I stand behind the president. Iraq has a surplus budget they can take care of themselves.

hope!! has come Obama told it as it is and this what america needed someone who is up front and ready to move forward

Barack's speech was very inspirational and uplifting. As well as answering many general questions the public had, his speech was very refreshing and renewed Americas hope for the future. I am amazed at how much Barack has grown as a public speaker

I work in the petroleum industry in America now. I have worked overseas in the industry for many years. I'm 53 years old. My hope is President Obama will keep me employed in the petroleum industry by exploring and developing our natural gas reserves in America.

I am from the state of louisiana and a state employee, and as i listen to our governor speaking, it is hard for me to here knowing the state of louisiana. Hardly transparent, and very corrupt, and if mr jindal was in louisiana sometimes and not campaigning for his bid, he would see this himself. Believe me he has his own agenda

Governor Jindal makes some very valid points. I also believe Americans are better off when they depend on one another and depend less on the government. Where is our great American spirit?

All our eggs have been put into a government bail-out. So many want to abandon self-reliance for government reliance. It makes me so sad that it has come to this.

Hope .. ready to help where help is needed.

Did Boby Jindahl listen to the president ??
His comments referenced the president's topics. What did the republicans accomplish in the last 8 years ?? Our current economy .

republicans still don't know what to say or how to say it. the Gev. was a joke

Really? Is this response the best the republicans have to offer?! Governor Jindal's demeanor was like that of a guest host from Sesame Street. I felt like he was talking down to the American people.

Obama keeps speaking about equality and things for the American people, but he's not trying to help all the American people. He has yet to mention equal rights for fathers that are being put out of their kid's lives. When is he going to do something about that? Do I have to cry on camera like Henrietta Hughes he gave a house to the very next day?

WOW, what type of rebuttal was that. He like other Republicans have entirely too much rhetoric where were they when the AMERICAN people were and continue to feel the effects of their poor leadership.

I"m one of the "regular" Americans looking forward to CHANGE.

President Obama's speech was inspiring. He owned his promises in optimism and that optimism was transferred to me.

Great Show. The President sure can give a speech.Jindal sounded very very fake .

Hi Anderson and Erica! Thought the speech was very good, spoke to the people, now if only Congress could get there act together and put the pettiness behind. As for Jindel, he sounded like a librarian reading a child's story and he used the same Repub talking points, including the outright lie about the train to Vegas. Don't even get me started on his Katrina stuff...

I believe in President Obama! I believe in the American Dream! I am inspired. I want my children to have the same opportunities that I had to go to college and to earn a living.

I will keep President Obama in my prayers. Let's Keep Moving Forward and May God Bless America!

The President put the Republicans on the spot by showing the american people that even one domestic issue, they are playing politics.

Excellent and moving speech. President Obama has an ambitious agenda. I believe he can accomplish his agenda with bipartisanship. However, the Republicans will be difficult to persuade.

Obama hit it out of the park! I'm so proud. We may be down financially, but Obama is a breath of fresh air. He is a natural leader, and an honest one who doesn't convolute his message in clouded meanings. He says it straight and tells it like it is. FINALLY!

I Quote the president on education "if u quit you do not only quit on yourself but you quit on your country" that to me is the most inspiring aspect of the speech as it is well known that education is the only recipe for better governance and prosperity. weldone presido we will not quit

Hello I wanted to let everyone that the speech was beautiful and inspiring. He had a message for every American of hope and inspiration.
He was moving had me in tears and felt like he was talking to me . I'm so inspired that I'm thinking of registering to go back to finish school. He's great and I believe that we can do it together.

I feel obligated to agree with President Obama however I completely agree with Governor Bobby Jindal's response. I do not think President Obama's speech addressed the future debt. A lot of what he addressed was ambiguous.

hello hello,
i am very hapy with what the president said tonight. The gop response seems the same as always, nothing new.

I am so proud of our President, for the first time in a long time.

I think Bobby Jindal made a good point that we can't take a loan from our children and use it to buy things we don't need. That is what this stimulus is really things we don't need. More money is going to be spent.

Obama said that the checks are going out. Did he mistakenly mean will be in our checks?

I don't agree with Bobby Gindal, I didn't get any help after Katrina.
The state has not changed, same old Louisiana. I hope all Louisianans don't sound the way he did.

Patrice

Does Gov. Jindal think anyone cares about Republican self serving ego? His speech only reinforces the perception of most Americans; Our politicians are full of ego and BS, and self serving.

Mr. Jindal talks to us like we are in elementary school.

I trust President Obama. He inspired me to force myself to do more. I am unemployed, but I am very hopeful. It has only been one month since he took office, but he was done a wonderful job. I think his speech tonight addressed the issues that should have been addressed and in simplistic terms.

I absolutely loved Obama's speech! Thank God we finally have a President who can help bring Peace to our country. We all know it is very much need in every way possible. God Bless You Barack Obama. You are Heaven sent!

the President's speech was wonderful. No holds barred – bad news and good news but full of inspiration. He's willing to make tough decisions and take on all the big issues. All I can say is – how can I help him get all this done?!

The speech was great and I love the talk about reducing the deficit but can someone do a piece about how much the US Government makes every day? What is the daily income from GNP, taxes, sale of grain & foreign investments etc? How much do we earn every day?

A great speech and a very honest man. I just hope the Republicans will stop playing politics and start working with this great leader.

I think the President presented his goals in a plain and candid manner and I agree with his approach. The economy won't be corrected overnight but I believe recovery is on its way.

As a bankruptcy attorney, I know that the situation is grave for many Americans. The recovery must happen now.

Thank you.

wow didn't the president said PUT YOUR POLITICAL ISSUE ON THE SIDE......Grow up Jindal people of America are hurting, while you guys living large...

2012 is a long way to go

I think that president Obama is a powerful speaker and his vision is clear to him. However, there is a whole sector of people that will not get help from any plan and I didn't hear of anything for them. I.E. people who lost their jobs, can't find one even at minimum wage, lost their home and unemployment is still making a determination so they have nothing. Where is the recovery for them?

Great speech tonight...looking forward to the President's recovery taking effect soon to improve the economy, create jobs, and free up credit.

It's amazing the republicans still have the bush agenda. President Obama like most Americans are very hopeful. Where as the republicans like Bobby Jindal still play the politics of fear.

CaseyJ – I know Gov Jindal is smart. I think we all just didn't realize that his speech presentation abilities need a bit of improvement (esp if he's going to run for President)

Geesh guys! He's only been in office since January and has achieved more than our former president did in 8 years. Give him a break! At least things are moving and he seems to be listening to the voices of the American people. Governor Juindu, or whoever he is from La is spouting the same Republican retorick we've heard before. Yawn! Let's get movin' on this economy!

Great speach and inspiration. I think we should all trust him. He is sincere. One thing that bothered me is the autographs at the end. Everyone of those autograps are worth money on ebay or a barter for a favor. Let's end this tradition obama.

Gov. Jindal, I respect your life story and all, but do yourself a favor and stop trying to gain convservatives' trust back. You want to criticize the biggest spending bill in history?......You keep saying.....if we can be bi-partisan.....Swallow your pride and work with Obama....Stop being so negative and offer new ideas to the cause!!!!

What was awesome about Obama's speech is his acknowledgment of the concerns shared by every American...that we don't want to reward the irresponsible, but that we still need to take serious action to solve the serious economic problems.

I am upset how the G.O.P continues to oppose the plan, however fails to provide suggestions specific to what they conclude will recover our economy...

I like that pres. Obama is right thing to do to save our friends to make to education, never drop out of school!!!

Sounds like Jindal should have listen to the speech before he was handed a pre written garbage from a syndical Republican. Obama talked about the issues Jindal was bashing
Give me a break, that was no rebuttal. It was a Slam on dems

The Governor is mistaken; Lousiana has the worse schools in the courntry. And there were 3 Republicans that voted for the stimulas bill. I feel that the country needs to focus on the bank managers that have lined their pocket with the money in this country.

I thought President Obama's speech was excellent. He was optimistic, inspiring, but also candid and more specific than usual. Sure, he could have given more details about regulations of banks and the ARRI or TARP, but who wants to hear a bunch of boring economic mumbo-jumbo? He was able to keep the audience's attention, and he reminded the people that he and his administration are working to solve the problems that plague America.

Jindal and the republicans have to realize that they aren't in charge any more. They cannot dictate the agenda!

I was please by the president speech, he was restoring the confidence in the united states.

Some of the republicans wasn't receptive to the president's speech and made it obvious on national tv.

President's speech? Quit campaigning, you won the election. Please provide some specifics.

Governor's response. Are you kidding me. Sounded like a President mini-me!

Why does Obama keep saying over and over again that there are "no ear-marks" in the Democrat stimulus package? Everyone else seems to say so...

Obama just passed the largest spending bill in history. Shouldn't that concern people?

wow...that is a great speaker....Obama....go get um

The world is affected by what occurs in your country. If President Obama enacts most of his plans, sunny days are truly ahead not just for your country, but for the whole world.

The President did an outstanding job! He is in the driver seat and it is his turn to lead. We must now give him a chance to do just that. No one knows what will fix this mess, but he is taking action now. Anderson I am hopefull!

Ooo la la. Couldn't have done it better if I had tried. Go Obama. Go America.

Pres Obama displayed the leadership, the vision and the intelligence that we need at this dreadful time. He knows we need big, bold actions, not naysayers. Booby Jindal's was a waste of time from a party with no answers.

Bobby Jindall...his message seemed to mirror Obama's minus the government involvement...if the governors and senators were willing and capable of working so independently why are all the states in such dire straights now and why didn't folks with the banks and wall street act ethically when given the opportunity. I certainly hope he does not plan to blah blah blah for the next four years. Obama's message was reassuring that he can focus on more than one concern at a time...

Bobby Jindal a.k.a. tonight "Babbling Jibberish"

I think we need to hear less from the GOP for a few years and that means Sara Palin and anyone else who thinks they can break out of the GOP and lead ... Take a Break GOP, your not getting off for a long time on this ride.

Jindal was practicing typical GOP deception with his remark about a magnetic gadget from Disneyland to Las vegas, he knows well the high-speed train proposal is from L.A. to San Francisco.

President Obama has 40 dayss in office and has done more for the economy than former president W.Buch.. My question is why republicans did not tell W.Buch about their ideas. It was because President Bush never listen to them or because they always agree with his ideas.

I think President Obama gave a great speech. He spoke directly to the me and gave the optimistic talk that we so desparately needed. It was sad that the republicans could not put their differences aside for one night to show a unified government attempting to unite our country and rebuild our economy.

If we are bailing out banks and automakers with my tax money ; should i not have at least a lower interest rate from these companies.

President's speech was great. Nice mix of serious and hope. What school of speech did Bobby Jindal go to "Mr Roger's"? I was expecting to here "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood"

I don't think he is trying to undertake too many things at once. He is trying to set a higher standard which is neccesary. He is giving deadlines too. No one can act on one task at a time – everyone has to multitask. I am very hopeful of the upcoming changes that he has addressed.

Obama's paln leaves me with hope but it will be slow to get going i think it's not getting any better

A totally AWESOME speech, when you give up on yourself you give up on your country.

For you republican's out there... Sorry your 8 years of fuzzy tax cut logic is over. We must be lead.. the government who is voted in by the majority of the people.. must lead us. America must lead the world.. those who make the money should help fund the cost.. if not then WHO?

The Healthcare issue is critical! I would rather be told the truth and given some type of game plan, sit around and turn my head like it doesn't exist!

President's speach was fine and I extremely hopeful...Bobby Jendal was really off the point. His has his head in the ground. He hasn't rebuilt his own state yet. So please tell me where he's coming from?

Bobby Jindal's speech could have been delivered at anytime during the last 8 years by George W. Bush or during the last campaign by John McCain. It's like they haven't come to terms with fact that the last 8 years actually happened. It's pathetic actually.

President Obama did a good job tonight. However, I am just curious how we are going to pay for these programs he mentioned. I am hopeful that he will help move this country forward.

Felt like he was still campaining, but overall a successfull speech. Thank you.

Would the Republicans think that $300 million for new gov't vehicles was a bad thing if they came from one of the foreign manufactures that have plants in the South? Buying those vehicles, hopefully from American companies, will give someone a job who will, in turn, pay taxes.

whats up with the GOP response? I wonder if they think we're stupid?

I thought President Obama's speech was invigorating. One that brings hope not only to Americans but all citizens of the world. I watched the speech live in my student hostel in a not so large suburban community in Ghana. I must say I enjoyed every bit of his inspiring and promising speech. God bless President Obama, the United States of America and every country in this world

Does Jindal think he's talking 2 second graders? His tone is coming off totally condescending. What was up with the remarks about the lunch counter and the hall where slavery was abolished. It was poor taste 2 try 2 compare his parents plight with that of Obama's.

Tonight was great for all od us. We will recovery from all of the problems for the USA/

What a refreshing change to listen to a President with a plan and vision.. Three clear and vital priorities: energy, healthcare, and education. If the government doesn't lead the way in these three areas, who will?
I am more hopeful than I've been in a long time!
Regina, Arizona

They are calling the Gov. Jindal the up and coming, hopefully someone takes him to a public speaking course before he gets on National TV and makes himself looking like a complete idiot again.

I was disappointed by Gov. Jindal's response out of the hat. "Didn't you enjoy our African America Presidents speech"
Well we have never said we enjoy the White President! Gov. I'm afraid you lost my vote. I think I'll for for my Presdent of these United States.

It is so very clear that Bobby Jindal is not ready for the "Big League" his speech was so very dry and flat, he is not in the league of the President!

I think he should stop making so many promises ,we are not kids we known its ok to leave room for error.

He didn't sugarcoat the problems we are facing; may not agree with everything but he instills my trust in that he will do his very best. I am hopeful.

I would like to applaud President Obama for his message tonight. I am from South Dakota; and sometimes I feel like we are a forgotten state in our union. As a Native American, I feel excited and confident knowing that Barack Obama is the leader of our country. I finally feel like there is someone in the White House who looks to the future of all Americans; and not just the wealthiest 1% of Americans. Kellen

I think Bobbly Jindal's reubtal was weak. He did not make any strong argument hat would make me change my mind on anything that that Obama has promised. He talks about tax cuts, well I think tax cuts alone will not work an extra 10 or 15 dollars a week won't make much of a difference.

Why did the Republican response sound like a introduction to Gov. Jindal's 2012 Presidential bid? As for President Obama's speech, I appreciate the fact he called out the banks' misuse of bailout funds and I hope strict stipulations are placed on the banks asking for bailout funds to avoid repeat/future offenses.

As a democrat, I'm no longer concerned about Bobby!

Obama's speech is the best I've ever heard. But I am a little bit concerned about all those promises. If he does that he will be the biggest hero in America and will go in the history not just as first African American President, but as the best President of the U.S.

Profound speech by President Obama dealing with specific issues that have an all-inclusive involvement plus the aspects of individual commitments/involvelents.

I take this opportunity to thank Anderson Cooper for his programme with his team.

A special hello to David Gergen.

Well, Bobby R if you all republicans had all the answers why are you just now bringing them up. Hmmm....I can't go to doctor, (no insurance), can't get job,( the last 5 I had were outsourced to India), have a little to eat, (lost 24 pounds this last month). I think I would like to try a new way with a new President that appears to know how to get the job done.

Anderson,

I think President Obama did a fantastic job. He came from the hip and I believe he is doing the best he can and will succeed in his efforts. It was a great speech. I think the economy will change with the new stimulus package in place.

I'm a huge supporter of the President but he is not the Messiah and this is not a kingdom. He can set the policies but the rest of us should not sit on our hands and wait to be rescued like children. We should follow the lead and the words of this intelligent, caring, inspirational individual and see what we can contribute. We should not expect him to wave a magic wand and make it all better!

I had hope when I voted for him. Still do.

I agree with John King about what the President was trying to do. President Obama gave me hope even though things are bleek. Also I guess the governor of Louisanna forgot about all what the government did for his state

I think the President’s speech was great!!! It makes me hopeful.

David Thank you. Thank you. You took the words out of my mouth. I didn't get what Bobby Jindal said. What was his story. New Orleans is still in trouble. There are still people who are living in trailers. Most comunities are rebuilt because of Oprah or Brad Pitt. What is he talking about/

Pres Obama was a leader tonight! Jindal was not. Repulicians are still up to their old tricks; the havn't learned a thing.

I'm retired have not worked at all in 2009 my first SS check starts July 2009. My wife is retired but is 60, question is do we get any money? SS gets $250. working people get a break. What do we get?

The biggest thing I took away from President Obama's speech tonight is that "we are America and we are awesome." You always feel inspired when you hear him speak.

Im so happy to see that we finally have a leader who is not afraid to tackle the tough issues, whos not paralyzed with the fear of not getting it right or making a mistake.

Obama was realistic in his speech. Times are difficult but we will recover. This is in line with his promise of Hope. One thing we all look up to in America, is how high this country reaches, which is a direct result in how high it aimes. I'm more hopefully about the American economy now more than ever.

I find it laughable that the Republicans would use Bush's failed response to Hurricane Katrina as an example of why government doesn't work

It's good to see Obama confound both the Democrats (charter schools, responsibility) and Republicans (facing up to eight years of neglect) – shows he's on the right track.

I was so energized and motivated by President Obama's speech.
There is hope and we will move on and be stronger. President Obama is what we need at this time. His charismatic and caring way comes across in an inspiring way. Go President Obama and God Bless the U.S.A.

You have to applaud a President that wants to create a National vision! Why did Bobby Jindal have to even speak and about what? Why try to ride the President's coat tail? Every politician needs to be on board with helping Americans, people are hurting and all the Replublicans want to do is criticize, complain, and condemn.

Al I keep hearing from Obama is the exact same thing. He seems to think that he is still campaigning. He needs to move on from that IMO!

Cindy..Ga.

Instead of judging Governor Jindal, why not debate the pros and cons of Obama's largest spending deficit in history. Do people really not have a problem with the stimulus amount he's spending?

AC-Loved the speech tonight-probably his best work.Please tell Ed Rollins that prior to the speech we were all told that the message would be broad and details would soon follow. As for Bobby Jindal, that response was so cheesy that Wisconsin thinks it's ridiculous! Jindal is a high schooler stepping in to a major league batter's box.

Obama speech was very hopeful and inspiring. Bobby Jindal comments was irresponsible and he fails to say that the Federal Gov came to the aid of Louisiana for Katrina.
Ervin from Louisiana

I am Canadian, but watched the speech with rapt attention. Obama is such a breath of fresh air – full of drama and inspiration. I found I was hanging off every word! I am both relieved and reassured with him in office. I really believe that he will help us. It sounds melodramatic, but he fills me with hope for a way out of the current mess...and I'm all the way up in Toronto.

It all sounded wonderful but how is he going to pay for and complete all those Plans? With our recent "Mess" in Wahington are we really suppose to believe these "Plans" can be effectively completed? I think not.

Bobby Jindal's response was weak, lacked substance and was composed of same old republicans we have been hearing ever since President Obama introduced the Stimulus Bill.

Are we on top of it now? Really? I don't think we are. What exactly are we on top of? What exactly is this bailout plan that has increased our deficit drastically actually going to contribute to, even in the long run? When the bailout money is gone, taxes will go up to support the government jobs the plan will create and to pay back the deficit. We will be no better off than we are now!

Government caused this mess... Republicans with Financial Services Modernization Act and Democrats with expansion of Community Reinvestment Act... No one is looking out for the common people... No hope just more of the same... Watch and see...

Hello Anderson and Erika. Im a college student and im worried just like the rest of us. This speech elavated my hopes for a better America and future and I believe we have the right commander in cheif in place to take us there. The GOP need to join the bandwagon.

I feel better about the state of our country after Obama's speech.
I also feel very confident that the Republican Party is a dying species. Gov Jindal's, "Look at me, I'm a child of an immigrant too" speech was not moving, and very scripted.

Bing – "...Reminds me of a Maverick we saw last year." Harsh words! But quite true.

Kim republicans do want better education

I am hopeful of more change. The President is correct. We have been living irresponsibly and wrecklessly as a people for far too long! We all must now be accountable! This is the only way that we can progress instead of regressing like we currently are.

@Sharon, with the average cost to taxpayers for public schools you could send everyone to private schools. School vouchers are the answer.

The segment on Banks was just right for the nation...let's not pissed people more about it and the message is the bank problems will be resolved in proper time!

The Republicans really need leadership. They are awful. They will lose even more seats next time! We need two robust parties at least. They are going to sink their own ship with this stupid rhetoric. There are good points to be made but they aren't making them.

Inspiring speech Mr. President. Let's get to work America! Graduate High School, attend college, and contribute to our counrty. Huh, Bobby Jindal is the wrong person to represent the Republican party or to compete in the Obamathon!

Hi Anderson. I feel better. He is doing the right things.

After hearing President Obama speak tonight, the only comment I have is: We should be calling ourselves "The United Hearts of America"

I'd like to ask Bobby Jindal, since when was the "government" not "by the people, of the people and for the people." I'm sick of politicians that do not recognize that "we the people" are the government.

If the Republicans do not work with President Obama, they can forget about recruiting any young African Americans as well other minorities to there party.

The more i listen to jindal the more i feel he wishes to divide this country into an upper and lower class nation.

I understand that President Obama has to be honest with the country about the state we are in, but I was thankful to see a return (even if slight one) to what so many of us loved about him on the campaign trail-the positive outlook. Tonight was a good marrying of the two-responsibility and hope.

Michelle looks Great!

The speech left me more hopeful than on Inauguration Day and that was a pretty tall order – I agree that he spoke to us like adults and gave it to us straight no chaser – Jindal – why was he selected for the response? Surely there was someone else....I'm no Republican, but I didn't feel that it was a response to the speech at all – didn't he get a copy before writing his response?!

Quote the president on education “if u quit you do not only quit on yourself but you quit on your country” that to me is the most inspiring aspect of the speech as it is well known that education is the only recipe for better governance and prosperity. weldone presido we will not quit.

AJ (SCOTLAND UK)

I think Obama is confident and that what we need to be as a people. Lets work together people.

Whilst I accept that Bobby Jindal had a difficult job in following the President, he made it all the worse for himself by speaking in platitudes. Probably the only take away from his speech was the admission that the Republicans have a different philosophical slant from the Democrats. As for the "Americans can do anything" mantra, it really was the most basic soundbite and he surely could have done better.

I think Gov. Jindal was speaking to his constituents. Problem is their tax cuts to the rich, deregulation, and trickle down theories obviously didn't work. Wish they would atleast make an effort to try something different. Hope and passion can do amazing things.

Was Jindal serious? What's with Republicans when they open their mouths to try and speak? It's times like these that make me even more happy to be a Democrat.

Leaders cast a vision; details are left to the rest of us. When JFK announced that we would put a man on the moon by the end of the decade, I'm certain some pundit somewhere was grumbling, "But where are the details..." Let the vision pull us together as a nation. We will create the details.

President Obama certainly outlined an ambitious agenda. Gov. Jindal's response was a joke. Is that the best the Republicans have to offer in the way of a response? It sounded more like a stump speech for the 2012 election than a rebuttal to Obama's speech. He exemplified everything we've come to despise in a politician.

As a resident of Louisiana, I am a little confused as to why my Governor, Governor Jindal would invoke Hurricane Katrina response or a mythical Republican healthcare plan in his national debut. For the past 8 years, the Republican party didn't veto a spending bill or put forth any kind of healthcare reform legislation even when they controlled both houses of Congress. Americans can do anything. Hopefully that includes remembering the failed Republican policies of the past 8 years.

Gov Jindal is a prime example of why I left the RepublicanParty. He was flat, and showed no personality during his national debut. Whose speech was he rebutting? It sure wasn't President Obama's.

The address was brilliant. President Obama effectively fed off the frustration and lack of hope among the American people and instilled a sense of hope within the chamber. He definitely shifted to a more optimistic outlook tonight. Did anyone else think Jindal sounded like one of those infomercials for weird knick knacks no one in their right mind would buy?

The president spoke to as an american citizen. He gave me hope and I know we will be ok. A great speech.

Bobby Jindel did not make any sense he just seem very fake.

Jacky K

Just another campaign speech. Words. Just words.

Did Gov Jendal even listen to the Presidents speech? I am an independent but I just heard from him the same old Republican stuff that we heard in the election. The things he talked about that he said were Republican ideas were just what the President talked about in his speech.

Obama gave an inspiring speech! Not since JFK have I seen and felt such great emotion, inspiration, and hope.
Jindal speech just didn't even hold an unlit candle! If that is the best that Republicans can do, they are in for another defeat!

Obama did great tonight, Jindal's speech made me feel like it was story time in happy land. The Republicans need to find someone else to be their "rising star"

Jindal sounded as though he was talking to a room of first graders....

Bobb Jindal really irks me. Period.

Is Bobby Jindal serious , he does not seem to be genuine , with his response like the republican party would do anything for votes .The president is doing a good job with the mess he was handed by the bush administration he addressed some key issues in his speech.

I applaud our President. His speech brings hope and healing to
America. I am hopeful.

President Obama's speech was hopeful and reassuring. I do trust America will get back on track and the market will recover even faster than economists are predicting. Economists predictions have underestimated the power of inspiration.

Very disappointed in the Republican response. I was excited to see Jindal's speech, but the content was weak and seemed overly rehearsed.

The President's speech was inspired...I feel that he has found the bull"s eye regarding critical issues - those that require America's financial commitments. I've never seen an American President act with such immediate decisiveness and frankness. DON'T STOP THESE EFFORTS. We will succeed.

Great posts. President is doing great considering the times.......

The world was exposed to Bobby Jindal, and he shown bright as the colors of the mardi gras parade! Obama continued with a classic uplifting feeling that I am as all as a mountain and the American people can accomplish anything we want. Unfortunetly Jindal said small business and other individuals who happen to be rich. Im still with you Obama... just do something to wow the American people to keep your image fresh.

I'm still feeling the same way about Obama as I always have, he is flipping awesome! I do have some changes in views for the GOP. I think they are at least trying to accept, they just have a hard time showing their feelings...

Not fearful after the speech. I feel he tried to relieve fears.... at least his speech writers tried to do so....There were wonder full statements of where he stands.... He could have been more filled with conviction.

The presentational tone of Jindal tended to be more soothing, though I don't remember a single thing he said.

Much of it sounded like speech during campaign. But with more encouragement.

Great Speech by President Obama.

If Bobby Jindal is who they want to represent the Republican ideas we have nothing to worry about! He was not clear and said nothing!

I think he inspires us to be better and gives us hope that this all will end. He connects with us and makes me feel better that he will get this economic crisis under control! So many people are scared and losing their jobs every day, but I think there is good things coming!

Just makes you want to be a better American when you listen to Obama speak... Just wish that some Republicans could put aside their ambitions and just try to work together with this administration to help our country succeed.

The speech was great, and I liked the fact that Roland referenced Kanye West. Now if only Obama and Bobby Jindal would have had a freestyle battle instead, it would have been even better. Nothing is more stimulating than politicians spitting fire over some fresh beats- that's slang for reciting impressive lyrics over a cool musical backing track.

I saw honesty in President Obama's speech, but I can not believe what Gov. Jindel said. He does not even use his real name. He does not sign legal documents with his legal first name. I wonder why. Obama at least uses his real name. What is Jindel hiding?

You done good President Obama.

Jindal seemed to be talking to 2 year olds (remember those educational movies from elementary school?). Wonder how he was chosen off the short list of non white angry old men... it certainly wasn't for his speaking ablity. As far as content, I loved the way he repeated a lot of what our President had said like it was a new idea.

I'll stick with the real President and not the President wanna be... yep, my days of being a republican are definately over.

Americans should be very proud to have President Obama. He laid out in clear details within a short time how he will take control of this ecomony. I am very disappoint with the republican's (Gov. Jindal) response. The failure in his state during Katrina is solely that of his party. I am not sure what he was saying,

I am glad that Bobby Jindal could inform me that I could do anything 14 times in a 5 minute speech. The GOP is only hurting themselves more by talking down on the American people like a bunch of 3rd graders.

Kaleb

The Republican party is becoming really predictable. Strange how there seems to be so many people of color in the forefront of their party now. Do they think that the American people are stupid? Are they really trying to sell themselves as an inclusive party now?

The Republican rebutal was extremely sad, was not heartfelt at all!

I am very hopeful. The speech did not contain specifics but it was delivered with strength and conviction. Stirring stuff that the nation needs. These things need to be done and the economic crisis is the Katrina of the nation. I think that with strong leadership we can streamline and reduce costs so we can do what Obama says.