How good was the Ft. Hood speech?

Posted: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 3:50 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Barack Obama

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Tom Ricks was unimpressed with President Obama's Fort Hood speech:

I think President Obama missed a major opportunity at Fort Hood on Tuesday. His speech was fine was far as it went -- but that wasn't very far. It felt very conventional, a bit rote and obligational, like Reagan on an off day, doing a state fair stopoff on the way to the Western White House. What I had hoped for was a passionate, engaged address that tackled political correctness in the same was as did his race speech during the campaign, which I think was his high point during that time. It was a terrific speech that I think moved both him and the country forward. (Look inside the Army, Mr. President, and you will find "Ashleys" everywhere.)

Didn't happen. This was a treading water speech. "We must pay tribute to their stories?" That feels to me more like the work of a desperate speechwriter than an inspired, transformational president. I dunno, maybe transcendence just requires more time and effort than he has available right now. That's sad, because there are a lot of people in this country for whom the military looms about as large as race.

I really do think Obama still could be a great president, leading us toward "a more perfect union." But not the way he has been going lately. Time is passing ... Look at this speech. "History is filled with heroes"? That's high school stuff. I can remember when the knock on Obama's speeches was that they were too good.

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Comments

It's called inexperience

Mark, Bloomfield, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 3:54 PM)

beautiful thing about democracy,...you can't please all of the people all of the time,...

and with the opposition, you can't please any of them ANY of the time.

Bitter, party of 1, your table is ready.

Clara Kansas City, Mo (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 3:56 PM)

Who is Tom Ricks? Tell him to take a hike. This is exactly what I am talking about. Why do you feel the need to print this kind of crap? THIS IS NOT NEWS! All it does it make people angry and say nasty things - like me. Shame on you FR. You just want to stir the pot. And shame on this Tom Ricks - whoever the hell he is. If he can do better, then get the hell out there and have at it.

Joi G., the Sunshine State (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 3:58 PM)

Good speech. Not as good as Bush's 9/11 speeches.
But if your gonna compare tragedy speeches, and unfortunately, we are, then I'll take Bush over Obama. And LBJ over Obama.

Pat in OH (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 3:59 PM)

It felt very conventional, a bit rote and obligational, like Reagan on an off day, doing a state fair stopoff on the way to the Western White House.

Reagan would never have given the shout out to the boys before speaking about the tragedy of the terrorist attack. Obama did seem to make it obligatory by handling it the way he did. From our president, and CIC a twist of disrespectfulness added to those waiting for his "live" announcement.

As many would say, a bit BUSH league for such a historical event in our country.

Josh Larson, FL (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:03 PM)

So, if his speeches are good, they are "too good" and if they are not "too good", they are conventional?

Sounds also like "he's taking on too much" and "why isn't he taking on x, y & z?"

Lay off the criticism. If we keep escalating the expectations on the presidents, no one in their right mind is going to want to run.

Debra (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:03 PM)

I'd be curious to hear a speech written and delivered by Tom Ricks.

I'd also be curious why Domenico picked this topic for discussion. Either it's a slow news day and someone is trying to stir up controversy. Some say it was President Obama's best speech ever. Polls are the "in" thing. What do the majority of people (who listened to the speech) think?

Ron Indiana (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:05 PM)

Obama's speeches are never meaningful, quite the opposite as we have seen since he took office, they are meaningless.

Obama's speeches are and should never be confused for anything more than entertainment. Make no mistake, strictly entertainment.

Josh Larson, FL (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:05 PM)

Ricks -

Obama's speeches were never TOO good.

Little Nardi (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:06 PM)

I agree that the Fort Hood speech fell flat and it seemed like Obie felt obligated to say something. And what the heck was that - starting off with a "shout out." How regal. He lacks compassion for anyone but himself.

Keep the Change (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:08 PM)

Going back to the racist card I see.

The blind squirrel (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 3:40 PM)
___________________

Hey I just call em like I see them!

Then again how would you know since you’re a ‘blind’ squirrel… lol lol

Blind: sightless
Squirrel: small rodent that has a long bushy tail, lives in trees, and eats nuts & seeds.

Nice moniker... describes you to a 'T'!
____________________

I remember after months and months of research and investigation, in addition to billions of tax dollars spent, the newly formed Homeland Security Department's conclusion and shout out to Americans was to buy duct tape and plastic wrap to protect ourselves!! LOL!!

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 3:20 PM)
____________________

Thanks Pam! I mean who in their right mind can EVER forget that brilliant strategy? Notice not a peep out of the righties about what that little debacle COST us?

I don't know about you... but I sure felt a hell of a lot safer looking at my neighbors house wrapped in Saran Wrap! lol lol lol

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:08 PM)

Ricks, who cares what you have to say about anything!

Ed, San Antonio (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:10 PM)

Yeah, I agree with Joi G, the Sunshine State @ 3:58 p.m. - FR: Who is Tom Ricks??

And why do we even care what he thinks?

Sharon IL (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:11 PM)

Like I said, best sellers are just that and to have 5 at one time is, well, Awesome.

Ed Crane, Middlebury, IN (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 3:04 PM)

All that shows is the Beck followers are dumb enough to give that nut their money.

Mo

Man, you could drop Beck and replace with Obama and your sentence would then make perfect sense Mo!

You have revealed something I think this time. Let's try it?

All that shows is the Obama followers are dumb enough to give that nut their money.

Got it! You go Mo!

Ed Crane, Middlebury, IN (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:12 PM)

Fr Crew... Thanks for doing a little housekeeping around here!

Ya all know what I'm talking about! ;0)

Feisty Redhead Rosele, IL (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:12 PM)

By constantly claiming that the media has a liberal bias, conservatives have all news outlets trying to prove that they are impartial. That is the only reason I can think of for FR deciding to print the opinion of some random conservative columnist.

Tim, NJ (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:13 PM)

"I cannot express the outrage, the angst and the sick feeling I had when I saw that the Ft. Hood canteen stopped serving waffles at 10 AM, or ten-hundred for you military folks. I was never in the service myself." B.H.O.

Can I just finish my waffle? (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:13 PM)

please click on the highlighted name 'tom ricks' in the article. then read the comments all disagreeing with him.

garry, Metairie, La. (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:14 PM)

So one pundit was "unimpressed" out of the dozens who thought it the best speech given by a president in years...that makes it a failure? Only in the press...

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:14 PM)

It's called inexperience
Mark, Bloomfield, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 3:54 PM)

------------------------------------------

Of course it's inexperience...how many times has he had to deliver a speech at a memorial service like this?

Let's keep some perspective...was this speech intended, ultimately, for the mass consumption of the 24-hours news cycle or was it intended to be more personal to the family and friends of those who were killed?

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:14 PM)

Mr. President,

I did such a stellar job regulating Fannie and Freddie that I deserve to regulate ALL banks and financial institutions under one roof.

Respectfully,

Chris "Countrywide" Dodd CT.(D)

Chris "Countrywide" Dodd (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:15 PM)

"If he can do better, then get the hell out there and have at it." I say right on with this one. This country should all quit second guessing every little action this President takes and start sending letters to their congressmen/women and ASK THEM TO START WORKING FOR AMERICANS. The bickering has to stop and they should try harder to set things back on the right track starting with TERM LIMITS. If we had term limits then the coruption would not be so prevelant.

Daniel, Kansas City, KS (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:17 PM)

Shame on you FR. You just want to stir the pot. And shame on this Tom Ricks - whoever the hell he is. If he can do better, then get the hell out there and have at it.
Joi G., the Sunshine State (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 3:58 PM)

I agree with you a hundred percent!! However, First Read is notorious for stirring the pot, i.e. calling former President Bill Clinton, "Bubba" earlier today!! Were you upset with that?? I was!!

And First Read, YOU and your writers get behind a podium and address soldiers and a national audience and see if you can do better, okay!!

Keith Olbermann, with his bad acting ala his special comments, would be booed off the stage!!

Get a grip, First Read; YOUR threads are filled with grammatical and spelling errors every day; therefore, I don't think you would do so swell at giving such a speech!!

So the speech was not passionate enough for you; okay, try it sometime!! Shame on you!!

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:18 PM)

MI native (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:20 PM)

I wonder why it was necessary to post this article. I read that President Obama's speech moved some people to tears who were there yesterday.

Was that an unimportant point? Evidently.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:21 PM)

Mr Ricks I believe that the Prsident was There to deliver some comfort and kind words to some folks that were seriously hurting on behalf of a grateful nation not putting on an exhibition for you to grade like a sunday school teacher. This kind of thing is childish and is really beneath contempt. Judging by all accounts that I have seen the president accomplished his mission in fine fashion.I hope that the Prsident and First lady will continue to reach out to the military and thier families because as far as I can tell they really do care and that's a whole lot better than telling a poor fellow that is getting ready to go to war that we can't get you everything you need so you'll just have to go get shot at in a fine military fashion. Our's is not to wonder why it is just to do and die

Independent Redneck Va. (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:21 PM)

I also want to know who this Tom Ricks is and why you decided to cite his comments as opposed to the others (including some Republicans) who thought the speech was right on. And this is what FR has come to? Criticizing speeches at memorial services?

Kathy in Illinois (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:24 PM)

We expect Obama to give a Lincolnian speech each time (even Lincoln did not do that), bend a high gradient unemployment curve in 9 months, win the war in Afganistan in the same period or have all the strategy in place and delivered teh elusive middle east peace by now. Why wait 4 or 8 years? It's not like this is the worst administration any president can virtually inherit.

J. Richter (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:25 PM)

Joi G in FLA =

Sure, sometimes FR stirs the pot.

The Palin topic is the best example.

The rub is that we all know what the libs will say and what the conservatives will say. The answers line up like birds on a wire.

Feisty and Anita have probably run people off this blog with their foul-mouthed rants.

Pam is long-winded and just won't shut up when she shows up. Bush is passe but she won't let him go.

The Chihuahua Gang adores Palin. Can't get enough of her.

And then we have the put-down artists who always say the same thing about the same bloggers. They seem to wait in their "attack" mode. Silly, really.

More creativity is needed here.

A few titles for a blog: "Obama Losing Touch With The Presidency?" "Are the Tea Parties Right On About Obama?" "Is Pelosi Working Obama?

Hit it from the other side too. Rev it up.
After all, we already know whose side you're on.

Baby Rhino (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:28 PM)

I don't know about you... but I sure felt a hell of a lot safer looking at my neighbors house wrapped in Saran Wrap! lol lol lol
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:08 PM)

LOL!! I don't even think Home Depot did any stocking!!

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:28 PM)

You betcha!! The government can't run healthcare, cries the senior citizen that is thrilled with his government run Medicare!!
Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Your right Pam, they do love their Medicare. You forgot about the fact that it is going bankrupt due to government mismanagement and inefficiencies. Nobody will be loving it soon. Forgot, you libbies don’t care about that as long as the government controls it.

The Accountant (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:29 PM)

Ending Veterans' Homelessness -

According to a story over @ DailyKos, there was a hearing yesterday up on the Hill dealing with homelessness of our veterans.

Not one single GOP was in attendance. Not one. And Tom Ricks is complaining about a speech? What about some action?

How many veterans died last year because of no health insurance? Over 2,200.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:30 PM)

But if your gonna compare tragedy speeches, and unfortunately, we are, then I'll take Bush over Obama. And LBJ over Obama. - Ohio Pat

I bet u wont take 3000+ killed on American soil over 13 would you? Or near depression aconomy at negative 6% economy over a slowly recovering country. Apples to oranges. Keep ur Bush. NEVER AGAIN!!!

J. Richter (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:31 PM)

Obie needs to give a speech to those that are dying from his broken promises of immediate job creation. I have a feeling it would go something like this (*IF* he was honest):

"First of all, let me give a shout-out to those number-crunchers that grossly falsified the number of jobs I saved. That being said, it is a tragedy that suicide rates are skyrocketing because of my inability to deliver jobs and improve the economy. However, and let me be clear, job creation is not my number one priority. My advisors tell me that job creation and the economy is the number one concern for Americans today. But I don't need to listen to my advisors - they are just there for show and to eat up more of your taxpayers' money."

Willing to Work (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:33 PM)

Of course the fruity gumdrop will retort with the usual “is that all you got” or 3…2…1… countdown learned watching romper room with a self amusing LOL ending. The fruitcake is as predictable as her ignorance.
The blind squirrel (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 3:40 PM)

Then again how would you know since you’re a ‘blind’ squirrel… lol lol

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:08 PM)

Point proven. That nut the blind squirrel found would go good with your popcorn.

crakerjack (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:38 PM)

I see Glenn Beck has 5 books on the NY Times Best Seller list at the SAME time.
I understand that's a first and a record.
Ed Crane, Middlebury, IN

Give it a rest, Ed!! The key to Beck's "success" is attracting an audience that actually yearns to be lied to. It doesn’t matter how many righteous fact-checkers assail him in print and on the web, because dittoheads don’t care that he’s lying, as long as the lies justify their prejudices. Beck's program is not just hypocritical; it is a celebration of hypocrisy for ignorant crackers, angry at smart people and strung out on the dwindling sensation that they are better than everyone else by virtue of their race, sex, nationality or level of bluster, because their character and accomplishments don’t warrant such feelings!!

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:39 PM)

I wonder why it was necessary to post this article. I read that President Obama's speech moved some people to tears who were there yesterday.

Was that an unimportant point? Evidently.

Pat, Boston, MA

What a selfish angle Pat on your part. Totally ego driven. People were brought to tears by the largest number of American soldiers gunned down on a US military installation in US History. How arrogant particularly on Veterans Day for you to make such a remark. Did you wear the uniform Pat. Pathetic.

Royce Bullard, NC (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:41 PM)

Bill Clinton leaves Obama in the dust.
MI native (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:20 PM)

As a great fan of former President Bill Clinton, I think you are dead wrong here!! Bill Clinton is a masterful orator, probably the best in my lifetime; however, SO is President Obama!!

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:41 PM)

Chris "Countrywide" Dodd CT.(D)
Chris "Countrywide" Dodd (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:15 PM)

"The people that gave us Fannie and Freddie; hmmm, that John McCain’s campaign manager, Rick Davis. Davis headed the Homeownership Alliance, a mortgage industry lobbying group formed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Under Davis, the Alliance’s primary goal was to step-up the number of mortgages granted-setting the table for the the mortgage crisis."

"No Child Left Behind" now!! Do try and keep up!! LOL!!

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:45 PM)

Bang up job there Napolitano and Panetta! How many more sleeper cells are there in the USA? Other than the closet Muslim that has his finger on the button.
Come on PC lefties, explain away the Ft. Hood shooter as an isolated madman which had nothing to do with radical elements of Islam. Radical Islam is just some boogeyman Bush and Cheney made up to scare you and tap your phones.

Despite Promises of Transparency, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:49 PM)

Eulogies are not easy - that is after all what it Tuesday's speech was.

OBwan, IN (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:50 PM)

Sorry, Mr. Ricks, but a memorial service is not the time for an awe-inspiring speech; it is not the time to be critical, it was a time for respect and quiet condolence for the victims, their families and their fellow soldiers. I watched it and felt it struck exactly the right tone; Pres Obama was visibly touched and the words he spoke were directed to those present not some critic or war expert. This President and his speech writer knew what to say, what was appropriate and what was not. It's about time people stopped criticizing this President for everything he does and says.

As for those here who made smart remarks about the President playing golf afterwards, he went to visit the wounded in the hospital. You are not funny, you are pathetic; you are as lacking in feelings as Liz Cheney who found the President meeting the bodies of fallen military personnel at Dover AFB in the middle of the night objectionable.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:51 PM)

Nothing spells 'superstar' more than book signing's at Meiers & Sams Club! What no WAL-MART??? After all they're the ones that are pratically giving the 'rag' away...
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 10:59 AM)

and nothing spells ignorant, vile, uninformed and rude than "Fesity Redhead". Grow up and quit acting like a spoiled brat, name calling child.

Time for folks on this blog to "fight back" against Feisty since it's clear that First Read won't. That's why I think she's a shill for them.

lily (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:55 PM)

I think people have gotten bored with Obama and he just doesn't create the excitement he used to.Or maybe they just do not believe a thing he says anymore--just a weak guy.Bill Clinton leaves Obama in the dust.
MI native (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:20 PM)
-------------------------------------------------
I agree. Obama has become an aloof windbag who talks down to the American people. In spite of his Ivy League diploma, he still says "gonna" and other lazy forms of speech in a pathetic attempt to seem cool.

He is a total fraud. TENS of millions are unemployed. My cousin just lost his job at a car parts supplier. I have been out of work for some time.

Brace yourselves Dems. You are getting a housecleaning in the next few elections. Health care does not mean diddle when you are out of work for months, or even years, and you are out of benefits and savings.

PEOPLE NEED JOBS BARACK!

Pete Roleum, Detroit MI USA (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:56 PM)

I wonder why it was necessary to post this article. I read that President Obama's speech moved some people to tears who were there yesterday.

Was that an unimportant point? Evidently.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:21 PM)

----------------------------------------------

Spitzers speech moved me to tears as well.

Spitzer Patterson Institute for Family Values- Tammany Hall, NY (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 5:00 PM)

WhoTF is Tom Ricks - Have he served a day in the military and if he did?

You should be a shame – And as veteran I say the speech was perfect and inspiring.

It did what it should have, speak to the men and women of our military - not become something for people like Tom Hicks to think - need to be put in our history books.

Tom Hicks- no body gives a damn about what you think.

If you listen too or read the speech President Obama give carefully - you will see it was and will always been better than any speech George Bush or Ronald Reagan ever give to U.S. Military.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 5:04 PM)

Odd post remarks, suddenly everyone is a critic and finds fault which wasn't the case for most comments yesterday or early this morning even from the same people. Good grief, it was not intended to be a speech, it was a message of recognition of each vicim and condolence given at a military memorial service. Bush's 9/11 speech was not given at a memorial service, it's purpose was to rally the people--the time, place and circumstances were completely different.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 5:04 PM)

Tim Ricks, where were you the last 8 years, when Bush/Cheney systematically destroyed our countries strength and reputation. Its a tough realit Rick, so you need to get used to it, but your opinion does not represent the majority of America ... so shut your piehole and support President Obama, just as you and the Beck/Limbaugh lovers of country preached to us the last 8 years about Bush.

Jim, Salem, OR (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 5:04 PM)

It's amazing how short a time must now pass before one is able to successfully rewrite history.

Robert Vitaletti, Denver, Colorado (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 5:05 PM)

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Wednesday, November 11, 2009 5:07 PM)

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