Stupid Clapping and Bad Logic

I watched part of the State of the Union address tonight. It wasn't the speech or the people or that scary plastic face to the President's left that bothered me. Rather, what annoyed me was the clapping. When did the State of the Union address turn into the President pandering to the congress? Further, when did clapping and standing become a childish "you clapped at that - I'll clap at this louder!" game played by both parties in congress? Long ago, I assume, but it's till silly.

Next, we have Democratic senator Jim Webb's response.

It would not be possible in this short amount of time to actually rebut the president's message, nor would it be useful.

You're right. However, I would make the claim that it would be impossible for Senator Webb to "rebut" the president's message. Webb makes the claim here that everything Bush said was silly, useless, and easily intelligently challenged. I would disagree - however, this quick statement is rhetorical genius for those who already believe that George W. Bush is a fool.

Next, the Senator goes on to argue that although the economy is good, workers are suffering. Indeed, Webb claims that a good economy directly relates to difficult conditions for the "middle class." I wonder what the Senator would say about a bad economy? Would the "middle class" have it better then? Further, Webb tosses out the old Democratic lie that increasing the minimum wage is good for those actually earning it. Indeed, nothing would hurt the poorest in this country more.

The majority of the nation no longer supports the way this war is being fought; nor does the majority of our military. We need a new direction. Not one step back from the war against international terrorism. Not a precipitous withdrawal that ignores the possibility of further chaos. But an immediate shift toward strong regionally-based diplomacy, a policy that takes our soldiers off the streets of Iraq's cities, and a formula that will in short order allow our combat forces to leave Iraq.

"Nor does the majority of our military?" Evidence please?

If I may, Senator Webb: How are we to take "not one step back" from the war on terrorism be abandoning Iraq to terrorists and negotiating with terrorists in Iran and Syria?

*crickets*

Tonight we are calling on this president to take similar action, in both areas. If he does, we will join him. If he does not, we will be showing him the way.

I don't understand. What is with the Democrats? Why don't you just get on TV and tell the American people we should abandon Iraq regardless of the consequences? If you won't do that, then why do you make some sort of idle threat against the president's constitutionally-given duty as commander in chief when his intention is to send more troops to Iraq?

Why do you not do what you can and threaten to do what you can't?