As it seems to be the going trend, I give Obama a B+ (without reading politifact… that’s for later tonight :) ) on his State of the Union address.

I felt like he recognized his failings and the long walk we have ahead of us as Americans. He acknowledged the issues with unemployment, the massive debt and need for education reform (though he really could have done more with the latter, call me biased). I respect that. It was also in his interest to mention the state of the union he was handed with massive debt, and out of control spending. People expect change to happen instantaneously and that’s just not how it works. Falling down a hill is so much easier than climbing up it.

Unfortunately, as we are a part of Western culture, we expect problems to be fixed fast. We google, email and instant message — it’s in our blood to expect instant politics. (iPolitics, the next release from Apple. After the iPad, they’re going to need it!) I say, give it some more time, and during that time, how about the Democrats get organized. Learn from the Republicans, and get on the same page with one another. Not even four months after the election, the Republicans endorsed the ridiculous tea parties across the country. Add onto that all the press they got in town hall meetings and the drama with healthcare and you have a party that’s being heard. I’m not saying that what we’re hearing is logical or great press, but it is working to unite the party. They don’t need the majority of the country on their side, they just all of their party moving as one. And that’s where they’re strong.

As far as failings in the State of the Union address, he of course skirted around Guantanamo Bay and “Don’t ask, Don’t tell.” I sincerely hope he deals with these issues quickly. I also wish he hadn’t given a deadline for pulling the troops out of Iraq. In my opinion, that is a set up for failure and disappointment. Hopefully he’s able to follow through on this deadline unlike his predecessor. As soon as he said it, my muscles tensed and I had to remind myself that he’s not Bush. I’m frightened for him though, cause if he’s not able to pull troops out, people will continue to dismiss the promises he makes. But that’s the nature of politics and people’s fickle nature.