By popular demand (well, OK, one churlish early-morning reader), a post on Donald Trump’s speech to Congress last night.

I’m not surprised polling indicates a strong positive reaction.  He stuck to the script. He spoke in broad generalities. He avoided his normal self-absorption.

Advertisement

He is going to fix crime, immigration, joblessness, education, health and, since I turned it off at times and don’t know all that I missed, he might even have answers for limp french fries and Razorback football.

People like hearing all these glorious promises. But: Will his plan for Obamacare replacement really provide more health coverage for more people at lower cost? Please.

Advertisement

The New York Times called it political “comfort food,” Reaganesque even in its optimism.

Does anyone really believe Trump can stay true to the message that the time for “trivial fights” is over? Will he swear off Twitter and “Saturday Night Live” commentary, for example?

Advertisement

Talk, as always, is easy, particularly in generalities. Implementation, governance, details —these are harder. Much lies ahead. But he helped himself last night.

PS: Yes, he cited some fake stuff, such as referring to a “mess” he inherited. In actuality there are a raft of improving economic indicators.

Advertisement

Also, most missed an egregious piece of PR, using the widow of a killed Navy SEAL for emotional support. This is the SEAL killed in an operation he apparently approved with little thought over dinner, misrepresented its value, and then blamed the death on everyone but the White House.

Commentators on my end of the spectrum are complaining loudly of the points he’s scoring for tone rather than substance or honesty. Welcome to a replay of election 2016. More of same. The opposition is going to have to find a better way to deal with it than they have to date.

Advertisement

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article City directors raise questions about Little Rock school closures Next article Buffalo River Alliance continues fight against hog farm waste