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The speech was a pleasant surprise for me, but not without its, ummmm...faults, to say the least.

But after that foreign policy section, I'm onboard for good. Read on.

Most of the pieces I had read leading up to the speech had to do with domestic proposals that seemed to have been created by the woman sitting in the Speaker's chair, not the man standing at the rostrum, and the first half of the speech did reflect these early "leaks." Regulations here, tax hikes there, and, believe it or not, a proposal to help combat "global climate change" - yes, I did almost leap from my balcony at that moment.

President Bush ("R") proposed a change to the tax code in order to provide for tax relief when it comes to medical insurance. On it's face it seems to be decent enough, but in reality it is nothing more than a tax hike that would expand the size and role of the federal government. This goes against the basic tenants of the Republican Party; our very existence is rooted in less taxation, less government. No, no, no Mr. President!

The President devoted much of his time to the environment and energy reform, and while they are not bad "ideas", they are by no means Republican mainstays. His alternative energy package, and "setting a mandatory fuels standard" will lead to expanded regulation by the government. Once again, less government on this side of the aisle Mr. President. Also, as I mentioned above, his line about "confront[ing] the serious challenge of global climate change" nearly sent me off the deep end. I really don't understand this at all. He has constantly been a doubter of global warming -- errr, "global climate change" -- and rightly so. However, as with the rest of his domestic agenda put forth tonight, he seems to have switched parties on us.

Just to put into perspective the ideas offered by the President on health care and energy, this is what Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) had to say:

The president offered some serious proposals tonight on two issues — energy and health care...I'm glad he did, and I think it's important to respond in a constructive way.

Senator Obama also said, in an interview on MSNBC, these were "legitimate, serious proposals."

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) had this to say:

But I’m open to it. And I think all of the Democrats are. He mentioned a few issues, like energy independence and health care, where we are eager [italics mine] to work towards some kind of bipartisan result.

Mr. President, there's a somewhat-famous-saying by comedian Bill Engvall that goes something like this..."Here's your sign."

His typical rhetoric on immigration did nothing for me but reinforce my extreme dislike of his position. Most of the "analysts" think he has more support from the Democrats on this one than from Republicans, and based on the reaction from the gallery tonight, I would say that's true. +See above reference to Bill Engvall+

There were no references to his tax cuts, no sign of downsizing the federal government at all, no indication of what he would do if earmarks continue at their current level, and no mention of protecting traditional social values. All of these are extremely important to his base; a big dissapointment on these issues.

I would give him an F+ or a D- (does that grading scale even exist?) on the domestic policy section.

That being said, I believe he really did hit a homerun on the foreign policy section. It was one of his better showings when it comes to the argument of "why" his Administration has in place the policy they do. He really stepped it up and performed well, and truly inspired his audience (well, at least me he did).

I would give him an A- on this section.

Lastly, I really enjoyed the final section of the speech and his recognition of Dikembe Mutombo, Julie Aigner-Clark, Wesley Autrey, and Tommy Rieman, and how they represented who America is. Great ending, and pretty inspirational, as well.

A+ here.

Overall, while I do not agree with about half of the speech, I do believe he delivered all of it quite well. President Bush ("R") was a great orator tonight.

Now, I have some bones to pick with the Democrats and their reaction(s) / response:

"Let us find our resolve, and turn events toward victory."

Ladies and gentlemen, nothing is more important at this moment in our history than for America to succeed in the Middle East, to succeed in Iraq and to spare the American people from this danger.

Both of these statements by the President were met with loud applause and a standing ovation from the Republicans, but little to no applause, and practically no standing from the Democrats. It really makes you wonder who they are pulling for in this thing. I am not going to come out and say they support the terrorists, but what were they doing sitting on their hands?! Whether you agree with the policy or not, surely you want your country to win the fight, and for the country to be secure?! To think some of them seem so baffled when people on the Right question their patriotism; try clapping and cheering for victory, instead of creating a deafening silence, and maybe the questions won't be asked.

There was little or no ovation by the Democrats when this was said:

This economy is on the move, and our job is to keep it that way, not with more government, but with more enterprise [italics mine].

And then Jim Webb said this in their response, which he delivered:

The first relates to how we see the health of our economy — how we measure it, and how we ensure that its benefits are properly shared among all Americans [italics mine]...The stock market is at an all-time high, and so are corporate profits. But these benefits are not being fairly shared [italics mine].

While I don't want to rain on Hillary's socialized medicine parade, or on the Dems idea that more government is better than more enterprise, or on Jim Webb's dream of benefits being "properly shared" amongst the citizens of this country, the last time I checked, this country that we citizens reside in is abbreviated: USA, not USSR.

The inspirational and memorable:

The rite of custom brings us together at a defining hour -- when decisions are hard and courage is needed. We enter the year 2007 with large endeavors underway, and others that are ours to begin. In all of this, much is asked of us. We must have the will to face difficult challenges and determined enemies -- and the wisdom to face them together.

Our success in this war is often measured by the things that did not happen.

Every success against the terrorists is a reminder of the shoreless ambitions of this enemy. The evil that inspired and rejoiced in 9/11 is still at work in the world. And so long as that's the case, America is still a nation at war.

Ladies and gentlemen, nothing is more important at this moment in our history than for America to succeed in the Middle East, to succeed in Iraq and to spare the American people from this danger.

After describing Wesley Autrey's tremendous act of heroism:

There is something wonderful about a country that produces a brave and humble man like Wesley Autrey.

On Julie Aigner-Clark's business success:

Julie represents the great enterprising spirit of America.

On basketball star Dikembe Mutombo:

A friend has said of this good-hearted man: 'Mutombo believes that God has given him this opportunity to do great things.' And we are proud to call this son of the Congo a citizen of the United States of America.

On war hero Tommy Rieman:

For his exceptional courage, Sergeant Rieman was awarded the Silver Star. And like so many other Americans who have volunteered to defend us, he has earned the respect and the gratitude of our entire country.