Reading the Pictures: Obama's Jobs Address -- Key Optics

If Obama gave a solid speech last night to a joint session of Congress, one that was concrete, action-oriented and maximally designed to appeal to the GOP, there were plenty of moments, some overt, some more subtle, that kept me from going all-Pollyanna.

If you watched the speech, you probably observed how often Obama directed his words and gaze to the right-wingers. The frames above and the frame of reaction below (27:54 to 28:04) correspond to the part of the speech where Obama said:

Now, I realize that some of you have a different theory on how to grow the economy. Some of you sincerely believe that the only solution to our economic challenges is to simply cut most government spending and eliminate most government regulations. (Applause.)

You probably didn't catch the smirk, it was so instantaneous, but you can see it in the screen grab, a flash of dismay and contempt followed by the lawmaker's smug and defiant response. The frames leave me wondering how this cycle will be any different from before: a deft speech leading to appeasement leading to mostly a brick wall.

For our other key pics from the speech, see our extended post at BagNewsNotes.

Transcript. C-SPAN video.

 

Follow Michael Shaw on Twitter: www.twitter.com/bagnewsnotes

Comments

[wendynyc]

05:56 AM on 09/13/2011

The Dems need to learn to fight back!

Clinton did it everyday!

[Deucejack]

12:01 PM on 09/13/2011

Perhaps what Dems need to do, is the right thing for America. Instead of pursuing liberal fantasies with healthcare, instead of increasing regulations on businesses, instead of pushing enriching non-contributors, instead of aiding competitive envrionment killing unions, maybe for once, Democrats will do what's right for Americans.

I doubt it though, and come November 2012... Adults will return to Washington.

[MyFatCat]

11:13 PM on 09/11/2011

I'm not getting contempt from a tightening smile. Unspoken words, and perhaps not pleasant ones, yes. Contempt curls the upper edge of the lip and often narrows the eyes. Maybe it's there, but I'm not seeing it.

[Pauline Jaing]

09:19 PM on 09/09/2011

Well, our elite really knows how to put on a show, that's for sure.

Only I think no one is watching any more, most of us are just waiting for the ax to fall.

Not watching is the only dignity we have left.

[1Troubles]

08:33 AM on 09/12/2011

when someone is intelligent and not ignorant-I don't call them "elite"

[babaann]

03:37 PM on 09/09/2011

These people should be required to have drug screens. Really.

[kman22]

01:39 PM on 09/09/2011

Republican party will not play nicely or help with anything the President suggests even if its something they want because it will benefit the President and the country. And thats a big "NO NO" for republicans with a stated goal of removing Pres O. at any cost. They cannot afford to have the President look good which in turn means helping the country is bad because it makes Pres O look good.

[Bamakid]

03:29 PM on 09/09/2011

Of course when the democrats in the Senate vote down every house bill, they aren't really saying "no"?

[Suntio]

09:02 PM on 09/09/2011

What do you call it when Republicans in the Senate filibuster everything at unprecedented levels? What do you call it when Republicans in the Senate place secret holds on people nominated to fill long-empty and badly needed posts in our judicial system again at unprecedented levels?

If the peelibans in the House would put together a bill that does no strip some segment of society of their rights or give more money to the rich the Senate would pass it; Democrats have proven over and over and over again that they are reasonable people who can put aside their political ambitions for a worthy cause.

[Madagain]

07:51 AM on 09/10/2011

Only that never happened, so, what are you talking about?

[sobe123]

03:40 PM on 09/09/2011

Sadly you are correct. This proposed bill for good or bad is going to go and just sit in the halls of Congress. Maybe some tax cuts (the GOP seems to never have met a tax cut it did not fall in love with) but any kind of job program or efforts to retrain workers, ain't no way Jose.

[Briarpath2011]

01:00 PM on 09/09/2011

Perhaps, if Americans and bloggers like this, were to properly vet candidates and demand that the parties offer real leaders to vote on in the general elections, who can run trillion dollar economies and keep the best interest of 330 million citizens at the forefront, then and only then, can we be lead with the skill sets needed (and I realize these individuals who are capable are far and few in between) to direct the future of this great country.........

[onlycommonsense]

12:28 PM on 09/09/2011

They weren't interested in what he had to say before he opened his mouth. What do you expect? Republicans will ride this train wreck right of a cliff if it means the end of his presidency in another 14 months. If it means the end of America, so be it. Republicans will see it as a necessary casualty of war.

[Bamakid]

03:28 PM on 09/09/2011

This president is douing nothing except repeating what Hoover and Roosevelt did from 1929-1940, and expecting different results. I'm no big fan of the repubs ( I like Ron Paul), but don't you think the democrats are politics even harder than the GOP.

[Historycalls]

07:32 PM on 09/09/2011

This is exactly what the republicans will do. As an independent I already know I'll vote for President Obama in 2012. Who could possibly vote for any of the boot lickers to Wall Street.

I still hear the knitting needles!

[jmh49]

12:11 PM on 09/11/2011

I too have taken lessons from Madame D - and I think maybe there's a few more of us than the powers that be recognize.

[jhNY]

12:04 PM on 09/09/2011

"maximally designed to appeal to the GOP"-- now I know why I didn't think there was very much to it.

[nevergiveup]

09:51 AM on 09/10/2011

PBO is demonstrating that the GOP Is more interested in defeating PBO than is creating jobs or improving the economy. Republicans don't care a lick for our country–and that's quite a platform for Dems to run on in 2012.

[jhNY]

01:10 PM on 09/10/2011

Agreed, and hope the party triumphs and wins majorities in both House and Senate. In any case, that's how I'll be voting where I live.