In a State in the Union

The Union's in a State, all right, but not the one GW suggested we're in, that is, a state of self-congratulatory democratic cohesion, a state that is spreading like warm peanut butter all over the globe (jam, anyone? oh, right, we're in one), especially in territories we happen to occupy. I am not even marveling at the analyses of the speech, many of which ran in the vein of "wow, he practiced a lot!" I like the article posted on Truthout article on "The State of George Bush," full of interesting analyses but starting especially with a discussion of his theatrics:

"Bush went beyond that this evening. He produced grand and effective political theater. In the middle of the address, he transformed the war in Iraq - which even after the historic election there arguably remains his largest liability - into a single, powerfully poignant moment. Exploiting the tradition of inviting symbolically significant guests to sit with the First Lady, Bush introduced the mother of a US Marine killed in Fallujah and an Iraqi human rights advocate whose father had been assassinated by Saddam Hussein and who had voted in Sunday's election. With the House chamber awash with emotion, the two women hugged. Bush was near tears. Members of Congress - perhaps including those legislators who had dyed their index fingers purple for the event - were crying. In a nutshell, here was Bush's story of sacrifice, liberty and freedom. Sentiment - sincere sentiment - was in full synch with spin. The not-too-hidden partisan message: Match that, you naysayers. This was a triumph of political communication. And it was a reminder that despite the apparent difficulties Bush faces in his top-priority effort to partially privatize Social Security, he should hardly be counted out. This man does what it takes."

According to the author, the Republicans were lauding the effectiveness of the speech before Bush even made it. Making his success here, as in other moments, suspiciously predetermined. Was it really live television? Has the Pentagon now perfected an eloquent Bush-bot?