President Obama addressed the soldiers and families at Ft. Hood on the eve of Veterans Day. The Texas military base was in grief after Army Major Nidal Hasan allegedly opened fire last week, killing thirteen people. In his first national speech of mourning, observers said Obama needed to honor the fallen without political pretense, while acknowledging that the tragedy could be related to America's wars. Commentators think this speech was among his best. At a time of great need, it served to some as a reminder of the healing power of oratory:
- I'm Having a Chris Matthews-Chill-Running-Up-My-Leg Moment At The Atlantic, Marc Ambinder says the president makes for a comforting and able leader in a time of grieving. "Sometimes, the man, the moment and the words come together and meet the challenge," he wrote. "Obama had to lead a nation's grieving; he had to try and address the thorny issues of Islam and terrorism; to be firm; to express the spirit of America, using familiar, comforting tropes in a way that didn't sound trite."
- This Is Why Obama Is More Popular Than His Policies At The Washington Post, Chris Cillizza says Obama knows how to employ his gift as an orator when it matters most. "Will the speech fundamentally re-shape the political dynamic? Nope. But, it should serve as a reminder of Obama's considerable gifts as an orator and how he has learned to leverage those gifts at critical moments during the 2008 campaign (Rev. Wright) and now as president with this speech."
- Nation of Critics At Time Magazine, David Von Drehle says that the real purpose of yesterday's speech, and more importantly, memorial, was drowned out by politics and punditry. And Drehle says this makes the nation even more removed from the Ft. Hood tragedy.
