I have not heard it or read it, but living in Virginia, I have been regaled to some sound bites of Tim (Tom) Kaine.  No wonder he sounds so whiny, and the liberals sound so bitter (from your analysis).

I only heard bits. I am willing to bet that his speeches always sound better on paper than they do coming out of his mouth. It didn't seem like that strong of a speech but I guess that depends on what you were expecting him to emphasize. If the Iran nuke situation was something you wanted strongly addressed that it was weak. If, like you said, alternative fuels was your agenda, you may have been more pleased.

I think a certain percentage of the population is going to say his speech was good no matter what and a certain percentage is going to hate whatever comes out of his mouth because they hate him as a whole. I know he said he wants to leave behind a legacy. That is going to happen one way or another

I watched the entire Address with my wife and 14 yr old son last evening. It was superior compared to George W. Bush’s last. However, there was one moment that stood out over all the commendable content, when he read a piece of a letter written by a Marine Sgt before his recent death in Iraq. GW kept glancing up into the gallery at a young woman and what appeared to be parents setting beside her. At one point G.W.B started tearing up then the longest and loudest standing ovation in the history of the State of the Union took place. Tears came to my eyes too, as my son looked at me.

Here's the reference; Marine Staff Sergeant Dan Clay was killed last month fighting the enemy in Fallujah. He left behind a letter to his family, but his words could just as well be addressed to every American. Here is what Dan wrote: "I know what honor is. It has been an honor to protect and serve all of you. I faced death with the secure knowledge that you would not have to.... Never falter! Don't hesitate to honor and support those of us who have the honor of protecting that which is worth protecting."
Staff Sergeant Dan Clay's wife, Lisa, and his mom and dad, Sara Jo and Bud, are with us this evening. Our Nation is grateful to the fallen, who live in the memory of our country. We are grateful to all who volunteer to wear our Nation's uniform - and as we honor our brave troops, let us never forget the sacrifices of America's military families.

If you value George W’s open and honest views and priorities, you'd be as satisfied. If you hold honor and courage in high regard, you’d be proud. When I combine listening to a speech that referenced to some extent every value and view I embrace, and the pleasure that comes from fielding the on going questions my 14yr old son wanted clarification on, knowing he was doing his utmost to listen to content above his comprehension, sharing last evening was one of the finest for me as a father, husband and Republican.

On the contrary, after watching thirty State of the Union Address’, the division among parties was never more apparent in the discourteous acts led by H. Clinton and her crony’s; And, H. Clintons facial disgust spoke volumes, not worth listening to.

At the conclusion as you know, there's a Democratic response. Instead of a point by point rebuttal, we got a blatantly weak attempt at a campaign speech by Tom Kaine as he delivered what’s likely to be the party's next slogan, “We Can Do Better”. His facial expressions were strange even fake as his hands flapped incessantly. If I contrast delivery and substance, one was powerful, direct and hit home with high esteem and priority content; the other was weak social litany by what might be the next Democratic something.

At the conclusion as you know, there's a Democratic response. Instead of a point by point rebuttal, we got a blatantly weak attempt at a campaign speech by Tom Kaine as he delivered what’s likely to be the party's next slogan, “We Can Do Better”. His facial expressions were strange even fake as his hands flapped incessantly. If I contrast delivery and substance, one was powerful, direct and hit home with high esteem and priority content; the other was weak social litany by what might be the next Democratic something.

At least you are lucky.  We have to listen to this clown for the next 4 years.

“We Can Do Better”. His facial expressions were strange even fake

Sounds exactly like John Kerry.

Titan, I am so glad you got to watch it with your 14yr old. I sure wish I had seen the part with the letter. I have seen him like that with soldiers and their families and the past and I see a man with a soul. A man who does really care deeply and has been carrying the heavy weight of the war on his back. I, unlike many, don't believe for a second that he rushed to war and didn't consider the cost. I think he thinks about the cost every single day.

At least you are lucky. We have to listen to this clown for the next 4 years

Not knowledgeable about him at all. It appeared as though he was doing a campaign speech, nothing more. My wife was the first to remark he's making a campaign speech. His constant references of his leadership bringing both parties together in his state for successful results, and many other claims where he took responsibility. As I said earlier, he has very unattractive expressions.

One segment of my job for over 30yrs has been evaluating the public persona of corporate executives. Putting that background to use, his facial expressions were mannequin like and distracting, not to mention his exaggerated left eye brow and talking hands. All poor qualities for establishing credibility and attention loosing.

Is he new to your state? What's his claim to fame?

Is he new to your state? What's his claim to fame?

He has been here for some time (I dont know if he is a native or not).  He Managed to get selected mayor of Richmond and proceeded to do nothing about the many problems that were occurring and have occured in the City in the last 30 years (Even Henry Marsh was better).

If you want to see what he is like, Remember the Movie, "My Fellow Americans"?   He is the character played by John Heard - VP Ted Matthews.

For my take on him, check out my write up: http://drguy.joeuser.com/articleComments.asp?AID=99535

Sounds exactly like John Kerry.

The camera intermittently panned to JKerry showing his non-interested stiff face, at times almost a look of disgust.

Thanks Jill. I agree with your observation. Knowing GW's values, rushing to war doesn't fit the profile. Regardless of what others spout, he has the strength to feel empathy, to tear and live unhappily with his charge. What I also found interesting was during his exit walk he paid special attention to some Democrats that are not known for their moderate cross party line support. Also, he was shaking hands in a non-traditional manner including a few contemporary man hugs and a number of kiss' planted on the cheeks of leadership women along the isles.

What's his claim to fame?

He's been an almost non-entity as the commonwealth's Lt. Governer for the last 4 years. Until he through his hat in the ring for governer last year, I bet most Virginian's had completely forgotten about him (I know I had. )

He's been an almost non-entity as the commonwealth's Lt. Governer for the last 4 years. Until he through his hat in the ring for governer last year, I bet most Virginian's had completely forgotten about him (I know I had. )

The LTG and AG are only there so they can be the front runners for the next governorship.  At least the AG has a real job.  Remember Mary Sue Terry?

Remember Mary Sue Terry?

Thanks, Doc. I had almost managed to forget. *shudder*

You had to go and remind me.

A full transcript of the Democratic rebuttal is at Link

I actually think that the Democratic rebuttal was to the point. Given that President Bush has said that the areas that need change are the economy, healthcare and foreign policy (the same issues that would form the base of the Democratic agenda) the Democrats only recourse is to say "Yes, but the Republicans haven't succeeded in significently addressing those issues in eght years in the White House.

What else would they say?

As for Gov. Tim Kaine, I don't know much about him. I can say one thing with assurance: Better than Howard Dean!

I watched it all Larry, was a mediocre speech, couple high points, nothing new I thought, I like the addicted to oil part and will see how new tech develops.

Was disgusted by the display of the dems applauding themselves for obstructing, as if that is something to be proud of.

As for Gov. Tim Kaine, I don't know much about him. I can say one thing with assurance: Better than Howard Dean!

Saying "Better than" implies some value.  Sorry if I disagree - unless you mean he did not scream.

And, H. Clintons facial disgust spoke volumes, not worth listening to.

Even if I agreed with Hillary's political views (I do NOT), this (HARDLY an isolated incident; it happened at speeches following 9/11 and other state of the union speeches) is a major reason Hillary should be disqualified from presidential consideration.

You see, a "presidential demeanor" is a MUST. You need to be able to stand and listen to the bile of leaders like Kim Jong-Il and Fidel Castro without showing significant emotion. Failure to have a good "poker face" could well spark an international incident. And if Hillary can't mask her displeasure with a domestic political opponent, how the heck's she going to do against a Saudi royal with clear and obvious contempt for her position as a FEMALE president?