California Conservative

Networks are standing by. Bloggers are, too.

Michelle Malkin has a round-up of those liveblogging from the Capitol.

6:08PM PST: President Bush enters…

6:11PM PST: Introduction. Applause…

6:12PM PST: President Bush reflects on death of Coretta Scott King

“We have served America thru one of the most consequential periods of our history.”

“We love our freedom and we will fight to keep it.” (Applause)

“There is no peace in retreat…the US will not retreat from the world…and we will never surrender to evil.” (Applause)

AMEN!

6:26PM PST: NOTE: Realization…no point in quoting what will be published as a full transcript upon the completion of speech. Will provided commentary/analysis to follow. Now, sitting back to relax. [6:38PM PST: Here it is]

6:27PM PST: President Bush honors family of fallen soldier. Gallery provides standing ovation. God bless.

“Let us never forget the sacrifices of America’s military families.”

Had to quote that. (Applause)

6:30PM PST: Why liveblog when Reuters already is reporting as if the speech were over?

Bush laid down what might ultimately be conditions for U.S. relations with Hamas, the Islamic militant group that won a stunning victory in Palestinian elections last week.
. . .

Due to election-year realities, there were no sweeping proposals along the lines of his big
Social Security revamp, which fizzled after its high-profile roll-out a year ago.

In the televised speech before millions, he called for a bipartisan commission to study the solvency of the Social Security retirement system, as well as the Medicare and Medicaid health insurance programs.

Bush is seeking to boost his standing after a year in which his popularity hit an all-time low as the public grew increasingly concerned about the Iraq war, angry about high gasoline prices and disappointed by a influence-peddling scandal on Capitol Hill that has snared at least one Republican congressman.

But no biased reporting here…

6:35PM PST: Talking about surveillance…

“We will not sit back and wait to be hit again.” (Applause)

6:38PM PST: Nod to immigration…

“We hear claims that immigrants are somehow bad for the economy even though this economy could not function without them. All these are forms of economic retreat, and they lead in the same direction toward a stagnant and second-rate economy.”

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Dear W, the American people are concerned about and want a stop to illegal immigration. Big difference.
(more…)