Obama Addresses a Joint Session of Congress

Oratorical ability has been a defining characteristic of some presidents. For others, the inability to make a good speech has been a serious limitation. In the past month, President Obama has been criticized for presenting too grim a picture of America's current challenges. Last night, the President painted a grim picture of America's economic crisis and predicted hard times. But in contrast to recent speeches, he insisted that recovery is a certainty. He explained why he wants to give banks more taxpayer money and outlined ambitious plans for healthcare, alternative energy and education. Did the President strike the right note of optimism in perilous times? What did Governor Bobby Jindal say on behalf of the Republicans?