Weekly address

Obama: Remember Our Adversaries Are The Terrorists, Not Each Other

In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama said his administration is taking steps to address the Flight 253 attempted bombing, and directly blamed al-Qaida for plotting the attack. And he spoke against politicizing the event, in a seeming rebuttal to Republican political attacks:
"So as our reviews continue, let us ask the questions that need to be asked. Let us make the changes that need to be made. Let us debate the best way to protect the country we all love. That is the right and responsibility of every American and every elected official," said Obama. "But as we go forward, let us remember this-our adversaries are those who would attack our country, not our fellow Americans, not each other. Let's never forget what has always carried us through times of trial, including those attacks eight Septembers ago."

McConnell Cites The American Revolution

In this weekend's Republican address, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell hearkened back to the American revolution, and the bravery shown on New Year's Day 1777 at the Battle of Trenton, as an example of Americans overcoming great difficulties. This might be a dog-whistle for the Tea Party movement, which ties its opposition against President Obama to the spirit of the American Revolution:

"Political disagreements will continue in the year ahead. This is an essential part of any vibrant democracy. But Americans expect and deserve their elected leaders to put country first, and work together to solve our common problems," said McConnell. "Powerful forces may be aligned against us, just as they did against the Continental Army on that cold January night in 1777. But when the challenges are greatest, Americans always join ranks. It was true in Trenton. It's no less true today."