State of the Union

For the most part, I thought the President's message last night was on target.  He didn't reach for oratorical heights, but rather laid out an agenda for government that is practical and aimed at solving problems, especially in key areas like research, education, and infrastructure.  He didn't offer a lot of specifics, though, and I wonder whether he plans to elaborate further or leave the tougher decisions to others.  For example, he said the tax code should be simplified for business and individuals, but didn't come out and say he favored getting rid of the tax credit for interest on home loans, as some have suggested.  He also left foreign policy to the last third of the speech.  While he did praise "heroic" troops and civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, I was surprised that he waited that long to bring up the wars.  Overall, the speech wasn't a game-changer, but it did seem reasonable and balanced, which is the impression I think the President was aiming for.