Jake, by his staff, that theyre planning maybe at least an hour and 15 minutes if you include all the applause. Thats including applause, but it is not including president ial ad libs, which we know are a distinct possibility. President trump does not technically care for the teleprompter, although he will probably stick to it for such an important speech, but he does like to riff, shall we say. The house sergeant of arms will make that famous announcement mr. Speaker, the president of the United States. Well see the president walk if. And you know what were going to do . Were going to listen. We have microphones there. Theyre getting ready for this moment right now. Lets listen. The house sergeant of arms, we have microphones down there, perhaps well hear some of the banter. This is the first time to see President Trump in this setting. The first time to see him in the house chamber, speaking before such a group indoors, obviously, he spoke before a hot of the same people during his inaugural address, but this will be really an address to congress. He needs to move voters to get them to support his initiatives. And he needs to move lawmakers to get him to support his initiatives. Not everybody is on the same page. When it comes to the infrastructure he wants to build or his position on trade. So this is going to be, we heard earlier today, jeffrey lord talking about how President Trump is a salesman. This is going to be a sales job he needs to do. And he wants to be upbeat, were told. Jake, you and i were over at the white house today. He wants to be on tptimistic an call for unity. Yes, i have to say we have heard that before. And for instance, his speech to the Republican National convention, his inaugural address, there were those critics who said that he painted a rather bleak picture of life in the United States. His reference, of course, during the inaugural address to american carnage. So the president definitely said he wanted to have an optimistic speech. He wanted it to be upbeat and positive, but he also said there are a lot of problems that this country faces, that he inherited a mess. So well see how he strikes that balance precisely. All right. Jake, jake, you see him . Heres the sergeant of arms about to make the announcement, and you can see, you can see the president right there. Dana, youre nearby. What are you seeing . Reporter thats right, i have the view from behind where i just saw the president walk in with hold on, dana. Mr. Speaker the president of the United States [ applause ] [ applause ] [ applause ] the president now will walk up to the podium. Hes shaking hands with the justices of the u. S. Supreme court, representatives of the joint chief of staff, hes about to be formally introduced by the speaker of the house. Saw him say hi to the chief justice, john roberts as well. The justice weari [ inaudible ] paul ryan, speaker of the house. [ applause ] thank you very much. Members of congress, i have the high privilege and the distinct honor of presenting to you the president of the United States. [ applause ] thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, mr. Vice president , members of congress, the first lady of the United States. [ applause ] and citizens of america. Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of black history month, we are reminded of our nations path toward civil rights and the work that still remains to be done. [ applause ] recent threats [ applause ] recent Threats Targeting Jewish Community Centers and vandalism of jewish cemeteries as well as last weeks shooting in kansas city remind us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms. [ applause ] each american generation passes the torch of truth, liberty and justice, and an unbroken chain all the way down to the present. That torch is now in our hands. And we will use it to light up the world. Im here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength. And it is a message deeply delivered from my heart. A new chapter [ applause ] of american greatness is now beginning. A new National Pride is sweeping across our nation. And a new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp. What we are witnessing today is the renewal of the american spirit. Our allies will find that americas once again ready to lead. [ applause ] a all the nations of the world, friend or foe will find that america is strong, america is proud, and america is free. In nine years, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding. 250 years since the day we declared our independence. It will be one of the great milestones in the history of the world. But what will america look like as we reach our 250th year . What kind of country will we leave for our children . I will not allow the mistakes of recent decades past to define the course of our future. For too long, weve watched our middle class shrink as weve exported our jobs and wealth to foreign countries. We financed and built one Global Project after another but ignored the fates of our children in the inner cities of chicago, baltimore, detroit, and so many other places throughout our land. Weve defended the borders of other nations while leaving our own borders wide open for anyone to cross and for drugs to pour in at a now unprecedented rate. And weve spent trillions and trillions of dollars overseas, while our infrastructure at home has so badly crumbled. Then, in 2016, the earth shifted beneath our feet. The rebellion started. As a quiet protest, spoken by families of all colors and creeds. Families who just wanted a fair shot for their children. And a fair hearing for their concerns. But then the quiet voices became a loud chorus as thousands of citizens now spoke out together, from cities small and harlarge across our country. Finally, the chorus became an earthquake, and the people turned out by the tens of millions, and they were all united by one very simple but crucial demand, that america must put its own citizens first, because only then can we truly make America Great again. [ applause ] dying industries will come roaring back to life. Heroic veterans will get the care they so desperately need. Our military will be given the resources its brave warriors so rich richly deserve. Crumbling infrastructure will be replaced with new roads, tunnels, airports across our beautiful land. Our drug epidemic will slow down and ultimately stop. And our neglected inner cities will see a rebirth of hope, safety and opportunity. Above all else, we will keep our promises to the American People. [ applause ] thank you. Its been a little over a month since my inauguration. And i want to take this moment to update the nation on the progressiv progress ive made in keeping those promises. Since that time, ford, intel, walmart, and many others have announced that they will invest billions and billions of dollars in the United States and will create tens of thousands of new american jobs. [ applause ] the stock market has gained almost 3 trillion in value since the election on november 8th, a record. Weve saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by bringing down the price of fantastic, and it is a fantastic new f35 jet fighter, and well be saving billions more on contracts all across our government. We replaced the hiring freeze on nonessential federal workers. We have begun to drain the swamp of government corruption by imposing a five year ban on lobbying by executive branch officials, and a lifetime ban [ applause ] thank you. And a lifetime ban on becoming lobbyists for a foreign government. We have undertake and historic effort to massively reduce jobcrushing regulations, creating a Deregulation Task force inside every government agency. And were imposing a new rule which mandates that for every one new regulation, two old regulations must be eliminated. [ applause ] were going to stop the regulations that threaten the future and livelihood of our great coal miners. [ applause ] we have cleared the way for the construction of the keystone and Dakota Access pipelines [ applause ] thereby creating tens of thousands of jobs, and ive issued a new directive, that new american pipelines be made with american steel. [ applause ] weve withdrawn the United States from the jobkilling transpacific partnership. [ applause ] and with the help of Prime Minister justin trudeau, we have formed a council with our neighbors in canada that Women Entrepreneurs have access to the networks, markets and capital they need to start up business and live out their financial dreams. [ applause ] to protect our citizens, i have directed the department of justice to form a task force on reducing violent crime. I have further ordered the departments of Homeland Security and justice, along with the department of state and the director of National Intelligence to coordinate an aggressive strategy to dismantle the criminal cartels that have spread all across our nation. [ applause ] we will stop the drugs from pouring into our country and poisoning our youth, and we will expand treatment for those who have become so badly addicted. [ applause ] at the same time, my administration has answered the pleas of the American People for Immigration Enforcement and border security. [ applause ] by finally enforcing our immigratio immigration laws, we will raise wages, help the unemployed. Save billions and billions of dollars and make our communities safer for everyone. [ applause ] we want all americans to succeed, but that cant happen in an environment of lawless chaos. We must restore integrity and the rule of law at our borders. [ applause ] for that reason, we will soon begin the construction of a great, great wall along our southern border. [ applause ] as we speak tonight, we are removing gang members, drug dealers and criminals that threaten our communities and prey on our very innocent citizens. Bad ones are going out as i speak, and as i promised throughout the campaign, to any in congress who do not believe we should enforce our laws, i would ask you this one question. What would you say to the American Family that loses their jobs, their income or their loved one, because america refused to uphold its laws and defendi defend its borders . Moss plaus our obligation is to serve, protect and defend the citizens of the United States. Were also taking strong measures to protect our nation from radical islamic terrorism. [ applause ] according to data provided by the department of justice, the vast majority of individuals convicted of terrorism and terrorismrelated offenses since 9 11 came here from outside of our country. We have seen the attacks at home from boston to San Bernardino to the pentagon, and yes, even the world trade center. We have seen the attacks in france, in belgium, in germany, and all over the world. It is not compassionate but reckless to allowed uncontrolled entry from places where proper vetting cannot occur. [ applause ] those given a high honor of admission to the United States should support this country and lovi love its people and its values. We cannot allow a beachhead of terrorism in america or become a sanctuary for extremists. [ applause ] that is why my administration has been working on an improved vetting procedures, and we will shortly take new steps to keep our nation safe and to keep those out who will do us harm. [ applause ] as promised, i directed the department of defense to develop a plan to demolish and destroy isis, a network of savages who have killed women and children of all faiths. We will extinguish this vile enemy from our planet. [ applause ] i have also imposed new sanctions on entities and individuals who support irans Ballistic Missile program and reaffirm our Unbreakable Alliance with the state of israel. [ applause ] finally, i have kept my promise to appointment a justice who the United StatesSupreme Court from my list of 20 judges who will defend our constitution. [ applause ] i am greatly honored to have Maureen Scalia with us in the gallery tonight. [ applause ] thank you, maureen. Her late, great husband Antonin Scalia will forever be a symbol of american justice. To fill his seat, we have chosen judge neil gore shusuch. A man of incredible skill and deep devotion to the law. He was confirmed unanimously by the court of appeals, and i am asking the senate to swiftly approve his nomination. [ applause ] tonight, as i outline the next steps we must take as a country, we must honestly acknowledge the circumstances we inherited. 94 million americans are out of the labor force. Over 43 Million People are now living in poverty, and over 43 million americans are on food stamps. More than one in five people in their prime working years are not working. We have the worst Financial Recovery in 65 years. In the last eight years, the past administration has put on more new debt than nearly all of the other president s combined. Weve lost more than one fourth of our manufacturing jobs since nafta was approved, and weve lost 60,000 factories since china joined the World Trade Organization in 2001. Our trade deficit in goods with the world last year was nearly 800 billion. And overseas, we have inherited a series of tragic Foreign Policy disasters. Solving these and so many other pressing problems will require us to work past the differences of party. It will wirequire us to tap int the american spirit that has overcome every challenge throughout our long and storied history. But to accomplish our goals at home and abroad, we must restart the engine of the american economy. Make it easier for companies to do business in the United States and much, much harder for companies to leave our country. [ applause ] right now American Companies are taxed at one of the highest rates anywhere in the world. My Economic Team is developing historic tax reform that will reduce the tax rate on our companies so they can compete and thrive anywhere and with anyone. [ applause ] it will be a big, big cut. At the same time, we will provide massive tax relief for the middle class. We must create a level Playing Field for American Companies and our workers. Have to do it. [ applause ] currently, when we ship products out of america, many other countries make us pay very high tariffs and taxes, but when Foreign Companies ship their products into america we charge them nothing or almost nothing. I just met with officials and workers from a Great American company, harley davidson. In fact, they proudly displayed five of their magnificent motorcycles made in the usa on the front lawn of the white house. [ laughter ] [ applause ] and they wanted me to ride one, and i said no thank you. [ laughter ] at our meeting, i asked them, how are you doing . How is business . They said that its good. I asked them further, how are you doing with other countries . Mainly, international sales. They told me without even complaining, because they have been so mistreated for so long that theyve become used to it. That its very hard to do business with other countries, because they tax our goods at such a high rate. They said that in the case of another country, they tax their motorcycles at 100 . They werent even asking for a change, but i am i believe [ applause ] i believe strongly in free trade, but it also has to be fair trade. Its been a long time since we had fair trade. The first republican president , abraham lincoln, warned that the abandonment of the protective policy by the American Government will produce want and ruin among our people. Lincoln was right. And its time we heeded his advice and his words. [ applause ] i am not going to let america and its Great Companies and workers be taken advantage of us any longer. They have taken advantage of our country. No longer. [ applause ] im going to bring back millions of jobs, protecting our workers also means reforming our system of legal immigration. [ applause ] the current outdated system depresses wages for our poorest workers and puts great pressure on taxpayers. Nations around the world like canada, australia and many others have a meritbased immigration system. [ applause ] its a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially, yet in america we do not enforce this rule, straining the very Public Resources that the poorest citizens rely upon. Our current immigration system coasts american taxpayers many billions of dollars a year, switching away from this Current System of lowerskilled immigration and instead of adopting a meritbased system, we will have so many more benefits, it will save countless dollars, raise workers wages and help struggling families, including immigrant families enter the middle class, and they will do it quickly, and they will be very, very happy indeed. [ applause ] i believe that real and positive Immigration Reform is possible as long as we focus on the following goals, to improve jobs and wages for americans. To strengthen our nations security. And to restore respect for our laws. If we are guided by the wellbeing of american citizens, then i believe republicans and democrats can Work Together to achieve an outcome that has eluded our country for decades. [ applause ] another republican president , dwight d. Eisenhower initiated the last truly Great National infrastructure program, the building of the interstate highway system. The time has come for a new program of national rebuilding. [ applause ] america has spent approximately 6 trillion in the middle east, all the while our infrastructure at home is crumbling. With the 6 trillion, we could have rebuilt our country twice and maybe even three times if we had people who had the ability to negotiate. [ applause ] to launch our national rebuilding, i will be asking congress to approve legislation that produces a 1 trillion investment in infrastructure of the United States, financed through both public and private capital, creating millions of new jobs. [ applause ] this effort will be guided by two core principles. Buy american and hire american. [ applause ] tonight i am also calling on this congress to repeal and replace obamacare. [ applause ] with reforms that expand choice, increase access, lower costs and at the same time provide Better Health care. Mo mandating every american to buy Health Insurance was never the right solution for our country. [ applause ] the way to make Health Insurance available for everyone is to lower the cost of Health Insurance, and that is what we are going to do. [ applause ] obamacare premiums nationwide have increased by double and triple digits, as an example, arizona went up 116 last year alone. Governor matt bevin of kentucky just said obamacare is failing in his state, the state of kentucky. And its unsustainable and collapsing. One third of the counties have only one insurer, and theyre losing them fast. They are losing them so fast, theyre leaving. And Many Americans have no choice at all. Theres no choice left. Remember, when you were told that you could keep your doctor and keep your plan. We now know that all of those promises have been totally broken. Obamacare is collapsing, and we must act decisively to protect all americans. [ applause ] action is not a choice. It is a necessity. So i am calling on all democrats and republicans in congress to work with us to save americans from this imploding obamacare disaster. [ applause ] here are the principles that should guide congress as we move to create a Better Health care system for all americans. First, we should ensure that americans with preexisting conditions have access to coverage and that we have a stable transition for americans currently enrolled in the health care exchanges. Moss plaus secondly, we should help americans purchase their own coverage through the use of tax credits and expanded Health Savings accounts, but it must be the plan they want, not the plan forced on them by our government. [ applause ] thirdly, we should give our state governors the resources and flexibility they need with medicaid to make sure no one is left out. Fourth, we should implement legal reforms that protect patients and doctors from unnecessary costs that drive up the price of insurance and work to bring down the artificially high price of drugs and bring them down immediately [ applause ] and finally, the time has come to give americans the freedom to purchase Health Insurance across state lines. [ applause ] which will create a truly Competitive National marketplace that will bring costs way down and provide far better care. So important. Everything that is broken in our country can be fixed. Every problem can be solved. And every hurting family can find healing and hope. Our citizens deserve this. And so much more. So why not join forces and finally get the job done and get it done right. [ applause ] on this and so many other things, democrats and republicans should get together and unite for the good of our country and for the good of the American People. My administration wants to work with members of both parties to make child care accessible and affordable, to help ensure new parents that they have paid family leave. [ applause ] to invest in Womens Health and to promote clean air and clean water and to rebuild our military and our infrastructure. True love for our people requires us to find common ground. To advance the common good and to cooperate on behalf of every american child who deserves a much brighter future. An incredible young woman is with us this evening who should sev serve as an inspiration to us all. Today is rare disease day, and joining us in the gallery is a rare disease survivor. Megan crowley. Megan [ applause ] megan was diagnosed with pompeii disease, a rare and serious illness, when she was 15 months old. She was not expected to live past 5. On receiving this news, megans dad john fought with everything he had to save the life of his precious child. He founded a company to look for a kurcure and helped develop th drug that saved megans life. Today she is 20 years old and a sophomore at notre dame. [ applause ] megans story is about the unbounded power of a fathers love for a daughter. But our slow and burdensome approval process at the food and Drug Administration keeps too many advances like the one that saved megans life from reaching those in need. If we slash the restraints, not just at the fda, but across our government, then we will be blessed with far more miracles just like megan. [ applause ] in fact, our children will grow up in a nation of miracles. But to achieve this future, we must enrich the mind and the souls of every american child. Education is the civil rights issue of our time. [ applause ] i am calling upon members of both parties to pass an Education Bill that funds School Choice for disadvantaged kids, including millions of africanamerican and latino children. [ applause ] these families should be free to choose the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them. [ applause ] joining us tonight, in the gallery, is a remarkable woman, daniesha merryweather. She was able to enroll in a great center with the help of a tax credit and scholarship program. Today she is the first in her family to graduate not just from high school but from college. She will get her masters degree in social work. We want all children to break the cycle of poverty just like daniesha. [ applause ] but to break the cycle of poverty, we must also break the cycle of violence. The murder rate in 2015 experienced its largest single year increase in nearly half a century. In chicago more than 4,000 people were shot last year alone and the murder rate so far this year has been even higher. This is not acceptable in our society. Every american child should be able to grow up in a safe community, to attend a great school, and to have access to a high paying job. But to create this future we must work with, not against, not against, the men and women of law enforcement. We must build bridges of cooperation and trust, not drive the wedge of disunity and really what it is, its division. Pure, unadulterated division. We have to unify. Police and sheriffs are members of our community, theyre friends and neighbors, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. And they leave behind loved ones every day who worry about whether or not theyll come home safe and sound. We must support the incredible men and women of law enforcement. And we must support the victims of crime. I have ordered the department of Homeland Security to create an office to serve american victims, the office is called vois. Victims of immigration crime engagement. We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media and silenced by special interests. Joining us joining us in the audience tonight are four very brave americans whose government failed them. Their names are jameel shaw, susan oliver, jenna oliver, and jessica davis. Jameels 17yearold son was viciously murdered by illegal immigrant gang member who had just been released from prison. He was an incredible young man with unlimited potential getting ready to go to college where he would have schedule as a Great College quarterback, but he never got the chance. His father, who is in the audience tonight, has become a very good friend of mine. Jameel, thank you. Thank you. Also with us are susan oliver and jessica davis. Their husbands Deputy Sheriff danny oliver and detective michael dafs were slain in the line of duty in california. They were pillars of their community. These brave men were viciously gunned down by illegal immigrant with criminal record, and two prior deportations, should have never been in our country. Sitting with susan is her daughter jen fla. Your father was a hero and tonight you have the love of an entire country supporting you and praying for you. Jameel, jenna, susan and jessica. We will never stop fighting for justice. Your loved ones will never been forgotten, we will always honor their memory. Finally, to keep america safe we must provide the men and women of the United States military with the tools they need to prevent war, if they must, they have to fight and they only have to win. I am sending congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the defense sequester and calls for one of the largest increases in National Defense spending in american i am sending congress a budget deliver for thethe challenges w nation are great but our people are even greater and none are greater or braver than those who fight for america in uniform. We are blessed to be joined tonight by corinne owens, widow of u. S. Navy special operator, senior chief william ryan owens. Ryan died as he lived, a warrior and a hero, battling against terrorism and securing our nation. I just spoke to our great general mattis, just now, who reconfirmed that and i quote, ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemy. Ryans legacy is etched into eternity. Thank you. And ryan is looking down right now, you know that, and hes very happy because i think he just broke a record. As the bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down ones life for ones friends. Ryan laid down his life for his friends, his country, and for our freedom, and we will never forget ryan. To those allies who wonder what kind of a friend america will be, look no further than the heroes who wear our uniform. Our Foreign Policy calls for direct, robust and meaningful engagement with the world. It is American Leadership based on vital security interests that we share with our allies all across the globe. We strongly support nato, Alliance Forged through the bonds of two world wars that dethroned fascism and the cold war and defeated communism. But our partners must meet their financial obligations. And now, based on our very strong and frank discussions, they are beginning to do just that. In fact i can tell you, the money is pouring in. Very nice. Very nice. We expect our partners, whether in nato, middle east or pacific, to take a direct and meaningful role in both strategic and military operations, and pay their fair share of the cost. Have to do it. We will respect historic institutions, but we will respect the foreign rights of all nations and they have to respect our rights as a nation also. Free nations are the best vehicle for expression the will of the people, and america respects the right of all nations to chart their own path. My job is not to respect the world, my job is to represent the United States of america. Pe world, my job is to represent the United States of america. Ec world, my job is to represent the United States of america. Ct, my job is to represent the United States of america. T the my job is to represent the United States of america. Pt the, my job is to represent the United States of america. Rt the world, my job is to represent the United States of america. Et world, my job is to represent the United States of america. St world, my job is to represent the United States of america. Et world, my job is to represent the United States of america. Nt world, my job is to represent the United States of america. But we know that america is better off when there is less conflict, not more. We must learn from the mistakes of the past. We have seen the war and the destruction that have ravaged and raged throughout the world, all across the world. The only longterm solution for these humanitarian disasters in many cases is create the conditions where displaced persons can safely return home and begin the long, long process of rebuilding. America is willing to find new friends and forth new partnerships, where shared interests align. We want harmony and stability, not war and conflict. We want peace wherever peace can be found. America is friends today with former enemies. Some of our closest allies, decades ago, fought on the opposite side of these terrible, terrible wars. This history should give us all faith in the possibilities for a better world. Hopefully, the 250th year for america will see a world that is more peaceful, more just and more free. On our 100th anniversary in 1876, citizens from across our nation came to philadelphia to celebrate americas centennial. At that celebration, the countrys builders and artists and inventors showed off their wonderful creations. Alexander graham bell displayed his telephone for the first time, remington unveiled the first typewriter. Early attempt made at electric light, electric pen. Imagine the wonders our country could know in americas 250th year. Think of the marvels we can achieve if we simply set free the dreams of our people. Cures to the illnesses that have always plagued us are not too much to hope. American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream. Millions lifted from welfare to work is not too much to expect. And streets where mothers are safe from fear, schools where children learn in peace, and jobs where americans prosper and grow are not too much to ask. When we have all of this, we will have made America Greater than ever before. For all americans this is our vision, this is our mission. But we can only get there together. We are one people with one destiny. We all bleed the same blood, we all salute the same Great American flag. And we all are made by the same god. When we fulfill this vision, when we celebrate our 250 years of glorious freedom, we will look back on tonight as when this new chapter of american greatness began. The time for small thinking is over. The time for trivial fights is behind us. We just need the courage to share the dreams that fill our hearts, the bravery to express the hopes that sear our souls, and the confidence to turn those hopes and those dreams into action. From now on america will be empowered by our aspirations, not burdened by our fears. Inspired by the future, not bound by failures of the past. And guided by a vision, not blinded by our doubts. I am asking all citizens to embrace this renewal of the american spirit. I am asking all members of congress to join me in dreaming big and bold and daring things for our country. Im asking everyone watching tonight to seize this moment, believe in yourselves, believe in your future, and believe once more in america. Thank you, god bless you, and god bless the United States. [ applause ] the president of the United States delivering an important powerful speech. His tone clearly different than the speech he delivered at inauguration. President going through a whole range of issues, his tone, jake tapper, clearly less inciteful shall we say than it was then. Yeah a much more subdued President Trump then weve seen. Stuck for the most part, 95 to the teleprompter and words written for him, with him by his speech writers. It was a speech in which he clearly was trying to reset in a lot of ways, both tonally, started with a strong condemnation of hate crimes against an indian man in kansas last week as well as threats weve seen at Jewish Community centers and day schools. Called those acts hate and evil. Said she were policies on which we disagree but we all unite against that hate and evil. And he talked about the time for small thinking is over, the time for trivial fights is behind us. That was the wrapping in which he presented the policy. Now, when it comes to this call for unity, there are going to be a lot of people who take issue with a lot of these proposals of the there is a clear America First nationalistic undercurrent to a lot of things he talked about today. Talked about total revamp of our immigration system. Shifting to one instead of taking in refugees, people from around the world who want to try to realize the american dream, to have a more selfinterested immigration policy based on bringing in people of higher skill. Talked about how his job is not to be representative of the world but be president of the United States and represent the United States. One time we heard boos in the speech talked about special office i think set up in the department of Homeland Security. V. O. I. C. E. , a special office for people who have been they or their family members victimized by people in the country illegally, and reached out to introduce the nation to some of these individuals, many who have been following the campaign, if you know the president s campaign speeches, will recognize these people. Tone might have been one thing but lot of people in the chamber, drs. Emocrats especiall but moderate republicans as well wont find unifying. He did the basic outlines of the speaker ryan plan talking about tax credits for people who cant afford Health Insurance, something that conservatives have expressed concern about, thinking might be entitlement, he gave support. Thats a big hug to paul ryan. Hes emerging, walking out of the house of representatives. Signing autographs as he leaves. Dana . This was the best of his stump speeches, issues that resonated the most and helped get the voters to the polls so he would win but delivered in most president ial manner that we have heard from donald trump to date period. Much more so especially than his inaugural address. Clearly trying to reset here. But when you look at issues, he is trying to be true to the people who sent him to washington. Starting with some of the things that he promised he was going to do that he did by executive order like lobbying ban and so forth. But immigration, terrorism, trade, and then the whole notion of the fact that he believes that America Needs a president who focuses on them first. Not only saying hes going to lead america and not responsible for the world, but also giving a very nationalistic, isolationist and protectionist tone that again really resonated with the people who voted for him. And in keeping with the people steve bannon for example who have written and made documentaries about these issues and are now seeing a vehicle in which to push it in the president of the United States. One other note, i wouldnt exactly call this a speech focused tremendously on Foreign Policy. You didnt hear much about it other than the task of defeating the savages of isis and using the term radical islamic terrorism which his National Security adviser general mcmaster recommended he not use. It was american centric speech. Not a surprise of course. Make America Great again, America First are his mottos but did not hear the words iraq or afghanistan or syria, we have more than 10,000 u. S. Troops in those countries. Didnt hear the word russia, not a surprise, which has been a big part of his Foreign Policy pitch on the stump, wouldnt you like to get along with russia. But more controversial today but allusion to making common cause with others. Just the opposite. He made very clear in the absence of that, and also explicitly said, basically were going to retreat. Its all about us. Anderson is with us of course. Anderson, he delivered so many of the promises he made during the campaign but read that speech from the teleprompter much more effectively than he has in the past. For someone that teleprompter a new thing for him. Its without a doubt one of his best speeches from him and emotionally talking to the widow of the navy seal, ryan owens, killed in yemen operation, without a doubt one of the most emotional moments weve seen in a political speech like this in quite some time. Incredibly powerful moment because the story is compelling but also proof this president understands the theater of politics. To make a point, you have to have moments like that. Couldnt help but tear up yourself. Consider where he began, stepped on the rostrum at least popular president at this point in his presidency since ronald reagan. This will help. Get a bump out of this speech. Lot about jobs and security. If europoian opponent, the way its proof how different he is. Had fidelity to big Campaign Promises and democrats mostly sat there as he went through them but talked about withdrawing from trade agreements and speaker sthat. Thats not free market republican. And talked about thats not republican idea. Lot of what he proposed is government action. Using levers of government to influence the economy. Thats not free market policy. This is a very different president and now Going Forward has to deliver on a lot of big promises there. Eliminate isis and create jobs. Big speech that will help president in the shortterm but now we have it. Go through the list in six months and has to deliver. The tonal difference between that President Trump and President Trump on twitter at 5 00 a. M. In the morning, its like a completely different person. He seems to have weaned himself off twitter over the last couple of hours. Minutes. Environment imposes that on you. Sitting there with all those folks from congress and his cabinet, cant be anything but serious and sober. And we saw that and saw him sometimes go into superlattive talk and get off script a little bit but he was on script mostly and something for everyone in this speech which in is some ways a problem. Talked about funding and only funding he talked about was for the military and veterans. But talks about chicago, nothing there in terms of real plan, just said the violence there is unacceptable. Hes been president for 30 or 40 days or so, hasnt gone to chicago or reached out to governor there but thats something he likes to talk about all the time. I think the problem still remains. Got a divided Democratic Party as you talked about and divided republican party. Chicago, city has a request for various things sitting at Justice Department waiting for the administration to act. But if im Trump Team Im very happy with this speech. Went in with a mind to reset and wanted to eliminate the notion of chaos, burnish the things he claims as accomplishments and get back to the big goals that got him where he is today. But agree with john that the challenges, lot of the issues he detailed, isnt agreement among republicans on how to proceed. So i think that there will be an afterglow from the speech. He should get a bump in the polls but i learned in my own experience those things are very fleeting. And ultimately youve got to produce on the things that youre talking about or the memory of this speech will fade. As we were saying, trump plays to the audience. This was conventional speech playing to conventional audience. Go to wolf. Democratic response will start shortly. Delivered by former Kentucky GovernorSteve Basheer making the case for the opposition party, Democratic Party right now. Selected by democratic leadership to deliver the speech. Former Kentucky Governor is getting ready to speak right now. I was governor of kentucky from 2007 to 2015. Now im a private citizen. Im here in lexington, kentucky, some 400 miles from washington, at diner with neighbors, democrats and republicans, where we just watched the president s address. Im a proud democrat, but first and foremost im a proud republican and democrat and mostly american. Like many of you im worried about the future of this nation. Look, i grew up in kentucky in a small town called dawson springs. Dad and granddad were baptist preefrpz, family owned a frubl home and wife and i married almost 50 years. Became a governor at start of global recession and after eight years left things better than we found them. Fiscally responsible, i cut my own pay. Balanced budget without raising taxes. Cut Unemployment Rate in half. Made huge gains in High School Graduation rates and found Health Coverage for over half a million kentuckians, through trust and mutual respect. I listened. And i built partnerships with Business Leaders and with republicans in our legislature. We put people first and politics second. The america i love allowed a small town preachers kid to be elected governor, and it taught me to embrace people who are different than me, not vilify them. The america i love has always been about looking forward, not backward, working together to find solutions regardless of party. Instead allowing our differences to divide us and hold us back. We democrats are committed to creating opportunity for every american to succeed, growing economy with good paying jobs. Educating our people to fill those joshes, giving businesses freedom to innovate, keeping country safe and providing health care that families can afford and rely on. Mr. President , as a candidate, you promised to be a champion for families struggling to make ends meet. And i hope you live up to that promise. Bun of your First Executive orders makes it harder for those families to afford a mortgage. Then started rolling back rules of oversight of the financial industry and safeguard us against another economic meltdown and picked a cabinet of insiders and wall street insiders that eviscerate the policies that americans count on and level the Playing Field. Thats not our champion but wall streets champion. Even more troubling, you and your republican allies in congress seem determined to rip affordable Health Insurance away from millions of americans who most need it. Does the Affordable Care act need some repair . Sure it does. But so far every republican idea to replace the Affordable Care act would reduce the number of americans covered, despite your promises to the contrary. Mr. President , folks here in kentucky expect you to keep your word because this isnt a game. Its life and death for people. These ideas promise access to care but deny the importance of making care affordable and effective. They would charge families more for fewer benefits and put the Insurance Companies back in control. Behind these ideas is the belief that folks at lower end of the economic ladder just dont deserve health care. That its somehow their fault that their employer doesnt offer insurance or that they cant afford to buy Expensive Health plans. But just who are these twentytwo million americans, include 25,000 people here in cana kentucky who now have health care that didnt have it before. Not aliens from a distant planet but friends and neighbors. We sit in the bleachers with them on friday night, worship in the pews with them sunday morning. Farmers, nurses aids, construction workers and entrepreneurs working at high tech startups. Before the Affordable Care act, they woke up every morning and went to work just hoping and praying they wouldnt get sick because they knew that they were just one bad diagnosis away from bankruptcy. You know, in 2010, this country made a commitment. That every american deserved health care they could afford and rely on. And we democrats are going to do everything in our power to keep President Trump and the Republican Congress from reneging on that commitment. But were going to need your help by speaking out. Another commitment now being tested is to our National Security. Make no mistake, im a military veteran myself, and i know that protecting america is the president s highest duty. Yet President Trump is ignoring serious threats to our National Security from russia, who is not our friend, while alienating our allies who fought with us side by side and are our friends in a dangerous world. His approach makes us less safe and should worry every freedom loving american. Instead President Trump has all but declared war on refugees and immigrants. Look the president can and should enforce your immigration laws, but we can protect america without abandoning our principles and our moral obligation to help those fleeing war and terror, without tearing families apart, and without needlessly jeopardizing our military men and women fighting overseas. Another republican president , ronald reagan, once said, in america our origins matter less than our destination, and that is what democracy is all about. President trump also needs to understand that people may disagree with him from time to time, but that doesnt make them his enemies. When the president attacks the loyalty and credibility of our intelligence agencies, the court system, the military, the free press, individual americans, simply because he doesnt like what they say, hes eroding our democracy, and thats reckless. Real leaders dont spread derision and division, real leaders strengthen, unify, partner, and offer Real Solutions instead of ultimatums and blachlt i may be oldfashioned but i still believe that dignity, compassion, honesty and accountability are basic american values. As a democrat, i believe if you work hard you deserve the opportunity to realize the american dream. Regardless of whether youre a coal miner in kentucky, teacher in rhode island, auto worker in detroit, or Software Engineer in san antonio. Our political system is broken because too many of our leaders think its all about them. They need to remember that they work for us. And helping us is their work. Kentucky made Real Progress while i was governor because we were motivated by one thing, helping families. Democrats are trying to bring that same focus back to washington, d. C. Americans are a Diverse People and we may disagree on a lot of things. But weve always come together when we remember that we are one nation, under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Former Kentucky Governor making the democratic, opposition response. Its always a tough chore if you will to deliver that kind of a response following a one hour presentation by the president before a joint session of congress. It is indeed a thankless task. I suppose the democrats wanted to show somebody representing a, obamacare, because governor brought it to his state, and b, somebody representing part of the country they didnt do so well with in the last election, white workingclass voters, but its a difficult task to equal the president of the United States speaking in the chamber of the house with all the majesty and pomp and circumstance. Little trolling of the Senate Majority leader Mitch Mcconnell as well, who is from kentucky, to have the gov