In a remarkably positive and nationalistic speech, Obama, without any hostilities toward congress (Which I didn't expect) delivered, what was, a very definite road map into getting America back on track. He also, in a very poignant way, expressed why it was necessary to wind down the war in Afghanistan and not commit to large deployments. Cory Remsburg, who was grievously wounded on his 10th (Count it..10th) time in Afghanistan, put squarely on display, the real human cost of this war.
The President also hit on some pretty good points about social mobility, even pointing out that John Boehner, the son of a bar keep, is speaker of the House. And he joked about not ever seeing eye to eye with Republicans on the ACA, while urging them to stop wasting time with votes to repeal.
He was specific. Positive. Energized and again offered an olive branch to his opposition.
Representative Cathy Rodgers, who did MUCH BETTER than all other Republican responders from previous Republican responses, was basically a "Hallmark Moment". She offered no specifics and basically said the same thing the President said, but in a nice way. Add in she was easy on the eyes.