Political consultant Frank Luntz declared Tuesday that “only one word” could describe President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union address: “Wow.”
Last year, pundits across the political spectrum celebrated Trump’s from-the-prompter address as “presidential.” “He became President of the United States in that moment, period,” Van Jones said on CNN in 2017, describing the moment Trump honored the widow of a Navy SEAL during his first address to a joint session of Congress.
Afterward, the nearly unconditional praise was seen as short-sighted.
On Tuesday, Luntz applied the same kind of rigorous analysis:
The structure of tonight's #SOTU speech is well done: Started with taxes, moved to opportunity, and then to military.
Many people watch only the first 15 minutes – they will like what they heard tonight.
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) January 31, 2018
This speech is going to have a measurable impact on Trump's favorability and popularity. He's saying exactly what people want to hear.
Whoever told @TheDemocrats to sit on their hands made a huge mistake. #SOTU pic.twitter.com/6vYeFJOyMp
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) January 31, 2018
I have criticized the President's language a lot in recent months.
But tonight is Donald Trump at his very best. He's personalized his language and policies better than I've ever seen. #SOTU
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) January 31, 2018
This speech represents the presidential performance that Trump observers have been waiting for – brilliant mix of numbers and stories, humility and aggressiveness, traditional conservatism and political populism.
Only one word qualifies: Wow. #SOTU
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) January 31, 2018
Even in foreign policy and national security, this speech a perfect blend of strength and empathy. These heroic stories break our hearts, but sturdy our resolve.
This is the Trump his voters wanted him to be. #SOTU
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) January 31, 2018
Tonight, I owe Donald Trump an apology. Tonight, I was moved and inspired. Tonight, I have hope and faith in America again.
It may go away tomorrow…
But tonight, America is great again. #SOTU— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) January 31, 2018
The people who praise me for my “smart, objective analysis of Trump” when I criticize him are suddenly offended that I gave credit to him for a well-executed speech.#SOTU
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) January 31, 2018
Did anyone actually expect anything other than that from Luntz?
Sounds as if Mr. Luntz is interviewing for a job.
Reading Luntz’s fawning praise is two minutes I’ll never get back. What a hack.
Dear Frank,
So happy about your ability to ejaculate again.
Best,
Rick
In reality, the bar for Trump has been set so low, that if he can rub two sentences together and get something resembling a coherent thought (forget congruent or honest or intelligent or insightful), groupies like Luntz celebrate the absence of overt embarrassment.