I don't want to call it only cosmetic, because these things do have an effect, but how profound the effect is, that I would question. Much of this is not about policy, it's about motion. It shows that they are responding that they are moving.
More Quotes from Stephen Hess:
Do not forget that it is a Congress in which the president's party has the majority.Stephen Hess
There's no question it's a new strategy. Coming to Charlotte, as well as going to Cleveland, is not what used to be known as a 'Rose Garden strategy.' It's not to jolly people up. It's an attempt to ... keep Americans behind him -- and patient.
Stephen Hess
By never having used a veto, either everything has gone his way--which is never true in this world--or he's been able to reach an agreement. When politics gets into this range of right and wrong, religion and morality, it is increasingly difficult to compromise.
Stephen Hess
It was not a speech of surprises. Assuming other foreign ministries have been listening, I don't what they would have learned today that they already didn't know.
Stephen Hess
If he loses two houses of Congress, or even one, the last two years of his presidency are toast.
Stephen Hess
It's very often a good thing in a second administration, because it's difficult to bring new people in from the outside time is short, all the creative things have already been done. Quite often the best you are capable of doing is moving things around.
Stephen Hess
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