Sens. Of Humor
The Atlantic hosted a panel this a.m. reflecting on Pres. Obama's first address to Congress. Attending the National Press Club event, moderated by NBC News' Chuck Todd, were: Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL).
All agreed that Obama did a fine job. Graham's criticism was limited to the lack of discussion by the president about how he plans to guarantee the solvency of Social Security and how nuclear energy fits into his broader energy plan.
Graham: "I want to be a little bit critical. Is that ok? ... He didn't say a word about nuclear power. ... You cannot have a serious discussion on this topic unless you put nuclear power on the table. There was a reason it wasn't in the speech. Very disappointing."
And Graham on Obama and Social Security: "His silence on that topic was deafening."
But with reviews of Obama's speech glowing and public opinion high, Graham was largely positive.
Graham: "This president's instincts are right. I really do like him."
Todd: "I hear he likes you, too."
Graham: "I think he does. ... I have nothing but admiration. I would like to make him as successful as he wants to be. Within reason."
And what would any public event be without some joshing with the Senate's newest funny lady.
Todd introduced Klobuchar: "She is a senior senator and a junior senator from the state of Minnesota."
Klobuchar: "We have very little conflict in our delegation."
She's here all week.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)