I was surprised at how clear the message of progressivism ran through the speech. I’ve read reports from the UK that commented on the dogged American belief, embodied in the speech, that if we just try harder the future will be better. None of this wishie washy post modernism stuff.

I liked this from Obama’s speech: “To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”

This is a very clear-eyed assessment of the power politics at play, and an open challenge to the conventional wisdom of the Democrats. Change in the Arab world have to come from the Arabs, nobody else.