Reply #3: Clinton's SOTU were long, detailed and informative,

[karynnj]

but so well done you listened to the whole thing and were surprised how much time went by. He was charismatic and while you were listening you suspended any disbelieve. He gave a SOTU in the midst of the worst of the Monica saga and his numbers went up.

Was he inspiring? - I don't really think so - he was likable and a leader but I don't think he took the opportunity to lead. Partly not his fault because of the hate he faced, but partially because he might have been a better politician than statesman - though he did use his amazing intelligence to try to solve the Mid-east problem.

But in the last 50 years, I would say that the only inspiring Presidents were JFK and Reagan (who was inspiring but took people in the wrong direction.) One loss last year, was that I really think Kerry had the temperment and the eloquence to be an inspiring President.