Just a few minutes into his address, Pres. Obama said "there are 57 police officers who are still on the streets of Minneapolis tonight because this plan prevented the layoffs their department was about to make." He was then interrupted with applause. The biggest applause line was when he mentioned the vice president heading up an oversight effort "because nobody messes with Joe." Critics have been saying he needs to bring more humor and confidence.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who spent Superbowl Sunday with the Obamas, got a quick shot with the pres right after the speech. She looks delighted.
Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar had a slick new media response ready before the speech began, but embargoed until its completion. Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher is attending the address, the guest of Congressman Keith Ellison. Last time she left for Washington, Minority Leader Marty Seifert made a milk carton with her face on it, saying his Speaker was missing. So her press release noted "Kelliher is traveling at her own expense to attend the Presidential address. She will leave for Washington later today and return tomorrow morning."
