The opening lines of President Donald Trump’s first address to a joint session of Congress made clear that it would not be an ordinary speech.
“Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of Black History Month, we’re reminded of our nation’s path toward civil rights and the work that still remains to be done,” he said, eliciting an immediate standing ovation from both sides of the aisle. “While we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate in all of its ugly forms.”
Trump went on to deliver his best speech to date. He scrapped attacks on the media and the darker tones of his inaugural address in favor of an optimistic message that drew comparison to former Presidents Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy on social media....