Trump's Oval Office speech 'did not change 100 minds'

President Trump delivered his first speech from the Oval Office, an historic spot to use the presidential bully pulpit, to a polarized nation. There was not the slightest sign of melt to show for Trump's efforts.

"This Oval Office speech did not change 100 minds: We all know what we think of this President. His base cheers whatever he says and the remainder of America sees his giant credibility gap," tweeted University of Virginia opinion expert Larry Sabato.

Or in blunt words of State Rep. Gael Tarleton, D-Seattle, "Why did Trump abuse the Oval Office by giving another damned stump speech?"

And from U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal: "Donald Trump sounds like a broken record . . . It is time for the President to give up his vanity wall fantasy and allow us to focus on what matters, ending this shutdown."

An opposite perspective, offered by Republican consultant Lance Henderson: "There was a time when #Democrats WANTED stronger borders. So why the sudden change? Because they DON'T want to give @realDonald Trump a win."

Several Northwest political leaders were rummaging around Trump's head and motives rather than fixing on the predictable words out of his mouth.

Rep. Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, commented: "The President just wants us to give him $5.6 billion so he can falsely claim that he's kept a campaign promise. That is breathtakingly irresponsible."

"Trump's 'border crisis' is a fraud," said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon. "The wall is a wasteful and ineffective way to secure the border, and the only national emergency here is the damage Trump's fragile ego is doing to the country."

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