It’s normal for an individual’s impressions listening to the annual State of the Union address by an American president to be colored to a certain degree by the listener’s own political leanings. And quite often, the opinions of those living and working inside the Washington, D.C., “beltway” are different than opinions of those living in other parts of the country.

This was particularly true of President Bush’s speech on Tuesday. In the eyes of most professional political observers, political strategists, poll watchers, pundits, newsmen and newswomen, Bush did a poor job of delivering his message. They couldn’t find much good to say about the talk. They said the Iraq situation overshadowed all other issues, that Bush didn’t gain much attention for his domestic plans, and that, really, there is nothing good that can come out of the Iraq mess. The sooner we get out, the better.

These observers or critics didn’t offer any ideas or plans of their own on what to do about Iraq, but anything Bush might try was sure to fail. Not only that, but, in their opinion, Bush cannot expect any help from Congress.

However, those living outside the “beltway” – Republicans as well as Democrats – were not as critical or pessimistic. Even a number of Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kan., said there were parts of the president’s domestic message that deserved attention and action. Moore didn’t reject anything and everything Bush said about Iraq.

It’s a fact that Iraq is the No. 1 issue, but that doesn’t mean the many domestic challenges should be left to slide or be sidetracked by deep partisan feelings. The country cannot be placed in neutral, treading water, for the next two years.

Bush’s speech was a good one. Unfortunately, his delivery is not good, and, with Democrats regaining control of Congress, there probably was the belief that no matter what he suggested, foreign or domestic, it wasn’t going to get much traction. It was pointed out time after time that some very influential Republicans have indicated they will not support the president concerning Iraq and this, in turn, creates an even more challenging political environment for GOP initiatives.

There is no easy answer to the Iraq matter. The president can be faulted, but merely saying over and over how badly the president blundered is not going to help anything. It would be great if the addition of 20,000 new troops could turn the tide, but the odds of this happening do not look good. So, what is the solution and how does Uncle Sam get out of the area without triggering a giant civil and religious war in the Middle East?

Could it be that the situation is so dire that the only way to make the best of it, as well as to do what is necessary to keep our country strong and vibrant here at home, is to have a true bipartisan approach to solving this country’s challenges?

A bitter stalemate will not be good for the country or for the Democrats or Republicans. It is hoped there are men and women in Congress who can put the good of the country ahead of partisan politics. Will the problems of the country have to become even more serious before common sense prevails in Congress and in the White House?

It is difficult to believe conditions in the country and in the White House are as hopeless as some of the Washington pundits would like the public to believe. At the same time, there are some very serious matters.

Bush has two more years in office, and, regardless of what his most severe critics might suggest, he wants to do what he thinks is best for the country. This must be true for every man who has served as president. It is doubtful that any president sets out deliberately to do something he knows is bad for the country and its citizens.

Democrats are bound to try to take advantage of Bush’s weak position to push through a legislative agenda designed to win voter support and strengthen their numbers in Congress. But even in this bitter, contentious, partisan environment, some way must be found to keep the country moving ahead. Domestically, things are pretty good right now: record employment, low unemployment, a strong economy and many other favorable factors. Now is not the time to spur a downturn in these areas. The national debt, health care, the environment, energy policies and lessening this country’s reliance on foreign oil are just a few of the challenges.

It is hoped congressional leaders and the White House can develop a relationship that respects the role and responsibility of each branch of government and, in the process, work with each other for the betterment of the country. Nothing will be gained by a bitter two-year fight designed to make the other guy look bad.

What to do about Iraq is another matter, and although those in Congress would like their constituents to think they are on top of the situation and know what is best, it stands to reason the generals know better. Those who are being shot at have a far better and more realistic understanding of the best course of action.

In addition to the immediate consequences of any Iraq action, there also is the matter of future consequences if Uncle Sam pulls out as a weakened, embarrassed paper tiger.

There are no easy answers, no matter what the beltway experts may suggest.