Marshall reaction: Inaugural speech unusual
MARSHALL — Local political leaders agree President Donald Trump’s inaugural speech was unusual and was consistent with his campaign platform before the election.
“It was an ‘America first’ speech,” former Minnesota State Representative Marty Seifert (R) of Marshall said. “He was trying to stress the fact he was focused on America’s problems, not on political generalities.” Seifert said the speech was brief, which was expected. Seifert also found it surprising Trump spoke against a Congress, saying “all talk, and no action, always complaining, but doing nothing about it.” Several members of Congress were right behind him.
“But, people of all stripes agree with him on that,” Seifert said.
Seifert did say there will always be some who will disagree with the president, no matter how well the economy turns out. While the inaugural ceremonies and balls are traditional, Seifert said there will be a new norm in Washington, D.C.
Former Minnesota State Senator Arlene Lesewski (R) of Marshall said she was a big supporter of the new president since his first appearance on stage with the original troupe of Republican contenders.
“Out of all of them, I said that Donald Trump was the only one that could stand up to Hillary Clinton and beat her,” Lesewski said. “I was offended by some of the things he said against women, but I had to make myself look beyond the personal issues and see that he would make a good, strong leader.
“I think he gave an excellent speech. He talked to the people. I didn’t hear him say ‘I’ once. He said ‘the people will do this.'”
Local Democratic leader Don Edblom did not watch the inauguration because of work.
“I’ll give him a little bit of a chance, but we’ll be watching everything that goes on and taking down names. We’ll wait and see,” he said