President George W. Bush’s first State of the Union address produced mixed feelings among local political leaders who say Bush’s “optimistic” plans lack viable solutions.

The President’s report on his first year dealt with current issues, specifically the war on terrorism and the recession.

“We haven’t seen anything like this, maybe ever,” said Steffen Schmidt, university professor of political science. “We’re fighting all kinds of slippery eels that can’t be found, and the economy is not very good.”

The president’s speech was optimistic, but lacked solutions, Schmidt said.

“It was a great speech, but if you pick it apart, there are still lots of questions,” he said. “You see that these problems are more complicated than the solutions that he offered.”

Rep. Chuck Larson, R-Cedar Rapids and chairman of the Iowa Republican Party, said he was satisfied with the extent of Bush’s explanation.

“It’s rare for a State of the Union speech to go into explicit detail about how a proposal will be implemented,” Larson said.

Iowa Democratic Chairwoman Sheila McGuire Riggs said she wanted more solutions from Bush.

“His solutions, other than deficit spending, were absent,” she said. “The only solution he really had was, `Let’s do deficit spending.’ “

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a statement that Bush’s address “spelled out a vision for America that builds on his commitment to national, domestic and economic security.”

In his discussion of the war on terrorism, Bush cited three nations – Iran, Iraq and North Korea – for being known sympathizers and supporters of terrorism, Larson said.

“He is making it very, very clear that those nations that harbor terrorists will be sought out and held accountable for their actions,” he said.

Internationally, the specific naming of these countries could be perceived as a threat, Schmidt said.

“In some countries, the speech is going to be seen as belligerent and militaristic,” he said.

Bush also addressed partisanship in his speech, addressing the need for unity.

Grassley’s statement said Bush “set the stage for another productive year.”

“Let’s hope Congress will take him up on his offer for bipartisanship for the good of our country, especially when it comes to policies that will create jobs and grow the economy,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa, said in a statement that Bush’s address “was full of hope and optimism.”

“I have been very pleased with the bipartisan way both sides of the aisle and administration have come together,” he said.

House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt, D-Mo., who issued a response to Bush’s address, had to be careful not to offend any of Bush’s public, Schmidt said.

“The Democrats can’t just come out and criticize [Bush],” he said. “He’s unbelievably popular right now. They have to offer their alternatives, but very carefully.”

The Democrats’ views on rejuvenating the economy are not in line with Bush’s economic stimulus plan.

“The Democrats are with him 100 percent on the war on terrorism,” Riggs said. “I think Democrats do have a different approach to economic stimulus than the President, and we look forward to working with him on the solution.”