rank hypocrisy, and excessive self-references that have started to grate on those who once viewed him as post-partisan.
He began by recognizing that Americans are hurting even as he expressed general optimism based on his confidence in the people. This was good stuff, and it was aided, in my view, by the absence of cheap applause lines.
Obama then presented an obligatory (and facially plausible) defense of his economic policies, reminding us (fairly enough) how bad things had looked when he took office. However, he continued to recognize the problem of joblessness. Overall, I think he struck the right balance — claiming modest success without sugarcoating the economic situation.
Then, came the moment of truth when Obama insisted that he would forge ahead with his agenda. But this was a limited,Russian donor to Republican campaigns in the U.S., including $325,000 last year to America First Action, a pro-Trump super PAC.

Two other men, David Correia and Andrey Kukushkin, also face charges.

Mr. Parnas and Mr. Fruman had lunch with Mr. Giuliani at Trump International Hotel in Washington hours before their arrest.

ABC News reported Friday that federal authorities in New York are investigating the business relationship between Mr. Giuliani and the men charged, citing two sources familiar with the matter. Mr. Giuliani has not commented on the matter.

Mr. Parnas and Mr. Fruman introduced Mr. Giuliani to a Ukrainian prosecutor to investigate former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, a Democratic presidential candidate, and his son Hunter, who held a lucrative post at a Ukrainian gas company.

Shortly after their indictments were announced by