JOE MALCHOW LIKED THE SPEECH. “This is the best offer American sovereigntists—which is to say almost everyone, whether they realize it or not—will have for a long time.”

Jonah Goldberg: “My guess is he sounded pretty reasonable to most Americans not already deeply committed on the issue of immigration.”

Hugh Hewitt calls it “a good start.”

Mark Tapscott thinks it sounds familiar.

John Hinderaker thinks Bush blew it.

Ed Morrissey: “President Bush tried reaching for the center — a position he has occupied on this issue all along. He tried a one-from-column-A, two-from-column-B approach that probably will leave all sides more or less dissatisfied. His declaration that catch-and-release would end was the most welcome news in the entire speech. He delivered that well and sounded forceful and presidential, but most people will wonder why this practice didn’t end on September 12, 2001.”