Bush's State of the Union address.

Suppose an American were isolated for years on a desert island without any contact with the outside world--until now. Suppose this American were given a copy of last month's State of the Union address, without being told who the president is. What would he conclude based upon the following remarks?

* On healthcare: "A future of hope and opportunity requires that all our citizens have affordable and available health care. When it comes to health care, government has an obligation to care for the elderly, the disabled, and poor children.... States that make basic private health insurance available to all their citizens should receive federal funds to help them provide this coverage to the poor and the sick."

* On education: "We must increase funds for students who struggle--and make sure these children get the special help they need.... The No Child Left Behind Act has worked for America's children--and I ask Congress to reauthorize this good law."

* On illegal immigration: "We cannot fully secure the border unless we take pressure off the border--and that requires a temporary worker program."

* On global warming: "[Technological breakthroughs] will help us to confront the serious challenge of global climate change."

* On foreign aid: "We hear the call to take on the challenges of hunger and poverty and disease--and that is precisely what America is doing."

Our hypothetical American could be forgiven if he were to mistakenly conclude that a liberal Democrat now resides in the White House.