It was not the Trump Americans have known who addressed the joint session of Congress on February 28 night, He disappointed many by being so untrumpian. It was a different Trump that night whocalled on Congress to work with him on overhauling health care, changing the tax code and rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure and military. Trump said that he was eager to reach across party lines and put aside “trivial fights” to help ordinary Americans.

“I am asking all citizens to embrace this renewal of the American spirit. I am asking all members of Congress to join me in dreaming big, and bold, and daring things for our country,” Trump said.

Trump also – for the first time – sketched out a new approach to immigration, suggesting that the nation adopt a “merit-based” immigration system.

“It is a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially.” Trump said. “Yet, in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon.” Congress should consider “switching away from this current system of lower-skilled immigration,” he said.

Trump said he believes real immigration reform is possible, but such a dramatic shift in immigration priorities will be certain to meet staunch Democratic resistance.

Trump promised a massive renewal of American jobs, infrastructure, and the military. The president wants a trillion-dollar infrastructure plan to rebuild the nation’s roads and create millions of jobs. “Millions lifted from welfare to work is not too much to expect,” Trump said, and “streets where mothers are safe from fear – schools where children learn in peace … are not too much to ask.”

The President also laid down clear principles for the repeal and replacement of Obamacare. “Obamacare is collapsing –and we must act decisively to protect all Americans,” he said, “Action is not a choice — it is a necessity.”

The President also signaled action on another key piece of his agenda — tax reform, promising “massive” relief for the middle classes and cuts in corporate tax.

President Trump’s address has by and large received praise. While the Republicans went overboard at his address which some described as the best ever I decades, Democrats were dismissive. House democratic leader Nancy Pelosi observed that while he sounded well, his actions were contrary to what he said. It remains to be seen how sincere this president is about “cutting across the party lines” and taking all along to work for the welfare of all Americans.