Rep. Jim Matheson, Utah's only Democrat in the delegation, was discouraged by the fact that Republicans stood and roundly applauded but Democrats sat immovable.

"It does not bode well for bipartisanship," he said.

Matheson characterized the Social Security problem as a "challenge more than a crisis. It is certainly not the crisis mentioned by some."

But Matheson said it is good to talk about Social Security reform and discuss reform options before they become a crisis.

"It's always good to get all the facts on the table," he said. "But we can do without the fiery rhetoric. We need good, honest discussion."

Can a bipartisan compromise be reached?

"The ball is in the president's court," Matheson said.

But Republicans were euphoric at the tone and the content.

"There are principles that remain the same for this president: freedom, faith, and family," Bishop said. "He has reminded us that, on issue after issue, we will do what Americans have always done: build a better, safer, and stronger world for our children and grandchildren."

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