Still, the speech underscored the perception of some conservatives that Mr. Bush lacks the same commitment to their cause as Mr. Reagan.

His speech to the lower house, or Duma, where he is a member of the Communist faction, underscored the bittersweet nature of his award, for physics research conducted almost entirely when Russia was under Communist rule.

Mr. Hart's speech this morning underscored his disregard for many of the forms and conventions of traditional politics, a disregard that some politicians said had helped to bring about his downfall.

The king's speech, at the opening of the Arab League meeting here, underscored growing differences between Saudi Arabia and the Bush administration as the Saudis take on a greater leadership role in the Middle East, partly at American urging.

The speech, given about 20 miles north of Buffalo at Robinson Farms, underscored efforts the senator has made to address the economic concerns in the traditional Republican strongholds of upstate New York.

But as President Clinton's speech to a conference on the aging this week underscored, the Democrats are in no mood, at least so far, to provide political cover for the Republicans.

At the same time, the speech on Sunday underscored that Benedict remains, as ever, untethered to any set of views apart from his own.

And Mr. Bush's speech, coupled with the audience he selected, underscored the administration's desire to present the president in a more moderate light.

But today's speech also underscored some of the political problems facing Mr. Bush in his re-election bid.

Mr. Clinton's speech on Monday night underscored the idea that there could be no turning back.