I'd quibble with the characterization of "hard right." But merely saying good-bye to Jenny was a move in the right direction (double entendre intended).
Of course, Obama would more be likely to praise Michigan than Alabama. It's got more electoral votes and is considered a battleground state while 'Bama is definitely Republican in the upcoming presidential election.
Hard right? Not exactly. Maybe center to center right on social, but on fiscal issues, we’ve moved from communist to center-left. Snyder and Bolger aren’t great, and Richardville is worse. They have had enough of the MEA, but there’s lots of work to be done.