CitizenU.org published this State of the Union Scorecard yesterday, before President Bush's 7th and last SOTU address. See if you saw anything the 2 Regular Guys thought you should look for and add your own pundit-type prose on last night's speech.
The President’s State of the Union speech, SOTU, is (Monday). Usually this speech means a ratings bonanza for cable channels. Most Americans, even more so this year, will choose to watch something other than Bush. We suggest that this annual political drama is compelling theatre and should be watched. This scorecard might make your viewing even more interesting.
The Constitution formally demands this annual message: “[The President] shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient,” (Article 2, Section 3). Washington delivered the first, it lasted less than five minutes. Jefferson thought the public address too monarchial and began the custom of submitting the speech in writing only. Wilson returned to giving the speech in front of a joint session of Congress, as it was last night.
Coolidge, in 1923, was the first President to have his SOTU broadcast on radio. Truman, 1947, was the first SOTU to be on TV. LBJ’s, 1965, was the first given during primetime.
The purpose of the speech is to allow the President to report on the status of the country. Generally, the President also provides a laundry list of legislative priorities. The evening begins with the U.S. House Sergeant at Arms calling out to a crowded chamber, “Madam Speaker, the President of the United States.” The President will enter to applause and shake hands along the way toward the front. Expect tonight’s speech to last at least forty-five minutes.
Things to notice: Sitting behind the President will be Vice President Cheney and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. This will be the first Congress where a woman sits behind the President during his SOTU. Check out what she is wearing. Also, count the number of times Cheney chooses to stand in applause while Pelosi sits uncomfortably.
Look to the front of the chamber and you will see a selection of military leaders, the President’s Cabinet and members of the Supreme Court. Are there any conspicuous absences? One Cabinet member is sequestered in a secure location (it was Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne). See if you can determine who that official is tonight.
Check out if Bush has invited any “Lenny Skutniks.” Reagan was the first President to recognize in his SOTU specific notorious individuals. Usually they are seated in the balcony next to the First Lady. Will tonight’s “Lenny Skutniks” be a military person or an everyday citizen? This will be President Bush’s last SOTU. Will the adversarial Congress honor this Lame Duck President with respectful applause? Listen for grumblings and an errant boo. How will the President respond? Will his good old boy charm work in the middle of perceived failures in foreign policy and serious economic uncertainty? Count the number of times the President giggles and chuckles. Look for a joke about Obama and Hillary.
Wait around after the speech because the opposition party gets an opportunity to give a rebuttal. This has been customary since 1966. Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius will give tonight’s Democratic response. Governor Sebelius is considered a rising star in the party. She has shown the unique ability to draw support from not only Democrats but Republicans. Can she channel this bipartisanship tonight in hopes of expanding the vote for Democrats in November?
Above all, these are visual spectacles. Watch carefully. What is seen is often more important than what is said.
What did you notice? What is the State of your Union?
3 comments:
I noticed the Democrats were applauding much more than I expected. I also saw Pelosi spent most of the time reading the speech, as did a number of Democrats, including Senator Chappaquiddick. That is just rude. If I was a member of Congress and John Edwards was giving SOTU, I wouldn't read along. I'd watch him, as much as I dislike him. I also noticed Bush only said "noo-q-lur" two or three times. I also noticed he did not recognize any outstanding citizens. After he was done speaking, I watched him sign copies of the speech and kid around with Democrats and Republicans alike. You wouldn't catch Benjamin Harrison doing that!
It's too bad CNN didn't exist in 1800. Otherwise, Jefferson might have given his speech in person, the better to stroke his ego.
Actually, I do not remember members having the speech in hand like a program ever before. Several of which were autographed by President Bush following the his final SOTU address.
How much would would/should a signed printed authentic SOTU speech go for on E-Bay?
Depends on the President. I'd say about $1,000 for an original. Of course, I'd pay over $1,000,000 if Mr. Lincoln signed it!!!
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