Last-minute decision to host a thread tonight on President Biden’s State of the Union address. Join us for analysis on the President’s speech and the GOP response, and to share your own thoughts!
What do you hope to hear from the President tonight?
Every time Biden says "I get criticized for this," you know the next line is going to be like "I like puppies. Puppies are great. I'll take the hits for this, but...I'm pro-puppy."
On Sunday’s podcast episode (#52) I put my wish out there that POTUS would have a robust climate change section, touting global leadership, so I will take these couple of paragraphs! -Melissa
"A blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America." We're going to be hearing that line quite a bit over the next two years...put it on a poster now. Buy the url.
A speech like this really does demand governing like it...Can't give a speech like this, and then have political machinery and campaign that is focused elsewhere.
I felt like Congress shouting about their support for Ukraine while continually ceding any sense of developing a coherent foreign policy to the executive branch seems to be one issue not talked about. $60 billion for a conflict that we have no declaration for? This is not a new problem, but it seems we have had a series of administrations who more or less get to decide foreign policy on a whim with little congressional deliberation. The progressives retracting their own letter demonstrates that the anti-war left has no national voice currently. Can we not both support Ukraine while also taking meaningful steps to avoid a global catastrophe?
First substantive reference to VP Harris is on small businesses, which is striking as it highlights an aspect of her portfolio that has not received as much attention as voting rights/immigration reform/other big progressive items.
President Biden's collegial asides are really scorned by disciplined comms staffers and political strategists, but a) it just is who Biden is b) Biden believes in the power of it relationally c) it's disarming for many voters.
As always, recent events affect SOTU in ways that wouldn't have typically been planned, and so we'll see how law enforcement, China and natural disasters fit in this evening.
Reporting has suggested President Biden will bring back the "Unity Agenda" theme. I criticized him for the lack of energy and seriousness behind his appeal to such an agenda for his SOTU last year...as we've emphasized, he is now somewhat freed up for a unity agenda because he no longer has to primarily negotiate against and among his own party in Congress.
As we discussed in Wear We Are this past weekend, the Biden White House has put up some trial balloons on some topics/themes for tonight, including a focus on big tech/social media and its impact on kids...I expect we'll hear some of that tonight.
Late to the thread but came here to say that the tone of this SOTU was really impressive. It set clear goals, didn't cede to opposition but made room at the table for anyone who wanted to join. A sort of confident pluralism in action. And maybe it's just me but I'll be reflecting on the notion that "equal protection of the laws is a covenant we make with each other." Not sure what I make of it but it's a novel piece of civic religion.
I got a bingo, folks! -Melissa
Every time Biden says "I get criticized for this," you know the next line is going to be like "I like puppies. Puppies are great. I'll take the hits for this, but...I'm pro-puppy."
On Sunday’s podcast episode (#52) I put my wish out there that POTUS would have a robust climate change section, touting global leadership, so I will take these couple of paragraphs! -Melissa
"A blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America." We're going to be hearing that line quite a bit over the next two years...put it on a poster now. Buy the url.
A speech like this really does demand governing like it...Can't give a speech like this, and then have political machinery and campaign that is focused elsewhere.
Check out National Review's live thread of the SOTU: https://t.co/YsKD59feRM
I felt like Congress shouting about their support for Ukraine while continually ceding any sense of developing a coherent foreign policy to the executive branch seems to be one issue not talked about. $60 billion for a conflict that we have no declaration for? This is not a new problem, but it seems we have had a series of administrations who more or less get to decide foreign policy on a whim with little congressional deliberation. The progressives retracting their own letter demonstrates that the anti-war left has no national voice currently. Can we not both support Ukraine while also taking meaningful steps to avoid a global catastrophe?
Not many references to VP Harris.
Is it normal for foreign policy to not be mentioned an hour in?
Did not expect this fraud section
Paid 👏 Family 👏 Medical 👏 Leave 👏
I've never seen such a back and forth during the SOTU
My husband and I are here and playing bingo!
Oooo thank you for deciding to do one!
Very, very quick section on social issues.
First substantive reference to VP Harris is on small businesses, which is striking as it highlights an aspect of her portfolio that has not received as much attention as voting rights/immigration reform/other big progressive items.
Reminder that Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be delivering the GOP response this evening.
Biden mentions burn pit legislation early on, which was a personal mission of his.
President Biden's collegial asides are really scorned by disciplined comms staffers and political strategists, but a) it just is who Biden is b) Biden believes in the power of it relationally c) it's disarming for many voters.
As always, recent events affect SOTU in ways that wouldn't have typically been planned, and so we'll see how law enforcement, China and natural disasters fit in this evening.
Reporting has suggested President Biden will bring back the "Unity Agenda" theme. I criticized him for the lack of energy and seriousness behind his appeal to such an agenda for his SOTU last year...as we've emphasized, he is now somewhat freed up for a unity agenda because he no longer has to primarily negotiate against and among his own party in Congress.
As we discussed in Wear We Are this past weekend, the Biden White House has put up some trial balloons on some topics/themes for tonight, including a focus on big tech/social media and its impact on kids...I expect we'll hear some of that tonight.
Melissa developed a BINGO card to have a bit of fun as you watch along tonight. You can access it here: https://t.co/gN1HVoW7zH
Late to the thread but came here to say that the tone of this SOTU was really impressive. It set clear goals, didn't cede to opposition but made room at the table for anyone who wanted to join. A sort of confident pluralism in action. And maybe it's just me but I'll be reflecting on the notion that "equal protection of the laws is a covenant we make with each other." Not sure what I make of it but it's a novel piece of civic religion.