Posted on 01/26/2014 8:48:31 AM PST by SoConPubbie
It is is political theater at its most frantic: the State of the Union address - SOTU in popular parlance - may now stand for “so too” much. The annual rite is amplified by shrill news coverage and endlessly endlessly punctuated by partisan applause, planned distractions, mystifying protocols and annoying insider behaviors. The speech-as-spectacle has strayed from the austere path recommended in Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution which advises that the president of the moment 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.”
Yes, well. It’s oh, so much more these days. The masters of showmanship over at the White House are using the speech on Tuesday night to drum up the Democratic cause, offering an “enhanced broadcast” and “exclusive graphics” to those who sign up for it. Speechwriters also offered a coyly blurred image of the marked up address draft via the White House Instagram account. There could be a reason for showbiz-style audience engagement here, though. Mr. Obama drew 52.4 million viewers during his first address in 2009. Last year, the audience was 33.3 million.
One Texas Republican imagined what the prime-time performance would entail. “I’m having visions of going to the circus and seeing clowns juggling things on fire,” sighed Sen. Ted Cruz during a radio appearance with host Glenn Beck.
All the trappings aside, length seems to matter to Democrats. Consider that Ronald Reagan’s annual addresses averaged 40 minutes each, according to a count from the University of California. Former Presidents George H.W.Bush averaged 45 minutes, Bill Clinton averaged 75 minutes, George W. Bush 52 minutes and Mr. Obama 64 minutes.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
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Perhaps we all should stay away and drop the ratings.
I don't know what else to do to send a message. My representatives and Senators don't listen to me anyway, so why should I listen to them.
Priceless.
And every republican should blow a duck call at the end of each lie.
They would all be very hoarse and deflated by the end of the speech.
Do you have one for pogo-stick Nancy?
And every republican should scream “You lie!” at the end of each lie.
And every republican should blow a duck call at the end of each lie.
If I knew this was going to happen, I would watch. Of course, I would need a beverage and popcorn.
Give all the republicans a liile Buzzer. When Obama lies, press the buzzer. Would be a blast to hear all the buzzers going off.
If the GOP will not boycott—I will by Not Watching this farce—or any re-caps or worthless comments by the talking heads. Only person I Might Catch id Ted Cruz and his comments and I can get that from Matt Drudge. The whole thing is a waste of time—
Twitter and facebook users should have a real-time fest yelling “YOU LIE!” as the POTUS insults us on free air-time.
It would be less personally destructive than doing shots for every lie he pronounces...
I love it! What a classic.
Racist overtones...no?
Great gif. Looks like McCain upped his Viagra that night.
The GOP should just not show up.
That would be funny. Everyone would think of Duck Dynasty.
congress of the apes...that was a good one
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