On the one hand, having the SOTU in the Senate will have the Democrats calling him afraid to face his critics.
On the other hand, having it before a joint session gives the Dems an opportunity to make fools of themselves.
There is a problem that you are ignoring. The House has its own rules and a Majority Leader (ptuh!). If she says no to using the House floor, Trump needs to respect that. OTOH, the Senate floor is a nice place, and has a Majority Leader who can legitimately say yes.
Exactly.
Further, the leader of the Leftist Dems may presently control the Legislative branch of the U.S., but she should not be allowed to dictate where or under what circumstances the President delivers the SOTU address - or even appear to so dictate.