It seems that President Jefferson elected to fulfill his Constitutional duty to report on the state of the Union by writing a letter to the Congress. He thought addressing Congress was too monarchical.
That tradition held for 112 years, until President Wilson busted it.
Since then, it has devolved into "showboat politics".
Call me a Jeffersonian liberal, if you want, but this whole thing has become quite unseemly. Live theatre.
I think I will enjoy it nonetheless (except for the promises of more, expanded big government).
Bump for some great information!