What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
In The Daily Beast, Howard Kurtz calls the president's forthcoming state of the union address, "Obama's Next Impossible Speech." To Kurtz, Obama scored a home run with the Tucson speech in large part because it transcended partisan politics--and called on Americans to do the same.
But Kurtz argues that the state of the union must, by its nature, return to the theme of partisan politics. Will that hurt Obama?
A president plays two roles in our democracy, partisan leader and head of state, and Obama’s mission Wednesday night was all—well, almost all, since politics can never be entirely separated from presidential performance—about the latter.
“At times of tragedy,” says Tony Fratto, a Bush White House spokesman, a president has to “put it in context, help people understand it better, find some deeper meaning to it. The president has a role to play that is above the political process.”
But the political process remains, which is why Obama plans to return to the theme two weeks from now in the State of the Union. While that speech is still a work in progress, the president will again address the broader question of civility, which Obama rhetorically tied to the victims of the Arizona rampage in challenging a polarized country to do better.
So what should Obama say in his state of the union, which will take place about two weeks from now? What shouldn't he say?
Some items to think about: the House will consider legislation to repeal the health care law next week. Hillary Clinton will have returned from her tour of the Gulf, amidst turmoil in the region. Economic indicators suggest that nothing, really, has changed. Obama is gearing up for his estimated $1 billion reelection campaign--and his approval ratings are slightly improving.
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Aug '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed. :
So what should Obama say in his state of the union, which will take place about two weeks from now?
Nothing, for a change?
Aug '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
To be honest, I tune these things out.
SOTU's have devloved into political pep rallies, painfully delayed and drawn out by partisan applause after each line delivered, and well beyond my tolerance level for sappy tributes to stage prop citizens sitting on either side of the first lady on the balcony.
I hope it doesn't make me a bad citizen to say so, but the SOTU really has become a farce.
Jun '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
We need policy guidance from Barack Obama like we need health and fitness guidance from Michael Moore.
Oct '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
Tax reform. The libs need Obama more then he needs them, and Obama needs Independents more then anyone right now.
Lowering marginal rates while broadening the base and raising more revenue sounds good to me. We all pay less, but more of us pay then happened before.
Besides. Why should I, at nearly 24 years old, pay much higher taxes then those of you who a) have kids, b) own a home, c) any other of those wonderful tax credits? I should pay the same effective rate as everyone.
Oct '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
Whatever he says it's safe to assume that all the transcendent unity that he was preaching in Tucson will thrown under the bus. And he'll be hailed as a genius by the usual suspects.
Hopefully there'll be a hockey game that night.
Oct '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
Oh. I forgot to add: of course this would be on the House's terms. So no VAT, unless he truly wants to tackle corporate tax reform (in which case a VAT would be needed to offset the revenue loss--even Paul Ryan admits this).
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
This is a GREAT analysis of the political climate right now, taking into account the Republicans' major victories in 2010, how Obama rebounded in December, the aftermath of Arizona, and how this all will affect Obama as he approaches the SOTU and, presumably, his reelection campaign. I encourage everyone to read it. I'm going to quote this part below to suggest that one item Obama may talk about is spending:
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
Last year, I suggested that President Obama give this speech when he surveyed the State of the Union. But, alas, in drafting his address, he resolutely ignored my advice. By now, under the pressure of circumstances, he has adopted some of the policies I then suggested. My advice would be that he now reverse course on those of my suggestions that he has not yet taken up. He could start by endorsing a repeal of last year’s healthcare bill. My bet is that his words alone would be sufficient to jump-start an economic boom.
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
Also, that same analysis (from the Daily Caller) that I mention above concludes with this provocative statement:
Let's see if Obama's SOTU propels him further or if it falls flat, like his other recent political speeches (with the exception of Tucson, of course).
Jan '11
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
I suppose the speech could be classified as a home run because he demonstrated the decency which most of us would demonstrate in that situation. This is not a criticism aimed at him, but rather a sad commentary on the low standards in public media commentators (I'm looking at YOU Kurtz!). :)
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
So will my brother, I'm sure.
May '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
Mainly just check to see whose whispering and whose clapping and whose sitting on their hands.
But since elevated neutrality boosts his poll numbers, while political stuff hurts him, I'd recommend this script:
"I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you." And then God bless America, obviously.
Sep '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
"Hey Krugman, shut yer yapper fer once, eh? Only a sick creep would try to smear political opponents using a tragic mass shooting. And that goes for the rest of you Vermicious Knids that tried to blame a private citizen from Alaska for inciting a lunatic to violence. Grow up, all of you."
Jun '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
"My fellow Americans - The State of the Union really sucks. I've really fouled things up. I haven't a clue on turning the economy around. I'd much rather play golf for the rest of my life. So, effective tonight I'm resigning immediately. I'm sorry you're stuck with Joe."
Sep '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
"I know I made a lot of promises, but that ditch is pretty deep, and the car may have a broken axel, and I think I probably flooded the engine with stimulus. But I heard the Republicans are on the way with a tow truck, so we'll see how that goes."
May '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
Midget Faded Rattlesnake
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed. :
So what should Obama say in his state of the union, which will take place about two weeks from now?
Nothing, for a change? · Jan 14 at 6:41am
How about "I resign."
Oct '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
Mark Belling Fan
"I know I made a lot of promises, but that ditch is pretty deep, and the car may have a broken axel, and I think I probably flooded the engine with stimulus. But I heard the Republicans are on the way with a tow truck, so we'll see how that goes." · Jan 14 at 7:49am
I'm sorry I had to take out a second mortgage on the White House, but Barney Frank promised that Fannie Mae would remain solvent in the case of a default.
Jun '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
Good Berean
Mark Belling Fan
"I know I made a lot of promises, but that ditch is pretty deep, and the car may have a broken axel, and I think I probably flooded the engine with stimulus. But I heard the Republicans are on the way with a tow truck, so we'll see how that goes." · Jan 14 at 7:49am
I'm sorry I had to take out a second mortgage on the White House, but Barney Frank promised that Fannie Mae would remain solvent in the case of a default. · Jan 14 at 8:00am
Excellent! I think we're onto something here. Any more?
May '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
He should follow Silent Cal's example and just send Congress a letter.
Dec '10
Re: What Should Obama Say in his State of the Union Address?
Mark Belling Fan
"I know I made a lot of promises, but that ditch is pretty deep, and the car may have a broken axel, and I think I probably flooded the engine with stimulus. But I heard the Republicans are on the way with a tow truck, so we'll see how that goes." · Jan 14 at 7:49am
Thankfully it's a Government Motors vehicle, and is insured by the U.S. taxpayer in the case of bad decision making.
Good Berean: I'm sorry I had to take out a second mortgage on the White House, but Barney Frank promised that Fannie Mae would remain solvent in the case of a default.