Ladies and Gentlemen and Mefites, The President of the United States

January 24, 2012 5:55 PM

President Barack Obama will today give the annual State of the Union address. There will be at least three rebuttals in addition to a prebuttal that occurred this morning. The address will be streamed online at Whitehouse.gov.

President Barack Obama is promising the nation an economy that gives a shot to everyone and not just the rich, using Tuesday night's State of the Union address to draw an election-year battle line with Republicans over fairness and the free market. Driving everything about the speech: jobs, including his own.

Obama says America is at a defining moment — deciding whether it will settle for being a nation where many people barely get by or one where everybody gets a fair shot at success.

In excerpts of his State of the Union address, Obama says the country must reclaim its place as a land of opportunities for people who do their fair share and follow the same rules.

In a nod to bipartisanship, Obama says in the prepared remarks, "I will work with anyone in this chamber” to build on the momentum of a growing economy.

"It's hard not to feel a sense of disappointment even before tonight's speech is delivered," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. "The goal isn't to conquer the nation's problems. It's to conquer Republicans. The goal isn't to prevent gridlock, but to guarantee it."

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has called the themes of Obama's speech a "pathetic" rehash of unhelpful policies.

posted by furiousxgeorge (417 comments total)

Hey! They just showed him kissing babies! (which was actually pretty cute.)
posted by Navelgazer at 5:57 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

All with the timeliness
posted by timsteil at 6:00 PM on January 24

What's this year's drinking game phrase?
posted by Runes at 6:01 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

Grumble grumble grumble...

hopes for the best.
posted by entropone at 6:01 PM on January 24

"Bipartisan", "future", "jobs".
posted by tivalasvegas at 6:02 PM on January 24 [5 favorites]

What's this year's drinking game phrase?

Opportunity? (Apparently I really want to get shitfaced on a Tuesday night.)
posted by Navelgazer at 6:02 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

What's the over/under on a "You lie!" moment this year?
posted by 2bucksplus at 6:02 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

"congressional shitmonkeys"
posted by dumbland at 6:03 PM on January 24 [6 favorites]

Hey, Obama. Don't make this about your re-election. Make it about what you want to do for the United States. Bring back the hope. Ignore the dopes.
posted by Splunge at 6:03 PM on January 24

I know it will be a wonderful speech, as Obama is very likely the best orator of any English-speaking politician in my lifetime, but it won't change the fact that he is not as good as his word.
posted by orange swan at 6:04 PM on January 24 [14 favorites]

The "Occupy" rebuttal was released to the press earlier today with a standard 'embargo' attached. Wonkette, in an effort to prove itself an Equal Opportunity Annoyer, has leaked the whole thing.
posted by oneswellfoop at 6:04 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

By the way, it is unseasonably nice in DC right now. They should have done this outside.
posted by Navelgazer at 6:04 PM on January 24 [4 favorites]

The term "prerebuttal" makes me imagine a five-year-old who has been walked in on by his mother surrounded by broken plates who upon seeing her begins to shout and cry about why it's not his fault and how he hates her and hates everything before she has a chance to say anything. It's not a word that should exist is my point here
posted by Rinku at 6:04 PM on January 24 [57 favorites]

The Republican rebuttal by Gov. Mitch Daniels is quite polemical. I've heard chatter about him possibly being drafted as a last-ditch replacement for a foundering Romney or an unacceptable Gingrich, either as a late start or at a (gulp) brokered convention. Maybe this is his dry run?
posted by Rhaomi at 6:07 PM on January 24

Aw hell, I still like him. And he's better than any of the alternatives. You got my vote Barry. Screw the Grinch and the other guy... what's his name?
posted by Splunge at 6:07 PM on January 24 [6 favorites]

Everything will be a sign of recovery, mark my words.
posted by The Whelk at 6:07 PM on January 24

If you want to get loaded, I recommend "fair," "fairness," "equality" and "inequality" for the drinking games.
posted by Pater Aletheias at 6:07 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

I wonder if he'll weigh in with his thoughts on the state of today's Oscar nominations. I mean, really? Academy Award Nominee, Jonah Hill?
posted by crossoverman at 6:08 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

you'd be dead in 10 minutes Pater
posted by The Whelk at 6:08 PM on January 24

It's not a word that should exist is my point here

Can I still use "prevenge"?
posted by curious nu at 6:08 PM on January 24 [12 favorites]

If he calls the Congress shitmonkeys I will be very pleased and his approval rating will probably shoot up 20 points.
posted by tivalasvegas at 6:09 PM on January 24 [17 favorites]

Belly up.
posted by timsteil at 6:10 PM on January 24

You could just play it the same way as the Street Fighter: the Legend of Chun-Li drinking game, which is to simply drink heavily throughout its entire duration.
posted by DoctorFedora at 6:11 PM on January 24 [9 favorites]

Drinking game
posted by ArgentCorvid at 6:12 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

"Safer and more respected around the world" is not precisely how I would describe the takeaway from the Iraq War.
posted by tivalasvegas at 6:13 PM on January 24 [13 favorites]

I'm glad to see that John B. has gone easy on the self-tanner this year.
posted by triggerfinger at 6:13 PM on January 24

Is Vermin Supreme giving a rebuttal?
posted by homunculus at 6:15 PM on January 24 [4 favorites]

This is the worst trip I've ever been on.
posted by box at 6:15 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

"Lets remember how we got here". Yes, lets.
posted by cashman at 6:17 PM on January 24 [4 favorites]

Biden seems to have a cold. Probably from all that shirtless Trans-Am polishing.

(I kid. I dig Joe)
posted by jonmc at 6:18 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

Who is that woman in the hot pink jacket?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:19 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Holy crap, did I hear people boo the President when he said he was going to oppose efforts to roll back the clock on economic policies?
posted by ShawnStruck at 6:20 PM on January 24

Who is that woman in the hot pink jacket?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:19 PM on January 24 [+] [!]

If it's you, you've got some mad stealth-iPhone skills.
posted by Navelgazer at 6:20 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

No surprise here, so far it's a campaign speech.
posted by Runes at 6:21 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Some people live blog, we Live Quibble.
posted by Cyrano at 6:21 PM on January 24 [6 favorites]

"His words are just so intoxicating, just washing over you like Shakespeare having sex with a bottle of Courvoisier."
--Will Ferrell
posted by deanklear at 6:22 PM on January 24 [14 favorites]

Yay, shout out to Cleveland and Pittsburgh!
posted by octothorpe at 6:22 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

clap clap clap clap clap.

I bought a lock today. It was not masterlock. I guess I am part of the problem.
posted by Stynxno at 6:22 PM on January 24

Who punched John Kerry in the face? Or do his eyes always look like that.
posted by tivalasvegas at 6:23 PM on January 24

Kerry was injured playing hockey. He's hardcore.
posted by zombieflanders at 6:24 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

I love watching Boehner trying to decide whether he should clap for American jobs.
posted by deanklear at 6:24 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

Who punched John Kerry in the face? Or do his eyes always look like that.

He got hurt playing hockey.
posted by ghharr at 6:24 PM on January 24

The Supreme Court justices always look so awkward at these things.
posted by tivalasvegas at 6:25 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

I'm going to wait for the directors cut. With more clapping.
posted by hot_monster at 6:25 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Nice stone face, Cantor.
posted by octothorpe at 6:25 PM on January 24

Stoneface? It looks like he's trying to blow up Obama's head a la Scanners.
posted by zombieflanders at 6:27 PM on January 24 [6 favorites]

Nice stone face, Cantor.

Man he is trying SO hard to be stoic.
posted by cashman at 6:27 PM on January 24

Trade Enforcement Unit: Action Barge
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 6:28 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

no, it's Law and Order: Trade Enforcement Unit.
posted by tivalasvegas at 6:28 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

I'm watching it on npr, I wish they'd annotate the people they show. I'm not enough of a wonk to put policy with faces a lot of the time.
posted by dejah420 at 6:28 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

"can't find workers with the right skills" = can't find workers who will work for minimum wage 12 hours per day
posted by triggerfinger at 6:29 PM on January 24 [11 favorites]

Aww, Jackie trying not to tear up was sweet.
posted by Navelgazer at 6:29 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

I'm sure that barge was full of Chinese goods, coming in to the bay. not the other way around.
posted by ninjew at 6:29 PM on January 24

*thunk* *thunk*
posted by Seiten Taisei at 6:29 PM on January 24

The Latino woman in red they probably keep cutting to is Labor Secretary Hilda Solis.
posted by zombieflanders at 6:29 PM on January 24

I'm watching it on npr, I wish they'd annotate the people they show.

Try PBS, they are.
posted by cashman at 6:30 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

I meant pbs, and a lot of the times they aren't.
posted by dejah420 at 6:32 PM on January 24

I like what he's saying about teacher-bashing. I wish he would send a memo to that effect to his old chief of staff before the Chicago Public Schools are utterly gutted.
posted by tivalasvegas at 6:32 PM on January 24 [5 favorites]

Teachers, who pull money out of their own pocket, for our kids.
posted by cashman at 6:32 PM on January 24

Tardy Enforcement Unit? *weak clap*
posted by ninjew at 6:33 PM on January 24

I've always thought it was excellent that as a business owner I can trivially write off the most bullshit expenses (dinner for 4 at some fancy restaurant? no problem, we talked about work for awhile) on my taxes but we can't give teachers some kind of break when they buy stuff out of pocket.
posted by feloniousmonk at 6:33 PM on January 24 [32 favorites]

I seem to remember when I was teaching that there was a $27 tax deduction for 'classroom expenses'. generous.
posted by Surfurrus at 6:35 PM on January 24

Mr. President, there are fewer illegal crossings because of economic factors, but okay.
posted by Navelgazer at 6:36 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

When states deregulated university, it was a disaster. That should be repealed.
posted by dejah420 at 6:36 PM on January 24

Wow, McCain was pissed over the immigration reform burn.
posted by zombieflanders at 6:36 PM on January 24

McCain looks like he wants to shrink down completely in his chair, his neck recoiling like a turtle's while he blows bubbles with his lips.
posted by cashman at 6:37 PM on January 24 [5 favorites]

John Boehner doesn't think women should earn equal pay for equal work? How can you argue against that??
posted by triggerfinger at 6:37 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

Eric Cantor is not Amused
posted by azarbayejani at 6:37 PM on January 24

Oh no, he's just like that. Mean.
posted by dejah420 at 6:37 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

Heh, my comment was about mccain, but it works for cantor too. Perhaps all republican leaders...
posted by dejah420 at 6:39 PM on January 24

neither is Bōner
posted by Seiten Taisei at 6:39 PM on January 24

I miss seeing Cheney over the right shoulder of the pres at these things, sitting there looking like the Penguin.
posted by heyho at 6:39 PM on January 24 [22 favorites]

I love all of Boehner's reluctant claps
posted by azarbayejani at 6:39 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

If I was sitting where Biden and Boehner are, I would totally spill all over myself as soon as I tried to take a sip of water. It would be inevitable.
posted by XMLicious at 6:39 PM on January 24 [29 favorites]

Mitch McConnell looks like he's going to cry.
posted by leslies at 6:39 PM on January 24

Drill, baby, Drill.
posted by Runes at 6:40 PM on January 24

Or is that Frack, Baby, Frack!
posted by Runes at 6:40 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

At least Boehner dialed back the orange on his tan spray.
posted by dejah420 at 6:40 PM on January 24

Yeah, fracking is a nightmare, wastes a ton of water, pollutes water tables. Bad juju.
posted by dejah420 at 6:42 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

ninjew: Tardy Enforcement Unit?

TARDIGRADE ENFORCEMENT UNIT GO!
posted by Hairy Lobster at 6:43 PM on January 24 [9 favorites]

What's the pin on Obama's lapel? Trying to watch this on http://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2012 , but it's become very slow.
posted by Mr. Yuck at 6:43 PM on January 24

It's an American flag.
posted by tivalasvegas at 6:43 PM on January 24

Looks like a US flag to me.
posted by starvingartist at 6:44 PM on January 24

American flag pin.
posted by zombieflanders at 6:44 PM on January 24

American flag.
posted by azarbayejani at 6:44 PM on January 24

His pin: THE RAMONES
posted by heyho at 6:44 PM on January 24 [31 favorites]

Getting the DoD in on green energy is a real coup, I think. The GOP caucus looked like I imagine I do when I see a punchline coming on Curb Your Enthusiasm.
posted by feloniousmonk at 6:45 PM on January 24 [6 favorites]

Is "Clapping the Boehner" what they call it these days?
posted by homunculus at 6:46 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Trying to watch this on http://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2012 , but it's become very slow.

I had to click on "Standard Broadcast" before it would stop skipping for me.
posted by XMLicious at 6:46 PM on January 24

THORIUM NUCLEAR ENERGY. C'MON. he's saying he doesn't want the Chinese to take the lead but they have already.
posted by ninjew at 6:46 PM on January 24

Whew ... no nuclear comments (I just finished watching democracynow.org tonight about the film on the Long Island community)
posted by Surfurrus at 6:46 PM on January 24

Clean energy push? Details, I want details. What are they putting on public land? Panels and windmills, or more fracking?
posted by dejah420 at 6:46 PM on January 24

Hillary Clinton's hairdo is really ugly.
posted by azarbayejani at 6:46 PM on January 24

lol, ninjew
posted by Surfurrus at 6:47 PM on January 24

Good line about nation-building at home.
posted by zombieflanders at 6:47 PM on January 24 [4 favorites]

political theatre, best theatre
posted by AElfwine Evenstar at 6:47 PM on January 24

Yay, infrastructure!
posted by dejah420 at 6:48 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

I'm having trouble believing that Biden's tie was camera-tested.
posted by Navelgazer at 6:48 PM on January 24 [4 favorites]

Getting the DoD in on green energy is a real coup, I think.

This has been going for a while. Lots of the ARRA funds were directed toward renewables/sustainables.

The DoD is the largest single consumer of energy in the United States, and since a lot of the places we get oil from are unstable/hate us, it pays to have alternate supplies.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 6:48 PM on January 24

Deficit of trust is a brilliant line.
posted by dejah420 at 6:49 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

Was that Golem?
posted by Sailormom at 6:49 PM on January 24

DAT SMILE
posted by azarbayejani at 6:49 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

bah-dump-bump.
posted by Runes at 6:50 PM on January 24

Oh, Obama made a funny.
posted by hellojed at 6:50 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

oh i just lost my shit on that joke.
posted by ArgentCorvid at 6:50 PM on January 24

Uh oh. They're going to get rid of all the rules? It'll be anarchy!
posted by heyho at 6:50 PM on January 24

They have been involved in it for awhile. I believe the Navy has been testing bio jet fuel lately. No one has really pointed out in a public forum in a way that throws it back at the people whose position is fundamentally that it is an unserious pursuit worthy of scorn and derision, and this is why I think it's interesting.
posted by feloniousmonk at 6:50 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

"...worth crying over spilled milk."

slow clap...
posted by Lutoslawski at 6:50 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

dejah420: "Deficit of trust is a brilliant line."

Yea, I like that one.
posted by octothorpe at 6:50 PM on January 24

Oh my god Obama is just laying on the awesome.
posted by azarbayejani at 6:51 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

I haven't tuned in yet. Has he released his "Not a Reptile" papers yet?
posted by mccarty.tim at 6:51 PM on January 24

Well, I might as well just shut down my new milk-containment system small business start-up. THANKS OBAMA!
posted by Pater Aletheias at 6:51 PM on January 24 [9 favorites]

2011: This is our Sputnik moment.
2012: That Sputnik thing didn't work. There will be more inspections!
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 6:51 PM on January 24

sooo.. we're gonna regulate the bond market now?
posted by ninjew at 6:52 PM on January 24

Financial Crimes Unit? Is this a crossover between Law and Order and American Greed?
posted by mccarty.tim at 6:52 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

Ooo, another unit!
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 6:52 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Take a moment and imagine what this speech would be like under President Gingrich.
posted by HannoverFist at 6:53 PM on January 24 [4 favorites]

Oooh, can we get Ms Warren to be the czar of the new financial unit?
posted by dejah420 at 6:53 PM on January 24

I just want to say, i'm not watching it, but reading all the comments here has a very funny image in my head.
(not watching because it's all really bullshit, no one in office will admit to how screwed it all is, the war atrocities we've done, how much corruption is there, etc. It's all flag waving and politics)
posted by usagizero at 6:54 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

That action barge is gonna have a lot work cut out for it, what with the financial crimes and the tardy teenagers.
posted by ninjew at 6:54 PM on January 24

Wow Eric Cantor even looks angry while clapping.
posted by azarbayejani at 6:54 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

E pluribus units.
posted by Pater Aletheias at 6:54 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

John Boehner doesn't think women should earn equal pay for equal work? How can you argue against that??

"That's rubbish."

Or, slightly more constructively:

"What about it about men makes them intrinsically more deserving of pay over women?"

Take a moment and imagine what this speech would be like under President Gingrich.

I imagine the phrase "neither confirm nor deny" would be involved.
posted by JHarris at 6:54 PM on January 24

oh HannoverFist - that's worth tossing back an entire drink - ugh!
posted by leslies at 6:54 PM on January 24

Take a moment and imagine what this speech would be like under President Gingrich.

Basically the same, you know, all the unit talk.
posted by Lutoslawski at 6:54 PM on January 24

Race bait race bait race bait.

BTW, all your children now work for Haliburton. FOR FREEDOM!
posted by mccarty.tim at 6:54 PM on January 24

did he almost just say "no shit"?
posted by ArgentCorvid at 6:54 PM on January 24 [8 favorites]

Eric cantor is gonna need a lot more chapstick if he keeps gnawing on his itty bitty lips like that.
posted by dejah420 at 6:55 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

Seen on the twitter feed on CSPAN: "BREAKING: BP to rename all their products MILK"
posted by Runes at 6:56 PM on January 24 [11 favorites]

And here comes the indirect attack on Romney (who picked a really bad day to release tax returns showing a 14% tax rate).
posted by zombieflanders at 6:56 PM on January 24 [4 favorites]

He just hit out at Warren Buffett? Buffett who's spoken up in favour of the rich paying more tax?
posted by Pallas Athena at 6:56 PM on January 24

did he almost just say "no shit"?

He's sounded like he was about to say it 2 or 3 times.
posted by cashman at 6:56 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

and there it is.
posted by ninjew at 6:57 PM on January 24

LOLOLOLOL ROMNEY.
posted by azarbayejani at 6:57 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

He just hit out at Warren Buffett? Buffett who's spoken up in favour of the rich paying more tax?

Buffet brought out that info himself. He's not hitting at Buffet.
posted by cashman at 6:57 PM on January 24

He just hit out at Warren Buffett? Buffett who's spoken up in favour of the rich paying more tax?

No, he's practically quoting Buffett. Buffett's mentioned that he pays a higher percentage than his secretary on many occasions.
posted by Pater Aletheias at 6:58 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Cantor looks like he's wearing a rubber mask of his own face.
posted by The Whelk at 6:58 PM on January 24 [8 favorites]

Buffet's secretary is there, or so NPR tells me.
posted by Lutoslawski at 6:58 PM on January 24

Rand Paul is deteriorating slowly
posted by Seiten Taisei at 6:58 PM on January 24

He just hit out at Warren Buffett? Buffett who's spoken up in favour of the rich paying more tax?

I think he understood that Warren would be fine with it, as he's brought it up himself so many times as a problem.
posted by Navelgazer at 6:58 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

He's just saying what warren has himself said.
posted by dejah420 at 6:58 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

He just hit out at Warren Buffett? Buffett who's spoken up in favour of the rich paying more tax?

Quite the opposite, it's what Buffet has told Obama to say many times.
posted by zombieflanders at 6:58 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

The MSNBC feed has a really weird effect on the longer shots where it looks like beams of light are shining down from the sky at the audience. I can't wait to see what the conspiracy theory sites say about this.
posted by feloniousmonk at 6:58 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

Cool. Thanks for clarification re Buffett.
posted by Pallas Athena at 6:58 PM on January 24

Wow, "My taxes are unfair, tax me more". Gonna be hard to fight that...
posted by Runes at 6:58 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Man, some of those dudes in the seats are older than god.
posted by dejah420 at 6:59 PM on January 24

Buffett's secretary was smiling at those remarks.
posted by leslies at 6:59 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

You could cut through the silence.
posted by azarbayejani at 6:59 PM on January 24

I like the wide shot of everyone, when he's talking about how Washington is broken. nice call out, production crew.
posted by ninjew at 7:00 PM on January 24 [7 favorites]

Work that deficit of trust line, Obama.

It's awesome.
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:00 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Runes, we can find links later, but trust me, they are trying to fight it.
posted by Navelgazer at 7:00 PM on January 24

Pelosi put on blast, standing O.
posted by cashman at 7:00 PM on January 24

Aaaanddd, the gloves come off.
posted by Runes at 7:00 PM on January 24

I'm not even watching and yet I feel that special warm feeling that only Obama can provide.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:01 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

I think the gauntlet has been thrown down.
posted by In The Annex at 7:01 PM on January 24

The MSNBC feed has a really weird effect on the longer shots where it looks like beams of light are shining down from the sky at the audience. I can't wait to see what the conspiracy theory sites say about this.

It was making me wonder how the speech would be received if they were doing it without overhead lights, no neckties, and all in attendance had a snifter of brandy.
posted by heyho at 7:01 PM on January 24

My favorite part of his SotU speeches are always when he puts on his Grown-Up voice and tells Congress to stop acting like children.
posted by olinerd at 7:01 PM on January 24 [19 favorites]

Yes! Bills against congress insider trading. Never gonna happen, but it would be nice.
posted by dejah420 at 7:01 PM on January 24

Obama's going to turn this country right around if the kids in the senate and house don't stop fighting.
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:01 PM on January 24 [16 favorites]

GOP members are booing the idea that Congress should not be allowed to engage in insider trading. Historians, please take note.
posted by Pater Aletheias at 7:02 PM on January 24 [43 favorites]

Who's the boor booing (among other things) banning insider trading in Congress?
posted by Rhaomi at 7:02 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

Is it just me, or is he taking Congress out to the woodshed?
posted by benito.strauss at 7:02 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

Boehner's mouth keeps blurring. I assume his tongue is flipping the bird.
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:02 PM on January 24

"Finally, none of this can happen..."
(long pause)
posted by jinjo at 7:03 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

It's a beautiful spanking. Pity it won't change anything.
posted by leslies at 7:03 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

I'm not that old, and even I think it's weird to see Franken in the cabal.
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:03 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Was that booing? I couldn't tell if it was "Boo!" or "Goooaaaal!"

I... I really wanted it to be goooaaaaal.
posted by meese at 7:03 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

awesome face he just made. awesome.
posted by ninjew at 7:03 PM on January 24

Heh, the insider trading issue doesn't seem very popular.
posted by homunculus at 7:04 PM on January 24

Pbs has the beams of light too, it must actually be the way the lights are set. And I want the names of the booo-ers.
posted by dejah420 at 7:04 PM on January 24

Obama should make one of these speeches every day until the gridlock ends.
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:04 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

Yeah, he'd like an up-or-down vote to be routine within 90 days. I would like to go to work wearing my robe and wizard hat. Let's see who gets their wish first.
posted by Pallas Athena at 7:05 PM on January 24 [8 favorites]

GOP members are booing the idea that Congress should not be allowed to engage in insider trading. Historians, please take note.

There are people who actually think the rules against insider trading ought to be repealed. They actually think this and they don't think that the markets would come to a grinding halt of distrust and stagnation. It fucking floors me, but it's a thing.
posted by gauche at 7:05 PM on January 24 [6 favorites]

Heyyy, I don't see any beams of light, and I'm on PBS. I can't forget that I'm bereft of all the wondrous sights you see, which the tv also promised me.
posted by cashman at 7:06 PM on January 24

Funny, none of the congresscritters live-tweeting commented on the spanking.
posted by Runes at 7:06 PM on January 24

Wow, Hil. The hair sure is purty. WTH?
posted by heyho at 7:06 PM on January 24

Hillary is looking unenthused.
posted by dejah420 at 7:07 PM on January 24

I would like to go to work wearing my robe and wizard hat. Let's see who gets their wish first.

That depends, do you work at a comic book store?
posted by jonmc at 7:07 PM on January 24

Dammit I really have to pee.
posted by azarbayejani at 7:07 PM on January 24

jonmc: Oh I wish.
posted by Pallas Athena at 7:07 PM on January 24

Another fuzzy picture question: Boehner has a pint of water and three crystal bottles of something else in front of him?
posted by Mr. Yuck at 7:07 PM on January 24

Obama's making some pretty good points on foreign policy. But I'm guessing some people won't be happy until he says "We're invading last tuesday."
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:07 PM on January 24

Ugh on the Iran jingoism.
posted by zombieflanders at 7:08 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

What do you call that, a halfvation?
posted by box at 7:08 PM on January 24

Hard to blame her, I understand her day starts at 5am.

Also, Boehner's bottles are bourbon. (Well, water, at least, which makes up most of bourbon.)
posted by feloniousmonk at 7:08 PM on January 24

Why would Representatives and Senators ever vote against their own economic interests?

The median net worth of a congressman is about $913,000
posted by the man of twists and turns at 7:08 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

There's a restaurant I go to, where the food is really good, but the menu descriptions are just fantastic. So the best part of the meal is perhaps deciding your order, and not the actually food. I really like the way Obama is reading this menu.
posted by benito.strauss at 7:08 PM on January 24 [14 favorites]

Mr. Yuck - that's where he keeps his soul. And his sense of humor.
posted by starvingartist at 7:08 PM on January 24

Did he say "Christians, Muslims, and juice?"
posted by Partial Law at 7:09 PM on January 24

Interesting how some of Obama's best lines are borrowed from Republicans. The "trust deficit" was a favorite line of Jon Huntsman before he dropped out, and an "all of the above" energy strategy is a constant refrain of GOP pundits.
posted by Rhaomi at 7:09 PM on January 24 [5 favorites]

Cashman, its only when they pull out to wide angle, 3/4 side view.
posted by dejah420 at 7:09 PM on January 24

CYBERTHREATS
posted by ninjew at 7:10 PM on January 24

"Anyone who tells you that America is in decline, doesn't know what they're talking about."

If you say so, buddy.
posted by gman at 7:11 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

Didn't Boehner have some weird crystal thing on his podium last year too? What is that?
posted by Flashman at 7:11 PM on January 24

BTW did anyone catch (MS)NBC cutting to Leahy when he was talking about out-of-control lobbying?
posted by zombieflanders at 7:11 PM on January 24

Bohener looks so bored. Obama should offer to take him to Steak and Shake or something afterwards so he behaves.
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:11 PM on January 24 [5 favorites]

Oh, I see it now dejah420. Also, oh we can all stand for the military eh. Nobody wants to get shown seated for that.
posted by cashman at 7:11 PM on January 24

My brain sort of treats political mentions of things like "cyberthreats" the same way it does when they make blanket references to religion. Yeah, fine, people believe in it, say what you've gotta say...
posted by Navelgazer at 7:11 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

His tie is kinda crooked.
posted by Burhanistan at 7:12 PM on January 24

Was it this?
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:12 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Yeah, it's funny that even the Joint Chief's weren't sure if they could clap for that one.
posted by Runes at 7:12 PM on January 24

This makes me sad like when I first found out about Santa but couldn't tell my parents I knew.
posted by Surfurrus at 7:12 PM on January 24

Did he say "Christians, Muslims, and juice?"

That's right...no more protections against milk spills, but special treatment for juice. He did the final edit of this speech at breakfast.
posted by Pater Aletheias at 7:12 PM on January 24 [13 favorites]

"Anyone who tells you that America is in decline, doesn't know what they're talking about."

That's just hhis way of saying "Fuck you, Mitt."
posted by benito.strauss at 7:12 PM on January 24 [5 favorites]

Gay straight or lesbian bi, I'm on the right track baby, I was born to survive.
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:13 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Wait for it, wait for it...

"gay, straight"

WOOHOO
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:13 PM on January 24 [14 favorites]

"In accordance with the House Rules, on the rare occasion that a member becomes unruly, the Sergeant at Arms, upon order of the Speaker, lifts the mace from its pedestal and presents it before the offenders, thereby restoring order."
posted by azarbayejani at 7:13 PM on January 24

YES SHOUTOUT TO GAY SOLDIERS YEAHHHHH
posted by Pallas Athena at 7:13 PM on January 24 [9 favorites]

OMG! I was wondering "gay? gay? OMG Gay!"
posted by benito.strauss at 7:13 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

Heh. Cybertheats. I was just writing about the glory days of E/N today. Its nice to see that our federal government has almost caught up with the terminology of the halcyon days of 1999-200.
posted by Joey Michaels at 7:13 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Rhaomi, I didn't know that. Good catch.
posted by dejah420 at 7:13 PM on January 24

*huddles in the corner with that warm feeling*
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:13 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

...or cissexual
posted by Flashman at 7:14 PM on January 24 [6 favorites]

I will have sex with Obama. I'm usually a top. But I will bottom for him.
posted by Splunge at 7:15 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

In other words, no matter what else happened, I was president when we got Bin Laden. Remember that. Seal Team 6. Bin Laden. Got him.
posted by synecdoche at 7:15 PM on January 24 [5 favorites]

Of course he's gonna close on the mission to kill bin Laden.
posted by Burhanistan at 7:15 PM on January 24

Biden looks like he's got a nasty cold. This is how it starts right? Kerry is obviously already undead, Biden has a mystery illness. The President demands broad sweeping authority to fight "cybersecurity" threats.
posted by humanfont at 7:15 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

I am waiting for a Santorum joke.
posted by azarbayejani at 7:15 PM on January 24

I'm working on my Biden nod. Look out ladies.
posted by deanklear at 7:16 PM on January 24 [7 favorites]

Interesting proposal on compelling high school attendance, from a NY Times summary: "Students compelled to stay in school experience substantial gains to lifetime wealth, health, and other labor market activities for all three countries, and these results hold up against a wide array of specification checks. I estimate dropping out one year later increases present value income by more than 10 times forgone earnings and more than 2 times the maximum lifetime annual wage."
posted by blahblahblah at 7:16 PM on January 24

Strong finish!
posted by Flashman at 7:16 PM on January 24

lots of neon colored power suits in that crowd, wtf
posted by ninjew at 7:16 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

@Mcarty, no. But I do wish Boehner would flail around with a fasces in the background.
posted by Mr. Yuck at 7:17 PM on January 24

That was a good speech. Wonder how the rebuttal is gonna go.
posted by dejah420 at 7:17 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Oh ghod, I'm in love.
posted by Splunge at 7:17 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Daniels is going to look like a petulant child following that speech.
posted by leslies at 7:17 PM on January 24

Those things in front of Boehner? Orgone Generators or Crystal Skulls. Take your pick.
posted by Runes at 7:18 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

And again the closing metaphor is militaristic. Stupid pseudofascism. Can we maybe not create a two-tier society where the only path to a better life is through glorious, glorious war?
posted by tivalasvegas at 7:18 PM on January 24 [7 favorites]

Fewer regulations, smaller streamlined government, payroll tax break extension, model society on the military, I killed the bad guys. Got it. When is the Democratic rebuttal?
posted by Pater Aletheias at 7:18 PM on January 24 [48 favorites]

OK ... foreign policy aside, the 'rah, rah' part sure is a nice change from the recent Repugnant debates.
posted by Surfurrus at 7:18 PM on January 24

Ick, great speech followed by a David Brooks chaser.
posted by benito.strauss at 7:18 PM on January 24

Did people try to get bush's autograph? I find that celebrity thing weird.
posted by dejah420 at 7:21 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Loved it.
posted by agregoli at 7:21 PM on January 24

In seriousness, I think he did the best job he could have done of blunting the coming GOP attacks. It would be hard to listen to this and not notice that this the reality of Obama is a far cry from the big-government socialist despot the GOP portrays him as. He stole as many Republican lines as he could.
posted by Pater Aletheias at 7:21 PM on January 24 [5 favorites]

I am disappoint at the fail re: no Al Green song at SOTU WTF?
posted by humanfont at 7:21 PM on January 24 [5 favorites]

I think Obama should have led with a joke:

"A Mormon and two Catholics walk into the Florida Republican Primary..."

(Stop me if you've heard this one.)
posted by Ron Thanagar at 7:22 PM on January 24 [14 favorites]

People also collected Jeffry Dahmer's hair and Nazi memorabilia. People are weird.
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:22 PM on January 24

I will have sex with Obama. I'm usually a top. But I will bottom for him.

Are you in luck! Legislation is on the way that makes it mandatory!
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 7:22 PM on January 24 [8 favorites]

model society on the military

Wait: rent and price controls, single-payer health care, investment in sustainable/renewable energy, well-defined and stratified career paths, massive retirement plan . . .

are we going 'socialist'?
posted by the man of twists and turns at 7:23 PM on January 24 [15 favorites]

ohgodheissoamazinghowdoeshedoit
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:24 PM on January 24

He didn't include nonbelievers in his list of religions tonight as he did in his inauguration speech. Small thing, but still.
posted by Pallas Athena at 7:24 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

ALL HAIL THE HYPNO-TIE.
posted by zamboni at 7:24 PM on January 24 [7 favorites]

Somebody should've filled Boehner's (and every pro-oil congresscritter's) water glasses with groundwater from a fracking site.
posted by oneswellfoop at 7:24 PM on January 24 [23 favorites]

Always have to watch the handshake portions closely. I remember watching it in...2007? thereabouts...with my roommates and seeing an enthusiastic lady clutch Bush's hand and refuse to let it go. Anyone else who was watching will know what I'm talking about: it's the first time we saw Michele Bachmann.
posted by troika at 7:26 PM on January 24 [5 favorites]

What, and add fuel to the fire when Boehner literally blew flames because he was mad about equal pay for women?
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:26 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

He didn't include nonbelievers in his list of religions

If he had, I can imagine the screaming that would emanate from some of the more vocal atheists I know in having their non-belief characterized as a 'religion.'
posted by the man of twists and turns at 7:26 PM on January 24 [4 favorites]

It's weird that for a time this past year, Michelle Bachman almost stood a chance, after being the butt of environmentalists' jokes for so long.
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:27 PM on January 24

You know that show Grimms, where some people are mythical creatures in disguise? David Brooks is a rat, I swear to gods.
posted by dejah420 at 7:28 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

The WE ARE ALL SEALS bit was shameless, but smart.
posted by darth_tedious at 7:28 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Ooh, Mitch comes out with a "family value's" slam on Gingrich?
posted by Runes at 7:29 PM on January 24

David Brooks? Isn't that Ari Fleischer?
posted by Flashman at 7:29 PM on January 24

Mitch Daniels just totally called out Gingrich in the SOTU response.
posted by zombieflanders at 7:29 PM on January 24

Mitch is very stiff. Still better than orange man. 1 in 5 *men*? What, women are chopped liver to the republicans?
posted by dejah420 at 7:30 PM on January 24

"On the other hand, if you make under $250,000 a year, like 98 percent of American families, your taxes shouldn’t go up. You’re the ones struggling with rising costs and stagnant wages. You’re the ones who need relief."

WE ARE
THE 98%

Seriously, this speech was full of Occupy Wall Street talking points. I think I even heard him quote Elizabeth Warren, "Nobody built this country on their own." But Obama is always big on talk, and short on action.
posted by charlie don't surf at 7:31 PM on January 24 [4 favorites]

Isn't Biden there because he's acting as the President of the United States Senate, not the Vice President of the United States? If so, shouldn't President Obama address him as "Mr. President"?
posted by kirkaracha at 7:32 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Just looked at screen where it said Republican Response and misread (?) it as Republican Nonsense.
posted by leslies at 7:32 PM on January 24 [6 favorites]

What, women are chopped liver to the republicans?

No, no, fear of what a free woman might do is a valuable vote-garnering tool.
posted by Slackermagee at 7:32 PM on January 24

Republicans talking about "upward mobility" and equality. OWS really has had an impact.
posted by formless at 7:32 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

What the? America is almost Greece? Is he on acid?
posted by dejah420 at 7:32 PM on January 24

What is the dark square covering over part of the flag pin on his lapel?
posted by onlyconnect at 7:32 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

I'm pretty sure the GOP values women more than chopped liver. After all, chopped liver can't be forced to bring a child to term.
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:33 PM on January 24 [7 favorites]

When the guy speaking before you was all, "If rich folk don't pay taxes, either deficits go up or someone else makes up the difference," and then you're all, "THE DEFICIT IS TOO HIGH".... You're not making your point as well as you may want.
posted by meese at 7:33 PM on January 24 [6 favorites]

*fetus.
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:33 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

Somehow using Steve Jobs as an example of a job-creator seems stupid in light of the recent news...
posted by Runes at 7:33 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

nonononowheredidthewonderfulbrownmangoiwantotouchhim
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:34 PM on January 24 [6 favorites]

OK I just got home from yoga.

Is there anywhere this speech will be replayed, online or on TV?
posted by Danf at 7:34 PM on January 24

So Daniels is using Steve Jobs as an example of a job creator? Does he know where those jobs were created?
posted by octothorpe at 7:34 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

We are all Chinese job creators.
posted by ninjew at 7:34 PM on January 24

You know who else is a job creator?

The guy making $30,000 a year buying a new fridge. I think he makes more jobs than Romney making money off of his money.
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:35 PM on January 24 [15 favorites]

Our deficit is crippling! If we cut our income, by the laws of reverse psychology, we'll owe less.

I do have to admit though, I feel like I've kept General Tso gainfully employed, so maybe he has something on the job creator bit.
posted by feloniousmonk at 7:35 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Is there anywhere this speech will be replayed, online or on TV?

C-SPAN
posted by Runes at 7:36 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Well, he's no Bobby Jindal.
posted by benito.strauss at 7:36 PM on January 24 [7 favorites]

Is this available to watch anywhere yet? I missed it. Argh.
posted by koeselitz at 7:36 PM on January 24

Obviously, if you cut income, the economy will zoom so fast the government will pay back all the debt with increased tax revenue that we just cut.

Obviously.
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:37 PM on January 24

Daniels' makeup doesn't match the lighting. Looks hideous.
posted by Burhanistan at 7:37 PM on January 24

Who ever needed volcano monitoring?
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:37 PM on January 24

I got right up on my tv, and I can't tell why he's got part of the flag blacked out. Man, Obama is a hard act to follow...now Mitch is saying that the republicans are who tried to raise taxes on the rich. And Obama is the divider? Good gawd.
posted by dejah420 at 7:37 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

Mitch Daniels making his eyes big is weirding me out. ALL GLORY TO THE HYPNOTOAD!!!
posted by Runes at 7:38 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

America is almost Greece?

Well, in my neighborhood...
posted by jonmc at 7:38 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

The general principle is exactly the same as the one where if you want to sell your car for more (or hide some youthful indiscretion from your parents) you can just drive around in reverse and the odometer will reset. It's like that, but with money.

This also works in the original Sim City, so I know it's legit.
posted by feloniousmonk at 7:38 PM on January 24

I wish Youtube had worked. I wanted to see the charts and graphs.
posted by wierdo at 7:38 PM on January 24

Yes, the lighting is atrocious. Foreground as well as background.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 7:38 PM on January 24

You know who isn't a job creator. Mitch Daniels who ran George Bush's office of management and budget. They guy who Borrowed 50% of the debt on our books. The guy who took a trillion dollar surplus and built a trillion dollar deficit.
posted by humanfont at 7:38 PM on January 24 [20 favorites]

It's not a word that should exist is my point here

>Can I still use "prevenge"?

What about "predemption"?
posted by FirstMateKate at 7:38 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

I always enjoy hearing Republicans exclaim "You guys are trying to divide us, not like us guys."
posted by benito.strauss at 7:38 PM on January 24 [14 favorites]

Ah Christ..here's Mitch Daniels with the fear and bullshit.

I thought Giffords looked cute and lonesome and thoughtful and sad after Obama's speech. I wonder what was going on in her mind as she stands there dealing with the physical and mental scars and pain of the foul venom and partisanship that's been the MO of the GOtP since Obama had the audacity to become president on their watch and in the midst of their sad mediocre shit-stupid lifetimes....

Anyhow, it was interesting he did not shake her hand at the end there (unless I missed it), because I think she's going to get picked for a big job in the future, if she wants it. A VP slot? You betcha! Senator or a Governorship? Seems like a no brainer to me.

Again, if she's not in too much pain and disgusted with public life.

Anyhow, Mitch Daniels looks like a featherless bird of some sort...blah, blah, blah...Niagra of death...if we fail to shift to pro-jobs etc///etc...This guy needs to get the fuck out my face....blech.
posted by Skygazer at 7:38 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

Bringing up the light bulb thing again? Really?
posted by Pallas Athena at 7:39 PM on January 24

The Republicans are still mad about lightbulbs? What a weird obsession.
posted by octothorpe at 7:39 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

The flag blackout shape kind of looks like a Hello Kitty face.
posted by onlyconnect at 7:39 PM on January 24

Didn't Boehner have some weird crystal thing on his podium last year too? What is that?


See also: Phylactery, lich.
posted by darkstar at 7:39 PM on January 24 [8 favorites]

Your neck should not muffin top out of your shirt.
posted by The Hamms Bear at 7:39 PM on January 24 [5 favorites]

Left to yourselves you assholes in the heartland did pick the wrong lightbulb, credit card and mortgage, and health insurance. Also your selection of funds in your 401k was poor. If you even bothered to participate.
posted by humanfont at 7:40 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Mighty thin speech by Daniels.
posted by leslies at 7:40 PM on January 24

I thought big heads were in this season between Karl Rove and Gingrich?
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:40 PM on January 24

The standard, passed by Congress and signed by President George W. Bush, becomes effective nationwide January 1, 2012...
posted by furiousxgeorge at 7:40 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

City on the hill, really? Also, shut up David brooks, you rat.
posted by dejah420 at 7:41 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

The guy making $30,000 a year buying a new fridge. I think he makes more jobs than Romney making money off of his money.

I've never understood this idea. How exactly do people think money makes money? It doesn't happen on its own. People have to work (and get paid).
posted by mad bomber what bombs at midnight at 7:41 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

I dunno, I prefer to hate Obama and like the republicans, so I think Daniel's did a damn fine job. Also, teleprompter.

- Your Uncle
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:41 PM on January 24 [11 favorites]

Really, Mitch?

And what happens when the majority of our citizens make shitty investments in their private retirement programs? Or they actually do pick the wrong insurance program? Or the market implodes?

Then what?
posted by Benny Andajetz at 7:42 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

The nation can pick itself up by it's bootstraps.

Also, we're privatizing the bootstraps programs.
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:43 PM on January 24 [17 favorites]

He didn't include nonbelievers in his list of religions tonight as he did in his inauguration speech. Small thing, but still.

I hear you. This doesn't bother me because I don't feel like I need it. I feel like a lot of people of faith sure seem to need it though, so I'm really glad he does it.
posted by heyho at 7:44 PM on January 24

It would be really cool to watch the State of the Union. Does anyone know a way to do that?
posted by koeselitz at 7:44 PM on January 24

Man, I just listened to Sarah Vowell's excellent analysis of how Reagan used/mis-used John Winthrop's "City on a Hill" sermon. Daniels trying to ring the same bell is just a loud "thud".
posted by benito.strauss at 7:46 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

I bet cspan runs it again, and it'll probably be on the YouTube.
posted by dejah420 at 7:46 PM on January 24

You will have to probably wait until tomorrow, the 'rebuttal' and 'Q & A' streams are still running.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 7:47 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

It really irks me that the MSM commentators feel the need to keep pressing the meme that the POTUS is in reelection mode. It puts a negative spin on things, regardless of whether or not it's true.

Does that bother anyone else?
posted by Benny Andajetz at 7:48 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

You basically can't unless you're an invited guest of the Speaker or the First Lady. To get invited you could try rescuing someone from a sinking airplane (Larry Skutnik) or not sinking your airplane to start with (Capt. Sully).
posted by fancypants at 7:48 PM on January 24

He didn't include nonbelievers in his list of religions tonight...

im_ok_with_this.jpg
posted by Rat Spatula at 7:48 PM on January 24

Pretty much everything all of the talking heads, even the ones I nominally like, bothers me at this point. I prefer to watch ESPN at this point, because it's the exact same technique, but at least I know for 100% certain that nothing they are talking about actually matters.
posted by feloniousmonk at 7:49 PM on January 24 [11 favorites]

I did learn something! When the Democratic president spoke, fellow Dems jumped up and applauded all things. GOP people of course did not applaud or stand. But every so often Obama said something about our military and our nation, at which GOP had to applaud. That means
they had to listen to sort things out! The Supremes had it made! Like God, they are above the fray and can not f stand or applaud lest they seem partial...God is indifferent and silent.
Obama got to hug and kiss lots of women...good gig. Even the older military, bedecked with lots of stuff--ribbons etc--seem trim and in shape. The Sgt at Arms seemed restless and bald and the
camera watched him trying to lead Obama to wherever Presidents go when they finish their
speeches. When Orthodox Jews are in their shuls (synagogues) the women sit apart, much like Michelle Obama, up in her box like Pres Lincoln at the play, the last show he attended.
posted by Postroad at 7:53 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

Pretty much everything all of the talking heads, even the ones I nominally like, bothers me at this point.

So true, so true, it's really hit home with me that the election is like their big deal, and so they have a bit of a stake in beanplating and over-discussing and over-dramatizing every dumb new development and hyping it like it's this amazing new development that's going to change the whole race...blah, blah, blah.
posted by Skygazer at 7:55 PM on January 24

Someone in mentioned that not all of the Supreme Court Justices were there. Is that true?
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:57 PM on January 24

Yup, only 4 attended.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:58 PM on January 24

Did you catch which four?
posted by Navelgazer at 7:58 PM on January 24

I think it was Roberts, Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor
posted by zombieflanders at 7:59 PM on January 24

I always think about that phrase "those who can't do, teach" when I think about the political talking heads. Pretty much anyone who has ever taught anything knows it's not true as it applies to teaching, but I think it probably is when it comes to going on TV and there is precious little evidence, if any, to the contrary.
posted by feloniousmonk at 7:59 PM on January 24

Oh, just caught the Obama-Gifford hug. Very sweet. Very.
posted by Surfurrus at 8:00 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Okay, well, you know, if Ginsburg can make it out, the rest of you have no excuse.
posted by Navelgazer at 8:00 PM on January 24 [4 favorites]

Congressmen Tim Scott (R-SC) and Doug Lamborn (R-CO) did not attend either.
posted by wikipedia brown boy detective at 8:01 PM on January 24

Not attending is a flat-out chickenshit move.
posted by Benny Andajetz at 8:03 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

I thought I heard them say at the beginning that Sotamayor was one of the ones who did not attend. I though I heard them say that only two didn't attend, but I wasn't really listening very closely at that point. The announcer also said that the Justices feel awkward about being there, ever since the incident two years ago when Obama called them out on Citizens United.
posted by triggerfinger at 8:04 PM on January 24

I'm watching Romney on Hannity right now. This dude is such a motherfucking liar
posted by wikipedia brown boy detective at 8:04 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

I thought I heard them say at the beginning that Sotamayor was one of the ones who did not attend. - She did not, NYTimes said she had to be somewhere else for a conference.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 8:05 PM on January 24

Hannity or Romney?
posted by feloniousmonk at 8:06 PM on January 24 [4 favorites]

Ah, good. He gave Giffords a nice hug on the way in, I heartily approve.

So Citizens United whore-bags, Scalia, Thomas and Alito took a pass, eh??

I'm so surprised.
posted by Skygazer at 8:06 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Romney. Saying that Obama "talks about lowering taxes while he's raising them."
posted by wikipedia brown boy detective at 8:08 PM on January 24

Hannity or Romney?

yes
posted by edgeways at 8:10 PM on January 24 [8 favorites]

Romney has the black thing on his flag lapel pin also.
posted by Big_B at 8:11 PM on January 24

Tom Vilsack was the Designated Survivor.
posted by humanfont at 8:12 PM on January 24

Yep, no Scalia, Thomas, Alito, or Sotomayor. Here's an interesting post on SCJs and the SOTU.
posted by triggerfinger at 8:15 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

Anyway, my thoughts: That was probably the best SotU I've seen in my lifetime, and Obama is - whether it's because of "campaign mode" or not, and I really don't care - coming out swinging this year. Putting a stop to SOPA, forcing university health plans to cover reproductive rights, this... I was going to vote for him anyway but now he's earning it.

Basically, this is probably as close to a modern New Deal announcement as I think I could have hoped for. Hard to say how much if any of it will be implemented, but he just sold a lot of great initiatives very well, and pre-slapped congress in case they act like they can't get it done. Was Ron Paul the only GOP contender there? In fact, was he even there?

On a tangent, I liked the woman - Jackie - who he picked for his shout-outs as the face of the possibility in retraining for American manufacturing. Every time they cut to her she had a look on her face like this was the proudest moment of her life, and when she was mentioned by name, I adored the look Michelle Obama gave her like, "Yeah, be proud. This is your moment." I could also just picture her getting her highlights done in North Carolina this past week, worrying about looking her best for her night with the first family, and as condescending as that might sound, it honestly warned my heart.

Obama's directive to force kids through high school is bold and awesome. I don't know if it will have any effect whatsoever, but I'm glad the idea is out there.

The bit about sitting in the Situation Room with Gates and Clinton worked for me, and I think was a nice and necessary touch. Clinton's nodding along that "yeah, our primary race was bitter, but none of that mattered then" helped sell it.

Finally, ending the night on a clear message about gays and lesbians serving equally in the military - when that policy has already been adopted and no longer needs to be sold - and then spinning that into a broader message of getting real about working together for common goals and getting past petty bullshit... That was unexpected and phenomenal, and made me love the man again.
posted by Navelgazer at 8:16 PM on January 24 [21 favorites]

(oh, and Above the Law is basically an incestuous gossip-blog for law students, like TMZ for the T13 schools, but the link triggerfinger gave is worth a read.)
posted by Navelgazer at 8:19 PM on January 24

Madame Cliché Counter: The final tally, please?
posted by ZenMasterThis at 8:20 PM on January 24

Loved the way Rachel Maddow took the wind out of Chris Matthews' sails, after his weirdly ass-kissing review of Daniel's speech, by saying she "couldn't disagree with you more." With an almost straight face.
posted by wallabear at 8:20 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Re-employment website FTW!

And, I saw the beams of light too.
posted by bricksNmortar at 8:24 PM on January 24

I remember listening to the SotU address on the radio ten years ago, when Bush first gave us the phrase Axis of Evil, and how uneasy it made me. Terrified, really, to be honest.

I didn't watch or listen to tonight's address, but I read the transcript made available on dailykos. I felt better than I did ten years ago, that's for sure.
posted by infinitewindow at 8:25 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

So is there any way for those of us without TV to watch all this post speech coverage? It's sad that all of it is still TV land focused and not internet focused.
posted by MrBobaFett at 8:27 PM on January 24

@MrBobaFett check out PBS's coverage
posted by SteveFlamingo at 8:31 PM on January 24

I'm going to remember the comments and reactions in ts thread so I can compare them to the talking head spin tomorrow.
posted by The Whelk at 8:31 PM on January 24

In basically every country in this planet Obama would be considered a conservative. Fuck, I love America.

Good speech, in the and. I liked the emphasis on retraining the workforce, domestic oil as the viable stopgap alternative to foreign oil, and the Bin Laden bit in the end was classic. The taxes thing, while correct, was a waste of time because, you know, republicans.

Though I agree with the tax thing in principle, when he says "anyone earning above $1M wont pay less than 30% in taxes", does he mean a minimum 30% tax on both salaries AND capital gains? Not sure I agree with the later, except on "carried interest" (is that the name?) which is capital gains with other people's money.

Moot point though, as republicans will cockblock the shit out of him.
posted by falameufilho at 8:32 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

In basically every country in this planet Obama would be considered a conservative. Fuck, I love America.

Well, the US is fundamentally a conservative country.
posted by KokuRyu at 8:34 PM on January 24

the Justices feel awkward about being there, ever since the incident two years ago when Obama called them out on Citizens United.

They should feel awkward for putting out that ruling.

Romney. Saying that Obama "talks about lowering taxes while he's raising them."

14% income tax and no payroll taxes; I paid a bigger share myself. STFU Romney.
posted by Mister Fabulous at 8:35 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

Who wants to play " Guess the GOP spin!"? First person to survive a trip to the RedState forums gets a cookie.
posted by The Whelk at 8:38 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

That was the most one-sided debate I've ever seen.
posted by Renoroc at 8:40 PM on January 24 [6 favorites]

Mitch Daniels? Man on Horseback? White Knight of the GOP, from the ancestral home of the KKK?

Right. He looks like the Evil Bank Examiner from Hell.
posted by rdone at 8:41 PM on January 24

To be fair a lot of the GOP look like melting wax statues.
posted by The Whelk at 8:42 PM on January 24 [9 favorites]

The Whitehouse's State of the Union website has a link to the First Lady's Box.


* snicker! *
posted by mazola at 8:45 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

Cookie for Mister Fabulous. Here's the first few lines currently on Red State:

One of the most salient messages from Obama’s State of the Union Address is that he is unwilling to take responsibility for any of his failures. Instead, he took credit for successful policies that he opposed, and ascribed blame on others for failed policies that he supported.

posted by Mister Fabulous at 8:47 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Andrew Sullivan thinks that the Daniels speech was the better.
posted by meese at 8:50 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Here is your bitter cookie of talking point hypocrisy. It's gluten free! ( the gluten was replaced with hydrocarbons and snippets if dry, blonde hair)
posted by The Whelk at 8:50 PM on January 24

ascribed blame on others

GRAMMARMAGEDDON!
posted by joe lisboa at 8:50 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

I saw that on Red State and went stark white. They really just can't accept facts over there, I honestly don't know how they write half the things they post.

You can't debate or compromise with those sorts of people, you can't change their minds because their political views are a faith rather than... well... a view.
posted by Slackermagee at 8:50 PM on January 24

It's gluten free!

NOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I took the ultimate sacrifice and in return I get a gluten-free cookie! I've been had!

The Whelk you have made me die a little bit inside.
posted by Mister Fabulous at 8:53 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

This is what it feels like to visit the message board of an opposing team after your team beats them in an important game. I doubt that's entirely coincidental.
posted by feloniousmonk at 8:53 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Transcript of the State of the Union via CS Monitor
posted by the man of twists and turns at 8:55 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

Andrew Sullivan thinks that the Daniels speech was the better.

Are ye drinking again tonight, Mr. Sullivan?
posted by rdone at 8:56 PM on January 24

No, no he's just .....like that.
posted by The Whelk at 8:59 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

CS Monitor linky no worky
posted by elizardbits at 8:59 PM on January 24

Not only did he mention Steve Jobs, he did it while the camera hung on Laurene Powell Jobs, who was in the audience.
posted by dbiedny at 9:03 PM on January 24

Did anyone else watch the stream of this on the White House's website? I'm wondering if I wouldn't have such a terribly negative impression of the speech if it hadn't been accompanied by cheesy, laughably bad graphics alongside it the whole time.

Also, whatever Rosa DeLauro was wearing was amazingly weird, as usual.
posted by naoko at 9:06 PM on January 24

Here you go, elizardbits.
posted by merelyglib at 9:06 PM on January 24

When he asked "Who benefited from that fiasco?", I swear I thought he was asking my girlfriend's cat, Fiasco.
posted by Sreiny at 9:07 PM on January 24 [15 favorites]

Andrew Sullivan is not known for his judgement.
posted by humanfont at 9:09 PM on January 24

He was Srieny...he was...
posted by Skygazer at 9:10 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

I'm watching it on the White House site and the "blueprint for America" graphic is pretty good. Looks like a print ad for a car.
Overall, good speech, I sure as hell hope he gets another 4 years to get the work done.
posted by arcticseal at 9:14 PM on January 24 [3 favorites]

Yeah what is up with Andrew Sullivan anyway? Geez get a grip there. Obama can offer whatever tax breaks he wants, and purple ponies besides. He knows and we know that Congress (e.g. your party Mr. Sullivan) isn't going to let any of that happen anyway.
posted by newdaddy at 9:35 PM on January 24

I hear if you stop paying them to have an opinion then they stop having them.
posted by The Whelk at 9:39 PM on January 24

Can someone explain to me what the point of attending this thing is if you are the opposition?

I mean, you know basically what the president is going to say if not the actual text itself. So what's the point of sitting there being preached to for an hour?
posted by madajb at 9:43 PM on January 24

I suspect whoever decided to have Daniels out there with a doom and gloom speech made a grave error.
posted by wierdo at 10:09 PM on January 24

My sister and I were talking when the SOTU came on and she said, man he looks really bad and yellow tonight. He looked fine to me so I asked what channel. She realized she had it on Fox and turned to a different channel and he looked fine.

Anyone else see this or was this an anomaly. (Connecticut cable TV)
posted by bottlebrushtree at 10:10 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Clip of congressman (?) booing the banning of congressional insider training

So is House of Commons rabble-rousing the new normal since Joe Wilson? Obama really should have drawn attention to that, it was pretty unbelievable. Like in one of the other SOTUs where he was mock-surprised at the fact that Republicans hadn't applauded one of his more no-brainer proposals.
posted by Rhaomi at 10:13 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

Heh heh, from the Youtube comments:

Apparently Darth Vader loves Congressional insider trading - NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

posted by XMLicious at 10:16 PM on January 24 [2 favorites]

So is House of Commons rabble-rousing the new normal since Joe Wilson?

I think the artificial decorum of State of the Union addresses in the 20th century was the exception.
posted by infinitewindow at 10:25 PM on January 24 [1 favorite]

Does anyone know who was booing during the above clip? Because, wow, that's going to make for a super awkward explanation tomorrow.
posted by biddeford at 10:27 PM on January 24

bottlebrushtree: "My sister and I were talking when the SOTU came on and she said, man he looks really bad and yellow tonight. He looked fine to me so I asked what channel. She realized she had it on Fox and turned to a different channel and he looked fine.

Anyone else see this or was this an anomaly. (Connecticut cable TV)"

Maybe you were actually watching The Simpsons?
posted by DoctorFedora at 10:27 PM on January 24 [6 favorites]

THE POLITICS OF FAILURE HAVE FAILED WE MUST MAKE THEM WORK AGAIN.
posted by The Whelk at 10:43 PM on January 24 [4 favorites]

When I saw "prebuttal" all I could think about was that bit in Brass Eye:

Jez North is released tomorrow. Can we be sure that pervert mechanics haven't built him one of these? (gestures at cyborg lumbering towards playground; supertitle reads "PRECONSTRUCTION")

posted by en forme de poire at 1:32 AM on January 25

Roboplegic Wrongcock!
posted by the_artificer at 1:43 AM on January 25

She realized she had it on Fox and turned to a different channel and he looked fine.

It would not surprise me in the least if that was some kind of nasty shady shit they were doing. I'd also be fully unsurprised if they added some kind of pixelation around his hairline to suggest that they were blurring out horns, or if they added some kind of reddish glow to his eyes.

i hope they are all eaten by wolves
posted by elizardbits at 4:55 AM on January 25 [1 favorite]

I'm quite happy that Daniels gave the rebuttal. Now the rest of you know what we Hoosiers have been enduring for the past too-many years.

I seriously doubt Mitch will accept the nomination in a brokered convention. At least not if he's as smart as his PR makes him out to be. His "economic achievements" in Indiana are more akin to playing word-games and fudging the books than anything. And, he'll have to do some mighty fancy tapdancing to distract the national press from the huge IBM/welfare-system-reform albatross wrapped around his neck.

Still, Indiana is a tea-party haven, and Mitch is a golden-boy in that crowd's eyes, as well as among certain strains of libertarians. I think the only reason Daniels didn't get into the race at the outset is because his wife put her foot down. And, I doubt he could have survived the clown-show-cum-death-match of the current primary road show. However, being drafted in the convention as the party savior could change things.
posted by Thorzdad at 5:19 AM on January 25 [2 favorites]

Andrew Sullivan thinks that the Daniels speech was the better.

Is he jumping ship already? You're supposed to wait for the other rats, Andy! It's less obvious, that way.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 5:24 AM on January 25

"Not only did he mention Steve Jobs, he did it while the camera hung on Laurene Powell Jobs, who was in the audience."

Other way 'round, dbiedny. Camera people knew the Steve Jobs line was coming & had time to point their cameras.
posted by Guy Smiley at 5:25 AM on January 25

Does anyone know who was booing during the above clip? Because, wow, that's going to make for a super awkward explanation tomorrow.

"We weren't booing, sir, we were saying 'Boo-ehrner!'"
posted by Flashman at 5:34 AM on January 25 [3 favorites]

> Camera people knew the Steve Jobs line was coming & had time to point their cameras.

They also conspicuously cut to Droopy Dog Lieberman just as Obama said "all options are on the table" for intervention in Iran. Clap, chickenhawk!
posted by Burhanistan at 5:46 AM on January 25 [3 favorites]

I think it was Roberts, Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor

Pretty sure I saw Kagan there but not Sotomayor.

Nice big hug for Obama from Ginsburg, loved that. National day of mourning when she hangs up her gavel.
posted by aught at 6:06 AM on January 25

> Anyhow, it was interesting he did not shake her hand at the end there (unless I missed it), because I think she's going to get picked for a big job in the future, if she wants it. A VP slot? You betcha! Senator or a Governorship? Seems like a no brainer to me.

That seems kind of like a bad joke! She's in no condition to hold public office and probably never will be. She's clearly a courageous person and I hope the best for her, but political office (congresscritters notwithstanding) requires pretty much full use of one's faculties.
posted by Burhanistan at 6:08 AM on January 25 [2 favorites]

Its obvious that they weren't booing, Looooooooooooungo put in a surprise appearance towards the end there.
posted by Slackermagee at 6:12 AM on January 25

I got right up on my tv, and I can't tell why he's got part of the flag blacked out. Man, Obama is a hard act to follow...now Mitch is saying that the republicans are who tried to raise taxes on the rich. And Obama is the divider? Good gawd.
...
The flag blackout shape kind of looks like a Hello Kitty face.
...
Romney has the black thing on his flag lapel pin also.
...
I got right up on my tv, and I can't tell why he's got part of the flag blacked out.

Okay, so I didn't watch the speech, but what the hell is going on with these blacked out lapel pins.

Pretty much everything all of the talking heads, even the ones I nominally like, bothers me at this point. I prefer to watch ESPN at this point, because it's the exact same technique, but at least I know for 100% certain that nothing they are talking about actually matters.

Remember, their job is not to accurately inform people, but rather to get people to tune in and make money on advertising. During the 2008 campaign, for example, they pretended like McCain had a chance, even though he never did, because not doing so would be 'impartial'

But, logically you can't just go up there and say "Who cares about any of this shit? It doesn't matter!" because, obviously the whole point is to get people to watch and if you say it doesn't matter, then there's no reason for people to watch.
posted by delmoi at 6:48 AM on January 25 [2 favorites]

Remember, their job is not to accurately inform people, but rather to get people to tune in and make money on advertising. During the 2008 campaign, for example, they pretended like McCain had a chance, even though he never did, because not doing so would be 'impartial'

ESPN does that for the big sporting events too . . .
posted by Ironmouth at 7:06 AM on January 25

Other way 'round, dbiedny. Camera people knew the Steve Jobs line was coming & had time to point their cameras.

Who produces the broadcast? I picked the wrong time to get curious about this, because I'm too lazy to wade through all the news results in my google search. I got distracted during the speech trying to figure out who's in the booth calling the telecast.
posted by gladly at 7:32 AM on January 25

Yeah, I absolutely understand the purpose of these broadcasts. I used to work for a national news org, which is why I hold them in such utter disdain. The role of a SportsCenter anchor is no different than that of a CNN pundit in that they are both doing long-form infomercials. Or is that called advertorial now? That's how my former employer referred to op/eds run written by biased scumbags.

Romney vs. Obama is their Manning vs. Brady. Pick a side and invent statistics to support it! I hear By The Numbers is hiring.
posted by feloniousmonk at 7:37 AM on January 25

National day of mourning when she hangs up her gavel.

She had better fucking live to at least 110 and continue gaveling throughout or so help me I will flip my shit.
posted by elizardbits at 9:04 AM on January 25 [5 favorites]

Isn't insider trading already illegal for everyone? Or was Obama just making the point, publicly, that he knows everyone's doing it?
posted by rtimmel at 9:39 AM on January 25 [1 favorite]

As I understand it, the existing law says that congresspeople are exempt from insider trading laws, apparently because they don't want to disincentive congress from conducting research into businesses if they have investments or whatever.

I personally think if they get a nice paycheck with great healthcare and pension, they can stand to live under the same rules we do re: investing.
posted by mccarty.tim at 9:44 AM on January 25 [1 favorite]

...don't want to disincentive congress from conducting research into businesses...

Is that like the Japaneses "research" whaling ships?
posted by edgeways at 9:48 AM on January 25

Burhanistan: “That seems kind of like a bad joke! She's in no condition to hold public office and probably never will be. She's clearly a courageous person and I hope the best for her, but political office (congresscritters notwithstanding) requires pretty much full use of one's faculties.”

I don't think it's the use of her faculties that's the problem. The chief difficulty to me would seem to be the fact that holding a political office requires surrendering one's humanity, and I don't imagine Gabrielle Giffords particularly wants to do that right now.
posted by koeselitz at 9:51 AM on January 25 [1 favorite]

> and I don't imagine Gabrielle Giffords particularly wants to do that right now.

Ok, but she seriously is in no condition to meet the full time demands of office.
posted by Burhanistan at 9:52 AM on January 25

I didn't get to watch it live, but watched the video on whitehouse.gov this morning. The use of the Law & Order title font for the various units was amusing. Also, was it just me or did he nearly say "Let's agree right here, right now, no shi-- side issues..." while talking about the payroll tax cut at around 43 minutes in the whitehouse.gov copy?
posted by sparkletone at 9:52 AM on January 25

Burhanistan: “Ok, but she seriously is in no condition to meet the full time demands of office.”

There are twelve Representatives and three Senators who are over the age of 80, and congresspeople regularly live into their nineties without leaving office. I grant that some of them are more active, and maybe you think congresspeople should be required to do more, but the fact remains that the expectations of congresspeople are lower than those of people in a lot of other jobs.
posted by koeselitz at 10:01 AM on January 25

..political office (congresscritters notwithstanding) requires pretty much full use of one's faculties.

It depends on how you define "faculties," and the bar is set pretty low there.

Anyway, I want to know if anyone has identified the person who yelled "nooooo!" at the anti-insider trading line. There were cameras pointed at every single person in that building. It can't be too hard to identify the person yelling. I'm sure it's already known to Congress, someone was sitting next to the guy and heard it from the source.
posted by charlie don't surf at 10:20 AM on January 25 [1 favorite]

What's this year's drinking game phrase?

More fun than a drinking game: Ten Lines From the State of the Union Speech that are Improved by Mentally Inserting “Hand” Before “Jobs”
posted by straight at 10:31 AM on January 25 [4 favorites]

but political office (congresscritters notwithstanding) requires pretty much full us of one's faculties.

So nice that her supervising physician has weighed in here. You evidently know all about her mental deficits, especially in relation to the stunning intellect of everyone else in Congress.

The only thing we know for sure at present re: cognitive issues is that her aphasia has manifested as an inability to speak (out loud) in more complex sentences.

BTW a quiz - Which of these do not belong:
A. Pie B. Bread C. Cake D. Cookies

You might want to check out the related anecdote in their book before you leap to conclusions about her sharpness.
posted by NorthernLite at 11:47 AM on January 25 [1 favorite]

Yes, and what does a congress person do all day long?

Hint: talk to people.
posted by Burhanistan at 12:01 PM on January 25

What on earth is this pie doing here amongst the cake and bread and cookies? It certainly does not belong here. I am going to eat it!
posted by onlyconnect at 12:04 PM on January 25

Isn't insider trading already illegal for everyone?

No, weirdly enough, it's not. You'd think it would be, but you'd be wrong about that.
posted by saulgoodman at 1:05 PM on January 25 [1 favorite]

BTW a quiz - Which of these do not belong:
A. Pie B. Bread C. Cake D. Cookies


*tummy growls*


DAMMIT!
posted by darkstar at 1:32 PM on January 25

The silent guest at the State of the Union
posted by AElfwine Evenstar at 8:38 PM on January 26

ESPN does that for the big sporting events too . . .

The fact you seem to treat it like a sport event doesn't make it one, the news, obsessively is supposed to give people accurate information.

There are twelve Representatives and three Senators who are over the age of 80, and congresspeople regularly live into their nineties without leaving office. I grant that some of them are more active, and maybe you think congresspeople should be required to do more, but the fact remains that the expectations of congresspeople are lower than those of people in a lot of other jobs.

The fact that there are senile people in congress right now doesn't make it a good idea to add more. For one thing they're much more likely to just go along with whatever their staffers want, which means way more easy influence boy lobbyists, etc.
posted by delmoi at 7:54 AM on January 27

Annotated State of the Union Address by James Fallows
posted by BitterOldPunk at 12:24 PM on January 27

91 percent of those who watched the speech approved of the proposals Mr. Obama put forth during his remarks. Only nine percent disapproved.

posted by furiousxgeorge at 6:36 PM on January 27

Krugman: Jobs, Jobs and Cars
posted by homunculus at 9:31 AM on January 28

Taibbi: Is Obama's 'Economic Populism' for Real?
posted by homunculus at 10:46 AM on January 28

Norquist: Republicans Will Impeach Obama If He Doesn’t Extend Bush Tax Cuts
posted by homunculus at 10:38 AM on January 29 [1 favorite]

Deafening Republican Silence on Financial Fraud Task Force
posted by homunculus at 12:21 PM on February 1

James Fallows: Obama, Explained. As Barack Obama contends for a second term in office, two conflicting narratives of his presidency have emerged. Is he a skillful political player and policy visionary—a chess master who always sees several moves ahead of his opponents (and of the punditocracy)? Or is he politically clumsy and out of his depth—a pawn overwhelmed by events, at the mercy of a second-rate staff and of the Republicans? Here, a longtime analyst of the presidency takes the measure of our 44th president, with a view to history.
posted by homunculus at 2:04 PM on February 9 [2 favorites]

That Fallows article is extremely good. From the description, I was expecting it to be some polarized view -- though I couldn't tell which. But, instead, it's a weathered and careful analysis, not so much of Obama, but instead of our political system and grasp of history.
posted by meese at 7:52 AM on February 10

The President demands broad sweeping authority to fight "cybersecurity" threats.

Cyberwar Is the New Yellowcake
posted by homunculus at 2:00 PM on February 14 [1 favorite]