Discussion thread: President Obama's final State of the Union address.

[lovemydog]

9pm eastern standard time.

It's streaming free on youtube 9pm est: https://www.youtube.com/user/whitehouse
and amazon: http://www.amazon.com (type in state of the union)

Also on all television networks & cable.

Looking forward to it!

[lovemydog]

1. more info:

"President Barack Obama will deliver his final State of the Union address Tuesday at 9 pm Eastern. You can find a live stream at the White House's website here. Alternatively, if you're by a TV and want to tune in, all the major networks (CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox) and the cable news networks (CNN, MSNBC, Fox News) will be airing the speech, so it shouldn't be too difficult to find.

As the president begins his final year in office, he naturally wants to make the case that his two terms have been successful, while also arguing for policies he supports that haven't yet been acted (like tougher gun control measures). But Obama and his aides have said that this won't be an ordinary State of the Union (which is often a lengthy laundry list of policy proposals that are promptly ignored by Congress). This time around, they've said, the speech will be more "thematic." It's not yet clear, though, just how different the speech will actually be — we'll see.

The State of the Union address has a great deal of history to it. The Constitution says that the president shall "from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union," and George Washington started the tradition of delivering an annual presidential speech to Congress.

But our third president, Thomas Jefferson, hated public speaking, so he delivered only a written message — a tradition that future presidents followed for 112 years, until Woodrow Wilson stunned Washington by bringing back the in-person State of the Union speech in 1913. After the State of the Union will be the Republican Party's response. It's tremendously difficult for an opposition party to follow and top the grandeur of the president's setting — they've tried many different formats over the decades, but none of them have worked too well. This time around, Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina will shoulder the unenviable task."

http://www.vox.com/2016/1/12/10753454/state-of-the-union-2016-sotu-obama-streaming-tv-schedule

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. Good I might make it home

If not, I prefer to read these suckers anymore

[lovemydog]

3. Cool. Early reports are saying it's going to be very personal

and optimistic. On the youtube stream now, there's a cool White House feed. Briefings, Joe Biden, short speeches by people who work there, a clip from the President saying he wants to cover 3 or 4 big ideas and talk about what we can all do to make things better. I like this behind the scenes stuff. Now they're bringing on a band called Elvi to perform a song.

[nadinbrzezinski]

130. I just posted the thing as prepared for deliverty

the WH posted it... no embargo

http://reportingsandiego.com/2016/01/12/2016-state-of-the-union/

[lovemydog]

171. Thank you.

[nadinbrzezinski]

180. You welkcome

that is partly the media environment I grew up in. Back in Mexico you did not have a lot of analysis in the paper. The day after the SOTU (equivalent) the speech was printed. Given some were 6 hour marathons, it was four pages, all columns.

[lovemydog]

265. Wow. That must have been exhausting.

Can you imagine trying to transcribe one of Fidel Castro's speeches. Some of them lasted all day in the hot sun. Especially when he started rambling about baseball or cigars or whatever. They were pretty brilliant though, in their own way. He'd go off on some tangents but overall he was an amazing orator.

[nadinbrzezinski]

268. Well none could say the President did not go into details of infrastructure and cost

I remember as a child a President going into how many miles of roads were laid and the big damn that now provided electricity to the Bajio Central. That took a long time. I guess I started to like policy then, Most people wanted to turn the TV, I was fascinated by the details.

[lovemydog]

4. Here's a short preview:

I love President Obama.

I'm already getting tears in my eyes.

[lovemydog]

5. Someone just told me that a republican has blasted the speech.

That's hilarious considering the President hasn't given it yet.

[gateley]

15. They don't have to hear it to blast it. The man can say nothing right, didn't you know that?

[lovemydog]

6. Discuss here folks.

[femmocrat]

7. Wow! Michelle in bright yellow-orange dress!

[lovemydog]

8. Yeah, I love it!

Jill looks great too.

[BumRushDaShow]

14. Talk about can't miss that!

[redwitch]

27. That color looks amazing on her.

Gorgeous woman.

[complain jane]

211. She looks fantastic.

[complain jane]

244. Awwww.

Just saw the looks on some of the young people's faces where Obama stopped to say hi to them. They looked awestruck that they got to say hi to him and touch hands. Their expressions were wonderful.

[Marie Marie]

236. Count Michelle and Jill as two more amazing people I will miss.

Love them both.

[monmouth4]

9. Well, I said yellow or gold but looks like peach on my tv. Thanks lmd for the thread..n/t

[lovemydog]

11. Looks mustard to me on the youtube feed.

Whatevs. She looks gorgeous!

Hey maybe we should start a viral meme: what color is the First Lady's dress?

buahahaha

[gateley]

18. Looks like a really interesting/different

yellow/orange mix on mine. Don't know what to compare it to. Really cool color, though!

[narnian60]

33. Mango!

[lovemydog]

269. That's it!

[lovemydog]

10. After the woman said 'Mr. Speaker, the President's Cabinet'

they should wheel out a huge book cabinet.

[monmouth4]

12. Bwaaahahaha, boy there's the truth...

[gateley]

13. I'm kind of sad --

farewell to a golden era.

As mad as I've been at him, Im sure going to miss him!

[lovemydog]

16. That Buffer dude who does UFC fights

should do the final introduction: 'Heeeeeere Weeeeee Go!'

[AnnieBW]

17. Ii don't know who that lady is next to Dr. Jill,

But I LOOOOVE her hat!

[lovemydog]

19. I'd love it if he gave a David Bowie reference:

'We started with hope and ch-ch-ch-changes.'

[JudyM]

20. He has such a beautiful, expressive smile and all the women want to kiss him LOL

[BumRushDaShow]

21. Ginsberg gave him a big ole bear hug!

[JudyM]

22. That was great. Only 3 Supremes look to be there.

[femmocrat]

25. There are six. nt

[JudyM]

39. Missed em I guess, just saw Ginsberg, Sotomayor and Breyer.

[ballabosh]

70. Roberts was there

I am guessing Alito, Thomas and Scalia are missung.

[BumRushDaShow]

28. There's more than that

It looks like all are there but Alito, Scalia, and Thomas.

[elleng]

35. Every year!

It's my favorite event.

[joshcryer]

37. She skipped the glass of wine this time.

[derby378]

23. A peck on the cheek for Gabby

The woman's a survivor. Damn straight.

[lovemydog]

26. Big time.

[lovemydog]

24. This is great for free on youtube folks.

You can keep the youtube window open and also comment on this thread!

[bettyellen]

29. Criminal justice reform right out of the gate!

[lovemydog]

31. Hell yeah!!!!!

[lovemydog]

30. Haha! 'I know some of you are anxious to get back to Iowa.

I know. I've been there.'

[gateley]

32. He got Ryan to chuckle, but other than that, he won't give an inch.

[SDJay]

48. I'd Like to Take a Fire Hose

to that asshat to wash that smug smirk off of his face.

[gateley]

52. I was just thinking he's not QUITE as smug and smirky as Eric Cantor was,

but damn close!

[BumRushDaShow]

34. Ryan's eyes look bloodshot

Maybe he has absorbed all the liquid refreshments that seeped into the chair that he's sitting in from his predecessor.

[lovemydog]

41. roflmao

You're on a roll tonight. Love it!

[BumRushDaShow]

49. The hi def CSPAN shows everything!

With great clarity!

[phylny]

69. Fumes. n/t

[BumRushDaShow]

76. When he starts licking his lips

like Boner then we'll know for sure.

[bettyellen]

36. Biden is so much the guy you want seen to be listening to you on TV, LOL....

he is such a damned good audience. Whasisface looks like an empty house.

[lovemydog]

38. A five-year plan, not a one-year plan

Youtube is putting a cool slide show, probably from the White House, next to the President talking. Right now the image is the Statue of Liberty.

[bettyellen]

40. Is Kim Davis really there? And seated next to an interracial LGB or T couple I hope?

[lovemydog]

47. I'm sorry I can't respond to all the great posts here

bettyellen. Maybe someone else can answer this question 'cause I don't know the answer.

[bettyellen]

55. No need to, lovemydog!! I'm sure someone will post to confirm or deny soon...

Pls don;t feel obligated to answer everything- it's okay for this to be a free floating conversation!
Thanks very much for starting the thread!

[lovemydog]

270. Thanks bettyellen

[WinstonSmith4740]

155. Haven't seen her yet.

Just hope if she is there, her husband managed to find something else besides his overalls to wear.

[bettyellen]

175. LOL, true. There was a FB post saying they were sitting her next to LGBT activists....

I think it would be awesome if THAT scared her off. Good riddance.

[WinstonSmith4740]

201. She was just on camera.

Doesn't look like hubby was there at all. It would be excellent if she had been seated next to an LGBT activist, though.

[ladym55]

42. Why is Eddie Munster sitting behind the president?

[BumRushDaShow]

65. He's trying to keep Spot from coming out from under the dais

[tishaLA]

43. Ryan looks like such a smug little prick

with his dumb ass smirk. i wanna punch him

[Funtatlaguy]

51. Because he is a smug little prick

Loathsome

[underpants]

58. He doesn't have "C-Span" look to go to

That's what I call the blank stare from the staffers behind the Congressmen.

[smirkymonkey]

133. Punch him another time for me.

God, I hate that little pr**K

[bettyellen]

44. Standing O from Bernie. Manny would shit his pants.

[ladym55]

45. Eddie isn't applauding more benefits to vets?

Shame on you, Eddie.

[LiberalElite]

46. Too bad every time the camera's on Obama it's also on Twit nt

[ladym55]

53. That is a shame, isn't it?

At least the smug little jerk is sober unlike his predecessor, who frequently looked so toasted I was afraid he'd fall off the chair.

[LiberalElite]

59. I think I'm going to find something to cover that side of the screen nt

[phylny]

83. LOL, I remember a whole host of pictures a few

years ago of covered tv screens

[phylny]

50. I want to wipe that smug expression of Ryan's face.

Oh, and when we saw Bernie on the screen, my Republican husband said, "Feel the Bern!"



So proud to have voted for this man as president.

[marlakay]

57. I heard Ryans wife made him practice looking bland

Not for or against. Makes him look weird...

[phylny]

73. God forbid he applaud

the auto industry doing well.

[LiberalElite]

75. There! fixed it! - I put a paper plate over Twit's face! nt

[phylny]

89. Genius! n/t

[LiberalElite]

99. Anyone know how I post pic of it to here? nt

[JudyM]

92. LOL!

[lovemydog]

54. So many awesome & hilarious posts on this thread.

I'm giving a blanket to all of them!

[Liberal Jesus Freak]

56. Ryan is a prick.

A useless, smug prick

[gateley]

62. Breaking news

ETA -- I mentioned up thread, pretty fucking close to Cantor! ANOTHER smug prick!

[brooklynite]

60. BREAKING NEWS: Marco Rubio is against "giving everyone a fair shot in this new economy"

Nice that he was able to rework his schedule to attend.

[renate]

72. I know!!!

What kind of representative of the people would be against that? Ridiculous and childish not to applaud.

[tishaLA]

61. job growth doesn't merit applause from smug prick Ryan

he's awful

[nolabear]

63. LORD I hate having to look at Ryan's smug little ferret face.

I can almost hear "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" playing in his head.

[ballabosh]

79. Almost makes you yearn for Boner

[nolabear]

103. ...

Nope.

[ladym55]

64. Okay, now Eddie is not applauding increased employment

Or a healthy auto industry. Maybe that's because in his home district and home state things are not going at all well. But then again, he doesn't care.

[bettyellen]

66. He's talking about the top 1-2% vs workers.

[JudyM]

67. Recommending the White House stream. They're throwing up great infographics to illustrate his points

[bettyellen]

71. INTERESTING!!! - thanks Judy!

[lovemydog]

77. +1

[avebury]

68. The President is giving an awesome SOTU Speech.

He will be really missed when he leaves office.

[lovemydog]

74. He's talking about the top 3% holding far too much

Last edited Wed Jan 13, 2016, 12:34 AM - Edit history (1)

of the nation's wealth. Showing graphics about it on youtube.

I credit Occupy Wall Street, Bernie Sanders, and all the leftists in this country for raising this issue and making it go mainstream!

[underpants]

78. Paul Ryan is going to ripped on social media

He has a smirking POS look on his face

[ladym55]

80. Cut the cost of college?

Wow. That will mean cutting lots and lots of expensive and useless administrators. oooooh.

[LibDemAlways]

81. Ryan is a total ass for the ages. A turd among turds.

A dirtbag among dirtbags. As much as I despised Orange Man sitting back there, Eddie Munster is worse.

[tishaLA]

82. what was that line I missed about people sitting in the chamber?

[bettyellen]

90. they're among the few who still have secure pensions.

[tishaLA]

95. gracias, bettyellen. nt

[bettyellen]

101. anytime! Always nice to see ya, Tisha!

[lovemydog]

94. Something about how the jackasses sitting in this chamber

(Congress) all enjoy retirement plans for life.

(not verbatim, lol)

[brooklynite]

97. "It's not to much of a stretch to say that...

...some of the only people who are going to work the same job in the same place with a health and retirement package for thirty years are sitting in this chamber".

[lovemydog]

84. Oh shit. He said everyone in this country

should have the retirement plan that every member in this chamber has. Some morons went 'oooh' and 'aaah' as though their constituents don't deserve it. Jerks.

[tishaLA]

91. thanks. I missed that. there was a combo of oooohs and laughter.

he's being a snarkster tonight. I like it.

[bettyellen]

85. Al Franken!

[muntrv]

86. Paul.Ryan refuses to applaud after Obama says we need to strengthen

Social Security.

[bettyellen]

96. only noticed him applaud when Obama said he'd keep it brief.

[ucrdem]

87. He politely took his college plan back from Sanders.

Good job Barack.

[lovemydog]

102. I'm for all of the discussion.

And yes, Obama has been proposing it for a long time.

[lovemydog]

110. 'People on food stamps did not cause the financial crisis -

Wall Street did.'

Took the words right out of my mouth. Well not really. But he's saying exactly what I feel too.

[ucrdem]

126. So nice he threw Joe a bone . . . he looks awfully sad

[leftofcool]

254. He sure did. And Hillary will get it done.

[ladym55]

88. Now do Rethugs notice that their people don't cheer ANYTHING that helps people?

You know ... like ACA, affordable college, Social Security .... all the things that allow us regular folks to survive.

[femmocrat]

100. But they LUV cutting regulations!

"There ya' go!"

[LibDemAlways]

108. Repukes are stupid and brainwashed. That is all.

[femmocrat]

93. Ryan's interest in tackling poverty?

Since when.

[ladym55]

111. He just led a boondoggle poverty summit

He wants to give states block grants instead of actual poverty programs. We all know how those block grants would be used ... and it wouldn't be to help support our citizens in need.

[femmocrat]

117. Thanks for the info!

Guess I missed that. LOL

[stopwastingmymoney]

98. Peddling Fiction haha! I love that nt

[bettyellen]

104. Offshore tax havens. Awesome.

[LiberalElite]

105. He's goddamned right food stamp recipients didn't cause the '08 crash nt

[joshcryer]

106. Nice populist shift.

[tishaLA]

107. BAM! Food stamp recipients didn't cause the financial crisis!

Boom goes the dynamite.

A real economic populism message, even supporting labor

[johnnyrocket]

113. Yes, great line. And spot on.

[lovemydog]

118. Yes!

Bam! Boom! Kapow!

[tishaLA]

120. He's president Batman, lovemydog!

[Johonny]

109. Just finished reading it. It is a great point by point take down of the GOP presidential candidates

He tackles all he's done that they claim he hasn't done. It's basically a justification for his time in office. The only GOP response I can imagine is to call him a liar and pretend the things he said aren't true.

[handmade34]

112. I Love my President!

[lovemydog]

122. Same here handmade34!

He is totally kicking ass.

Love this guy.

Best liberal President in my life. In my opinion the best ever!

[nolabear]

114. "We didn't deny Sputnik was up there."

[bettyellen]

123. that was awesome! celebrating innovation and putting Biden on it!

[JudyM]

136. Strong point on clean energy - irrespective of global warming position, why not build American jobs

to address what the rest of the world has accepted is a real need...

[JudyM]

138. Oops posted in wrong place after reading your post :)

[bettyellen]

115. Oh Snap, going after Republican small minded and cheap assed ignorance! Nice.

[Glimmer of Hope]

125. I enjoyed that very much.

[bettyellen]

127. Me too!

[tishaLA]

116. "We didn't deny Sputnik was up there...." LOL

He even has former comedian Al Franken laughing. Hilarious.

[underpants]

119. "We didn't deny Sputnik was up there"

[flamingdem]

121. Putting Joe in charge of curing cancer

Nice

[lovemydog]

129. Oh yes.

[femmocrat]

132. That has me in tears.

He is the perfect person to head that up.

[AnnieBW]

124. The Republicans Won't Even Applaud

Increased funding for cancer research? How low can they go?

[joshcryer]

128. lawl, Obama gonna cure cancer.

[lovemydog]

134. Tasking Biden with coming up with new solutions.

[bettyellen]

139. lawl @ cancer? seriously- is that because Bernie doesn't talk about it much?

[nolabear]

131. Per The Onion: Paul Ryan Quietly Doing Seated Ab Exercises During State of the Union

http://www.theonion.com/article/paul-ryan-quietly-doing-seated-ab-exercises-throug-52154

[lovemydog]

137. lol!

[ladym55]

135. Snap on climate change

Don't all you rethugs look dumb? And then he mentions that American jobs will be created by using renewable energy sources.

[smirkymonkey]

140. I'm pretty impressed so far.

But god, how I would love to slap the living shit out of Paul Ryan. If I win the lottery, I will pay for the privilege.

[ladym55]

147. You know, I think there would be a line

I kind of suspect people all across the nation look at that smug mug and want to smack it.

[smirkymonkey]

157. Ugh! He is disgusting, isn't he?

I have always hated him. Probably more than any other politician I can think of. He is such an arrogant little prick.

[ladym55]

177. I have two coping mechanisms when I see his mug

First I think of him as Eddie Munster ...
Then I think of him as the Zombie-eyed granny starver (the nickname Charlie Pierce has given him)
Oh, and then I remember that having him on the ballot did not deliver Wisconsin to Romney in 2012. He is just a little weasel who has been successful at weaseling.

[BumRushDaShow]

141. Ryan wants nation-building

neo-con bankrupting policies!

[bettyellen]

142. Joint Chiefs of staff want more $$$, such assholes.

[NYCButterfinger]

178. You need a strong military.

[bettyellen]

189. we need them to be accountable for all that money disappearing too.

their budget has been out of control.

[nolabear]

143. Oh NOW the generals stand up.

Not for stopping war but for how swell we are militarily.

[lovemydog]

144. 'Remember how I told you about how climate change

denial is a bunch of hot air? So is those who tell you America is getting weaker while everyone else is getting stronger...'

[ladym55]

145. Okay, why didn't dumb generals stand up?

So, apparently being the most powerful military in the world isn't good????

Geez, you old farts!

[bettyellen]

148. He talked about how HUGE their budget is.

[Massacure]

249. Isn't it that standard procedure?

It seems me that I remember hearing somewhere that supreme court justices and members of the military generally traditionally do not stand up, applaud, or do anything else that imply that they support or a certain political view.

[ucrdem]

146. Ryan is just dying to spring his gotcha in the spin room and Barack just preempted him, LOL.

[BumRushDaShow]

149. McLame wants terrorist networks!

[nolabear]

150. Damn McCain's looking old.

I'm so glad he lost. I also have a gift for understatement.

[ViseGrip]

151. I don't care about the color of the dresses, I don't like the speech!

[nolabear]

156. Okay then. Duly noted.

[lovemydog]

152. 'Terrorists use the internet to poison the minds of the weak'

I don't THINK he was talking about General Discussion: Primaries.

[nolabear]

153. He's going to catch flak for not saying ISIS is a massive terrifying force.

[ucrdem]

154. Barack goes to bat for US Muslims, yeah

[monmouth4]

160. They appreciated it too, I'm glad they stood up and applauded...

[ucrdem]

167. He is in fine form

He makes the problems of the world look debate topics and he's winning every round LOL

[underpants]

158. This is an outstanding speech. Cool. Relaxed. Factual. On point.

He has a s#|t talking on the court cool swagger about him.

[nolabear]

161. He does seem comfortable with what he's done. I hope that's true.

He knows more than any of the GOP candidates ever will.

[JudyM]

163. So succinct and direct while being heartfelt. It is terrific.

[underpants]

165. Quagmire...Vietnam ... Iraq... we should have learned our lesson by now

WOW

[lovemydog]

164. Yup.

He's always been this way. Every one of his State of the Union addresses kicks ass.

[femmocrat]

166. I appreciate how he is standing up for his approach to conflicts around the world.

He is taking the chicken-hawk saber-rattlers to the woodshed.

[ucrdem]

159. "Just ask Osama bin Laden if I'm serious"

LOL

[underpants]

162. Paul Ryan's hair snapped back when Presidnt Obama mentioned BENGHAZI

and his eyes almost popped out of his head.

[BumRushDaShow]

174. !!!

[gademocrat7]

168. President Obama rocks!

[joshcryer]

169. Obama still believes in the TPP.

[ucrdem]

172. Hang on he's getting there ...

[joshcryer]

176. Don't slight him.

The US will always try trade deals.

[ucrdem]

186. I meant next paragraph . . . here it comes now I think

[joshcryer]

200. He segued to lifting the Cuba embargo.

[ucrdem]

229. Yeah he kind of glided over it, guns too.

Good speech though.

[Stardust]

173. Not with him on that one.

[tishaLA]

170. meh....TPP is a nonstarter for me

love ya Mr President, but no no no

[bullwinkle428]

179. Lobbing a big fat FUCK YOU in Trump's direction here.

[JudyM]

184. And you can hear a pin drop in the audience.

[ucrdem]

181. Pope and change ... Islamaphobia diminishes us in the eyes of the world

[NYCButterfinger]

185. Eh, some of it I disagree with.

There is a lot of tension in the world.

[Joe Turner]

214. You must live in a different world than most people

[ucrdem]

225. I live a few blocks from Farook and Malik.

Five miles to be exact. And I'm still scratching my head.

[BumRushDaShow]

182. OMG Gowdy

[lovemydog]

188. lol!

[ladym55]

183. Damn. He's taking on Muslim bashing

I'm glad he's calling out the Rethugs on ALL of their crap.

[lovemydog]

191. Big time. I love that he said this is not political correctness.

It diminishes us.

[lovemydog]

187. 'We need to reject any politics that targets people based on race and religion.'

'The world doesn't just respect us for our arsenal. It respects us for our diversity.'

'This is not political correctness.'

'It diminishes us in the eyes of the world.'

'It betrays who we are as a country.'

[nolabear]

190. *sigh* What we could have done these past eight years if the GOP weren't insane.

His optimism and hope and caring for people just makes me joyous. And their hatred makes me weep.

[nolabear]

192. OMG it's the Wicked Witch of Kentucky.

[bettyellen]

193. EWWWWW. Kim Davis couldn't find a hair brush? Trashy.

[LiberalElite]

203. Oh, I missed seeing her?

GOOD!

[bettyellen]

213. LOL, she looked hateful and ignorant- her default state.

[complain jane]

208. Her outfit is insane.

Such a mishmash of crazy going on there.

[bettyellen]

212. Cheesy little red white and blue open mesh cardigan looks like a beach coverup.

[joshcryer]

194. Bipartisan to the end. Respect Mr President.

[lovemydog]

195. He's now basically saying stop presuming that those who disagree

with you are unpatriotic or trying to weaken the country.

[Grassy Knoll]

196. Good Job, Mr. President, Kick.

[JudyM]

197. Democracy breaks down when there's no compromise.

He's owning the increased rancor in the government. Interesting humble approach.

[nolabear]

198. Oooohhh...going in on the GOP. Good on him!

[bettyellen]

199. End gerrymandering! YES!

[nolabear]

202. + a gazillion!

[CottonBear]

217. Not one Republican stood up. They looked awfully uncomfortable.

I am so grateful that the President brought up gerrymandering.

[JudyM]

204. Ya!! Attacking gerrymandering! Reduce influence of money in politics too.

[ucrdem]

205. Now he's taking the GOP to task on gerrymandering and $$ ..

they are squirming...Joe is giving a standing O

[ladym55]

206. He's going after gerrymandering and campaign finance

And access to the ballot ... whoo-whoo!

[bettyellen]

207. I know it's shallow, but I want to see FLOTUS standing next to that ratty haired Kim Davis for a pic

[lovemydog]

209. 'If we want a better politics it's not enough just to change a

Congressman or a President. We have to change the way we elect them. Voters should pick their leaders, not the other way around.'

He's proposing bipartisan groups to reduce the influence of money in politics.

Find ways to make voting easier. U.S. voter turnout is 31st in the world.

It depends on you (the audience at home) to demand it.

'I know it's hard. It's easy to be cynical. But if we give up now then we forsake a better future.'

[joshcryer]

210. Boom. Is there any question now Republicans are quasi fascist?

If not outright?

Can't clap for voting?

[AnnieBW]

220. Wouldn't even clap

For curing cancer!

Assholes.

[steve2470]

241. yep, noticed that too!

They KNOW that more voters means more Democratic voting, so they are against it, assholes.

[nolabear]

215. I will miss seeing Joe sitting back there. He always looks like such a solid man.

[bettyellen]

219. I realized tonight he does remind me a bit of my dd Dad.

[bettyellen]

216. Punching the Republicans in their politics of selfishness cojones! GOOD.

[lovemydog]

218. 'Vote. Speak out. Stand up for others.

Especially the weak. Especially the vulnerable. Knowing that somewhere somebody stood up for us.'

[JudyM]

221. Talking directly to voters at length about insisting on fixing voting, conflicts of interest, etc.

[Takket]

222. man, i'm following #SOTU on twitter and...

only seeing two types of tweets: Cheering obama, and ripping Ryan. This looks like a Grand Slam by the president tonight! of course the media will portray it as half people liking it and the other half hating it...........

[lovemydog]

223. 'When I'm no longer President I will be right there

with you as a citizen.'

Good humor. Doing the work that needs doing.

Photos of Susan B. Anthony, MLK, Cesar Chavez, John Lewis.

'In our acts of decency I see it in you... I see it in the teacher who comes in early. The protester who fights for what she believes in...the policeman trying to keep people safe...the volunteers at the polls who believe every vote counts...clear-eyed, big-hearted, optimistic that unconditional love has a chance...

[RoccoR5955]

238. I was waiting for him

to endorse Bernie Sanders for the change thing!

[JudyM]

224. Shrub used to bask in the applause, smiling about his "popularity";Obama keeps talking right through

[nolabear]

226. And it's over. I'm sad. I hate to see him go.

[tishaLA]

227. now THAT was an inspirational SOTU address

hella good, Pres Obama

[lovemydog]

256. Hella good.

Hella yeah!

I really want to see this economy unleashed, under a democratic President and democratic Congress, to raise wages and reduce the horrible inequality that has built up for so long.

It's up to all of us as individuals to help make that happen. From a personal standpoint, I like the local approach, in how I treat my family & friends & acquaintances and moving outward from there.

It's been a lot of fun discussing with you & everyone here tishaLA. Thank you.

[tishaLA]

258. it's been my pleasure. have a great night!

[Deny and Shred]

228. Obama has tried to express a deeper point several times

during this speech. I am happy to see him discard simple platitudes (though there have been, of course, a few of those) and try to make a real point about the divisions in America. Most State of the Union speeches are pure scripted theater crafted to garner applause.

His attempts are met in the chamber with silence and looks of boredom and confusion. I am left with the feeling that these incumbents are so far down the rabbit hole that they can't even hear what he is saying. The looks on their faces - they don't know what to do with thoughts deeper than 'am I voting yes or no.? '

They've been waiting for that bang at the end - Salieri-style - to let them know when to clap. A brilliant man whose brillance is lost on them IMO.

[lovemydog]

235. Absolutely.

He's reaching way past those bored plutocrats and jokers.

He's reaching out to the people he loves. The American people.

[Deny and Shred]

247. Yes he is.

He can see the end of the trail and felt free to say what he's wanted to say from the beginning - without the party and confidants telling him how to lay the groundwork for the future - without worrying about having to play nice with the GOP.

I wish he had better results in 2012 & 2014 to make his second term more impactful, but I felt he said tonight what he wanted to about the future of America.

I will enjoy reading the transcript tomorrow.

PS -Nikki Haley just started speaking and is making my point about scripted politicians. Talk about stiff.

[lovemydog]

251. Yeah, I look forward to reading the transcript too.

Hopefully someone will post it here at DU.

[Bobbie Jo]

230. Beautiful

Thank you, Mr. President.

[lovemydog]

231. I think his daughters may have asked him to keep it shorter this time.

Shortest State of the Union address he's ever given.

[derby378]

232. I've heard better - but I've also heard a helluva lot worse

I like how he's trying to keep us optimistic, even though there's still a lot of stuff that needs to be fixed.

[JudyM]

233. White House stream has Biden addressing folks in the back room.

Without notes.

[lovemydog]

242. Yeah. He's talking very positively

about the innovation and positive changes that will come about with science.

Also saying our political system is broken by big money. It must be fixed.

When the middle class does well the poor do better.

We've got to keep doing better.

This last year is about strengthening the middle class. And getting big money out of politics. Change the way we finance our elections.

This is recorded earlier, just prior to the President's speech.

[JudyM]

243. Biden's going on at length about the middle class and money in politics.

[LiberalElite]

234. Oh good gd they're quoting Trumps tweets about it nt

[RoccoR5955]

237. As usual, an inspiring speech

from President Obama. He is quite the eloquent speaker.

[Egnever]

239. If only this man had not been blocked at every step

A wasted opportunity for America in this man, He delivered a lot in spite of the opposition but so much more could have been accomplished.

I will miss his steady nerve. I doubt I will see his like in that office again in my lifetime.

Thank you Mr. President!

[lovemydog]

245. His administration also accomplished a lot.

90% of the Americans now have health insurance. The highest rate in our nation's history. We've reduced carbon emissions significantly and gotten the major powers of the world to sign on. We've gotten out of the worst economy since the Great Depression. The stock market has doubled in eight years. We've cut the deficit. We're down to 5% unemployment. I know we're not out of the woods yet. Not by a long shot. We have a lot more to do on improving the economy for everyone especially the poor. People need to feel the economic improvement in their wallets, with raises in wages. But we have so much to be proud of with this Administration.

[Egnever]

263. Absolutely

I don't mean to diminish the many accomplishments.

[lovemydog]

264. I know Egnever.

I know what you're saying too. Imagine what we can accomplish without the naysayers trying to block every form of legislation designed toward peace and prosperity for all.

[complain jane]

257. Agreed. n/t

[mfcorey1]

272. [phone]

[BumRushDaShow]

240. CSPAN is following him through the crowd with a live mic

and suddenly they cut to Biden still talking to Ryan...

[lovemydog]

248. I'm picturing good ole Joe

still talking to Ryan in a few hours, not realizing that Ryan has fallen asleep.

[JudyM]

246. White House stream is running SOTU address again starting now.

[lovemydog]

250. Thanks for mentioning it JudyM.

This is how democrats should all be. More debates. More access. More free streaming. Make it easy to see again if you missed it the first time. More democracy. More discussion. More spreading the message of improving the lives of the 97%!

[brettdale]

252. the speech will go down in history

As one of the great speeches.

[lovemydog]

253. I hope so.

I will watch it again.

I think he's talking a lot about optimism. The tenor of our discourse. Saying that the loudest voices are not always the best for us. That our success is measured by the success of our poor and middle class. That we can all contribute to reducing the influence of money in politics. That individuals all over are really strong. That we need to continue pushing for what we believe in, continue voting and expanding voting rights. Continue electing better leaders instead of the lazy goofballs in Congress, lol.

[tilsammans]

255. But, Mr. President . . .

. . . that "rancor" is NOT YOUR FAULT at all. Please do not take responsibility for it.

[lovemydog]

260. I noticed that too.

He used some good lawyerly language on it. He said the increased rancor is the biggest regret of his presidency. He didn't say it was his fault.

[tilsammans]

261. Dunno . . .

I see what you mean, but to me it seemed weak for him to go in that direction.

[humbled_opinion]

259. Uplifting, Inspirational.....n/t

[lovemydog]

262. Thanks to everyone here for participating!

It's a lot of fun. I've never started one of these discussion threads. It's pretty cool having one window on my computer open for the speech and one for the thread. A lot of witty & incisive comments.

Do any of you use a tablet and watch from your tv?

I'm thinking of getting a tablet for fun. Wondering how you like using one. I'm thinking of an iPad mini. Any thoughts or comments are helpful.



Keep on talking! Keep on being optimistic!

[Cha]

266. President Obama's Tweet before SOTU, lovemydog..

President Obama
✔ ?@POTUS
I'm treating this last State of the Union just like my first - because I'm still just as hungry. I hope you tune in, because it's for you.
3:20 PM - 12 Jan 2016 13,294 13,294 Retweets
26,146 26,146 likes

This is why!

http://theobamadiary.com/2016/01/12/fired-up-ready-to-go-3/

Thank you!

[lovemydog]

267. Thanks Cha.

And you're welcome. Being hungry, being optimistic is a great way to enjoy life and continue doing good work.

Our nation's best President (imho) is from Hawaii. One of the bluest (if not THE bluest) states in the nation. One of the many reasons I love Hawaii. The ocean, the beaches and those magnificent whales being some of the other reasons.

Aloha and mahalo my friend.

[Cha]

271. Aloha and Mahalo to you my amigo.

[Stellar]

273. I Love, Love, Love...my President!

[moondust]

274. Brilliant.

I doubt that I'll ever hear a better SOTU address.

[YOHABLO]

275. These State of the Union speeches are meaningless.

They've just become a spectacle. I'm surprised they don't have red carpet and the paparazzi out front and the 'E' channel asking the women 'Who' they're wearing.

[Blue_Roses]

276. Wonderful speech...

I sure will missed President Obama. He has done so much, especially considering the crap he's had to put up with from the repubs.