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10:15 pm: Stay tuned to First Read -- we'll start another thread shortly for reaction to the president's speech.
Thanks for following along.
10:14 pm: CBS's Mark Knoller had the stopwatch. The State of the Union clocked in at 1 hour, 1 minute, and 36 seconds.
10:13 pm: "The idea of America endures. Our destiny remains our choice. And tonight, more than two centuries later, it is because of our people that our future is hopeful, our journey goes forward, and the state of our union is strong."
10:11 pm: "We do big things. From the earliest days of our founding, America has been the story of ordinary people who dare to dream. That's how we win the future."
10:09 pm: Obama refers to Boehner's upbringing to much applause. "That [American[ dream is why someone who began by sweeping the floors of his father's Cincinnati bar can preside as Speaker of the House in the greatest nation on Earth."
Did he cry? Hard to see - might have wiped his eyes, but no waterworks.
10:07 pm: Expounding on what makes our democracy great, Obama says "We should have no illusions about the work ahead of us. Reforming our schools; changing the way we use energy; reducing our deficit -none of this is easy. All of it will take time. And it will be harder because we will argue about everything. The cost. The details. The letter of every law."
10:06 pm: In the wake of Congress's successful passage of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Obama calls for all college campuses "to open their doors to our military recruiters and the ROTC."
"It is time to leave behind the divisive battles of the past. It is time to move forward as one nation."
10:05 pm: Prolonged applause for this line: "We must never forget that the things we've struggled for, and fought for, live in the hearts of people everywhere. And we must always remember that the Americans who have borne the greatest burden in this struggle are the men and women who serve our country."
10:02 pm: "Obama to al Qaeda: "We have sent a message from the Afghan border to the Arabian Peninsula to all parts of the globe: we will not relent, we will not waver, and we will defeat you."
10:01 pm: Tom Curry notes that Obama does not mention Gitmo in this address.
Here's what he said in his 2009 address to Congress: "“there is no force in the world more powerful than the example of America. That is why I have ordered the closing of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, and will seek swift and certain justice for captured terrorists – because living our values doesn’t make us weaker, it makes us safer…”
10:00 pm: Big applause when Obama says Americans have "the conviction that American Muslims are a part of our American family."
9:56 pm: Obama: "Because the American people deserve to know that special interests aren't larding up legislation with pet projects, both parties in Congress should know this: if a bill comes to my desk with earmarks inside, I will veto it."
That was a promise that didn't go over very well earlier today with Democratic Sen. Harry Reid.
Reid argued today that eliminating earmarks would just give the president more discretion over spending, and he "has enough power already." Reid said that calls to ban earmarks are just a "lot of pretty talk."
9:55 pm: Another joke: "Then there's my favorite example: the Interior Department is in charge of salmon while they're in fresh water, but the Commerce Department handles them in when they're in saltwater. And I hear it gets even more complicated once they're smoked."
9:52 pm: Obama makes a plug for malpractice reform. "I'm willing to look at other ideas to bring down costs, including one that Republicans suggested last year: medical malpractice reform to rein in frivolous lawsuits."
Seconds later, the American Association for Justice (formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America) sends out a response: "As many as 98,000 people die every year from preventable medical errors, with countless more injured. President Obama should direct his focus towards tackling this startling figure, not promoting efforts that could eliminate the legal rights of patients."
9:50 pm: Obama: "I recognize that some in this Chamber have already proposed deeper cuts, and I'm willing to eliminate whatever we can honestly afford to do without. But let's make sure that we're not doing it on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens. And let's make sure what we're cutting is really excess weight."
9:48 pm: Not a lot of applause for Obama's spending freeze proposal...
9:47 pm: Rep. Giffords' office has released a new photo of the congresswoman and her husband Mark Kelly watching the speech from her hospital bed in Houston. Check it out here, via KVOA.
9:45 pm: Some chuckles for this: "Now, I've heard rumors that a few of you have some concerns about the new health care law."
Obama says he's open to some improvements, referencing an unpopular "bookkeeping burden" (1099 forms) as an item that could be changed. There is pending legislation to nix that requirement.
"What I'm not willing to do is go back to the days when insurance companies could deny someone coverage because of a pre-existing condition ... So instead of re-fighting the battles of the last two years, let's fix what needs fixing and move forward."
9:43 pm: Earlier tidbit from Kelly O: By lip reading, Sen. Barbara Boxer said to the President as he was walking in: "Here's my date," referring to GOP colleague John Mica.
(Boxer and Mica are both going to be on MSNBC's The Last Word tonight.)
9:41 pm: On the tax code: "I'm asking Democrats and Republicans to simplify the system. Get rid of the loopholes. Level the playing field. And use the savings to lower the corporate tax rate for the first time in 25 years - without adding to our deficit."
9:40 pm: Some chuckles for this joke: "Within 25 years, our goal is to give 80% of Americans access to high-speed rail, which could allow you go places in half the time it takes to travel by car. For some trips, it will be faster than flying - without the pat-down."
9:37 pm: More on immigration: "Let's stop expelling talented, responsible young people who can staff our research labs, start new businesses, and further enrich this nation.
The DREAM Act, which Obama supported, would have allowed a path to citizenship for some young illegal immigrations who came to the U.S. as children. That legislation failed at the end of the last Congress.
9:37 pm: "I strongly believe that we should take on, once and for all, the issue of illegal immigration. I am prepared to work with Republicans and Democrats to protect our borders, enforce our laws and address the millions of undocumented workers who are now living in the shadows."
9:34 pm: Speaker Bohhener's office just sent out a fact check on Obama's claim that "the steps we’ve taken over the last two years may have broken the back of this recession." The speaker counters that the stimulus "did not work" and that unemployment remains high.
9:34 pm: "In fact, to every young person listening tonight who's contemplating their career choice: If you want to make a difference in the life of our nation; if you want to make a difference in the life of a child - become a teacher. Your country needs you."
9:32 pm: NBC's Kelly O'Donnell reports: Aides to Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski say she has left the House chamber to join her family at hospital due to son's surgery.
"She was in the House chamber just prior to the speech when she got word that her youngest son was scheduled for an appendectomy tonight, so she headed straight for GWU hospital."
9:30 pm: "We need to teach our kids that it's not just the winner of the Super Bowl who deserves to be celebrated, but the winner of the science fair." Obama's beloved Chicago Bears barely missed the big game after a tough loss Sunday.
9:26 pm: Obama asks congress to "eliminate the billions in taxpayer dollars we currently give to oil companies." Biden claps. Not so much Speaker Boehner.
9:22 pm: Obama: "We need to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world. We have to make America the best place on Earth to do business."
9:21 pm: Feels like we're on track for a lot less rowdy applause lines, especially given the bipartisan seating. Last year, he stopped over 100 times for clapping.
9:20 pm: Obama: "The future is ours to win. But to get there, we can’t just stand still."
9:20 pm: "Nations like China and India realized that with some changes of their own, they could compete in this new world." Obama will mention China four times tonight according to prepared remarks.
9:19 pm: Obama: "The rules have changed. In a single generation, revolutions in technology have transformed the way we live, work and do business. Steel mills that once needed 1,000 workers can now do the same work with 100. Today, just about any company can set up shop, hire workers, and sell their products wherever there’s an internet connection."
9:18 pm: Tom Curry notes: Obama had a brief word as he was coming in with Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill. who beat Obama in the 2000 primary.
9:17 pm: Obama: "We are poised for progress. Two years after the worst recession most of us have ever known, the stock market has come roaring back. Corporate profits are up. The economy is growing again."
He's recently extended olive branches to the business community, including in his selection of a new chief of staff Bill Daley -- a choice lauded by the Chamber of Commerce.
9:16 pm: "At stake right now is not who wins the next election – after all, we just had an election."
9:15 pm: Speaking of bipartisanship, there's wide disagreement about exactly what color Barack Obama's tie is. But looks like it could be a party-neutral purple.
9:14 pm: Obama alludes to the bipartisan seating at tonight's speech. "What comes of this moment is up to us. What comes of this moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, but whether we can work together tomorrow."
9:13 pm: Referencing the shooting tragedy, Obama says: "Tucson reminded us that no matter who we are or where we come from, each of us is a part of something greater – something more consequential than party or political preference."
9:12 pm: In the first minute, Obama says he is "mindful of the empty chair in this Chamber." We "pray for the health of our colleague – and our friend – Gabby Giffords." Standing ovation.
Giffords is in a rehabilitation center in Texas with her husband Mark Kelly tonight.
9:11 pm: "Tonight I want to begin by congratulating the men and women of the 112th Congress, as well as your new Speaker, John Boehner." Lots of applause acknowledging the new members.
9:10 pm: Here we go. Boehner presents the President of the United States.
9:09 pm: Obama now greeting and shaking hands with the Supreme Court justices attending the SOTU. Big smiles for his newest confirmed nominee, Elena Kagan.
9:08 pm: Pretty cool, a word cloud of the speech.
9:06 pm: Obama now makes his way slowly down the center aisle of the chamber, greeting members as the lawmakers applaud and cheer.
9:05 pm: The president is entering the chamber now.
9:02 pm: They're just like us! House members had to guard their seats throughout the afternoon if they wanted prime spots for the speech. Colorado Rep. Ed Permutter tweeted: "Took shift w [Rep. Cory] Gardner to protect CO seats at SOTU. Other dels wish they as org as we are." (via NBC's Shawna Thomas)
9:00 pm: The president's cabinet (minus designated successor Secretary Salazar) is now entering the chamber.
8:58 pm: Michelle Obama is in the chamber. She's wearing a grey (maybe silver?), long-sleeved dress.
8:57 pm: The Supreme Court justices are now being introduced and seated. Six of them are here today. NBC's Pete Williams wrote about the attendees earlier today here.
8:56 pm: Here's the full text of Rep. Paul Ryan's response to the State of the Union address, as prepared for delivery.
8:53 pm: The first televised State of the Union address was Harry Truman’s in 1947. But it took almost two decades for the address to be moved to evening to attract a larger national audience.
President Lyndon Johnson was the first to move the speech to 9 pm ET in 1965. The following year, the first opposition response from the president’s opposing political party was given; Sen. Everett Dirksen of Illinois and Rep. Gerald Ford of Michigan delivered the Republican rebuttal to Johnson.
8:52 pm: "The Joint Session willl come to order," says Speaker Boehner.
And the president has arrived at the Capitol.
8:48 pm: With senators and representives taking their seats, lots of chatter on who's sitting with whom.
Some of the noteworthy couples:
On the Senate side:
Democrat Sen. Chuck Schumer and Republican Sen. Tom Coburn
Democrat Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions
Democrat Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Republican Sen. John Thune
And from the House side:
The former and current House Oversight and Governmental Affairs chairmen, Democrat Ed Towns and Republican Darrell Issa.
New York delegation foes Rep. Anthony Weiner (D) and Rep. Pete King (R).
The media attention that “prom night” has received has irked a few of the idea’s supporters. At a press conference today, Sen. Lisa Murkowski cautioned that reporters shouldn’t focus too much on the gossipy nature of the “who’s-going-with-who?” chatter. “There are no cooties to be had between Republicans and Democrats,” she said.
And some folks are going stag. Via CNN, Democrat Sen. Jim Webb said he won't be bringing a date. "It's a little silly but it's not harmful," he said. "I've got a lot of friends who are Republicans, and I don't quite see walking up to them and asking them if they want to sit with me.
8:45 pm: Beginning with President Ronald Reagan in 1982, presidents have traditionally asked guests of honor to sit with the First Lady at the State of the Union address. These guests are sometimes referred to as “Lenny Skutniks” after the first guest invited to sit in what’s often called “the Heroes’ Gallery.”
Skutnik, a former government office assistant, is known for his heroic rescue of a woman who was among the passengers of an Air Florida flight that crashed into the Potomac River in January 1982.
This year’s “Skutniks” include the parents of Christina Taylor (the nine-year-old girl killed in Tucson earlier this month) as well as Daniel Hernandez, the intern who helped to save the life of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords after the shooting. Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta will also sit with the first lady, as well as several other military veterans and entrepreneurs.
8:42 pm: The president and first lady have just departed the White House en route to the Capitol.
8:41 pm: From Shawna Thomas: Here's what a lot of U.S. senators waiting to get into the State of the Union looks like.
8:35 pm: There's no mention in the president's prepared remarks about gun control. NBC House producer Shawna Thomas sends on this response from gun control advocate Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, who ran for Congress after her husband was shot and her son seriously injured in 1993:
"I know he has a number of family members here from the victims. I know The doctors and the nurses that've been taking care of gabby is here. The President is known to speak off the cuff every once in a while. But you know what, It's my job to meet with him, sit down with him and talk with him. I can understand if nothing is said tonight. But let's wait and see what he says. If not, I'll still go forward and push him."
8:33 pm: NBC Senate producer Ken Strickland says he's standing outside the Senate chamber, where senators are gathering to prepare to walk through the Capitol to the House chamber. Several of them are wearing black and white ribbons on their lapels in commemoration of the victims of the Tucson shootings.
8:27 pm: As reported earlier today, Obama will also call for a five-year freeze on non-defense government spending.
So tonight, I am proposing that starting this year, we freeze annual domestic spending for the next five years. This would reduce the deficit by more than $400 billion over the next decade, and will bring discretionary spending to the lowest share of our economy since Dwight Eisenhower was president.
As my colleague Tom Curry points out, the numbers on non-defense discretionary spending pale in comparison to what a freeze in overall spending would save. (Discretionary non-security spending makes up only 13 percent of the $3.7 trillion budget.)
Says Tom: “Just as a thought experiment -- how about a five-year freeze on mandatory spending? That would save $954 billion over what the Congressional Budget Office is currently forecasting for 2011-2015. And a five-year freeze on defensespending would save $269 billion over what CBO is currently forecasting.”
Republicans appear to be unsatisfied with a mere freeze in spending, saying that much deeper cuts are necessary. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., told the Huffington Post today that Obama’s plan is simply “not enough.”
And Republican Sen. Jim DeMint just tweeted this: "Our debt crisis demands spending cuts, not a freeze. When a car speeds toward a cliff, you hit the brakes, not cruise control."
8:25 pm: Per the prepared remarks, Obama will speak about the health care law that he signed into law last year -- with a little bit of sarcasm.
"I’ve heard rumors that a few of you have some concerns about the new health care law," he'll say.
8:21 pm: More history facts: The modern State of the Union – a wide-ranging outline of the president’s legislative agenda delivered to a joint session of Congress – began with President Woodrow Wilson, who in 1913 gave the first in-person annual message since Jefferson’s era.
Only about a third of the over 220 annual messages and State of the Union addresses in American history have been delivered in person by the president.
8:16 pm: NBC's Savannah Guthrie reports that the "designated successor" tonight is Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.
The tradition of selecting one Cabinet member to skip the State of the Union dates back to the 1960s. The absence of one administration official ensures a smooth transition of power in case of a catastrophic event.
Last year, the designated successor was Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan.
8:11 pm: The full text of the speech as prepared for delivery is here.
8:06 pm: The White House has released the speech as prepared for delivery. We'll have the full remarks to you soon -- but here's a quick count of how many times the president will say some of the key words that we've been keeping an eye out for:
Job - 31
Investment - 7
Business - 20
Bipartisan - 2
Economy - 7
Education - 10
Spending - 11
Deficit - 11
China - 4
Health care - 4
8:00 pm: This year's SOTU has featured a unique flutter of anticipation in the weeks leading up to the speech: Who's got a date?
Some members of both parties will be sitting intermingled together - rather than in rigidly divided partisan blocs - in the chamber for the first time in the modern era.
The bipartisan seating idea was proposed by centrist group Third Way, which suggested in a letter to congressional leaders earlier this month that mixing up the seating could help “avoid the spectacle of one side jumping up to applaud and the other sitting glumly.” (You can read Domenico Montanaro's report on Third Way's proposals here.)
Sen. Mark Udall of Colorado picked up on the idea and penned an open letter to his colleagues in Congress urging them to follow suit. As of this morning, 59 Republicans and Democrats had officially signed on, and many more have announced their "dates" to the speech.
7:49 pm: Per NBC's Luke Russert, the theme of President Obama's speech tonight sounds awfully familiar to some Republicans. The focus of the speech, "Winning the Future" -- also happens to be the title of a book written by a man who might try to take Obama's job in 2012. Former Speaker of the House (and possible GOP presidential contender) Newt Gingrich wrote "Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America" in 2005. That's not lost on Gingrich-headed group American Solutions, which has a wry statement on its website now about the wording.
"While we're flattered the president is using our language (I wonder if he read the book?), we're more interested in whether his speech focuses on winning the future for politicians or for the American people."
7:42 pm: The president's reported reference to Sputnik is getting some social media traction. In addition to the hashtag #sotu, "Sputnik" is currently trending on Twitter nationwide. (And according to Google Trends, the nation is also currently setting its collective TiVo: "What time is the state of the union address 2011?" is Google's #5 hot search.)
7:39 pm: A first of many of tonight's tidbits of SOTU history, courtesy of the Congressional Research Service:
The first State of the Union was delivered by President George Washington before a joint session of Congress in 1790. Washington’s address was just 1089 words long. (Compare that to Obama’s address last year, which clocked in at 7444 words.)
John Adams followed his predecessor’s lead, giving his annual address in person. But Thomas Jefferson decried the practice as “monarchial” – too much like the British “Speech from the Throne” – and chose instead to send written messages to both houses of Congress that were then read by clerks in each chamber.
(Some historians speculate that Jefferson had another reason for declining to deliver his oratory in person; he wasn’t regarded as a particularly inspiring public speaker, and his inaugural address had recently been panned.)
7:30 pm ET: Welcome to First Read's live-blog of the State of the Union address. The president is scheduled to begin speaking just after 9:00.
Excerpts from Obama's speech -- and from the official GOP response by Rep. Paul Ryan as well as an unofficial Tea Party reaction speech by Rep. Michele Bachmann -- have already been released.
According to excerpts released by the White House, Obama will say that this is "our generation's Sputnik moment," and he will call for "shared responsibility" between parties. You can read the excerpts here. You can read some of Ryan's remarks hereand Bachmann's here.
Visit First Read all night for live updates, historical factoids, and background about past State of the Union addresses.
Leave a Comment:
Sorry--- twitter will be watching Keith Olberman doing his live tweet
me too
I'm sitting here "trying" to imagine "POTUS Palin" (that actually broke my eyes to even type the words) making and UNDERSTANDING what the hell she'll be delivering in this speech.
Actually, I can see her using the SOTU speech to get back at anyone who affronts her.... mean-girl style... LMAO!
Yep... this country REALLY dodged a bullet by not electing the PROUDLY IGNORANT Sarah Palin/McCain
How about POTUS Bachmann? Isn't that a scary thought. check out Joan Walsh's piece on Salon.com
Whoo boy Gingerbread Mamma, that just scared the hell out of me.... "POTUS Bachmann". It just sounds so ..... well.... demonic.
yes, she'd probably bring cartoon illustrations from her personal "Burn Book".
I've got the shots lined up for everytime we hear the word - teleprompter!
Salute!
feisty,
After that last thread I need a shot. Never seen so much disrespect, hate, and stupidity in my life. We have not even got to Joe Wilson yet.
Hey I didn't like the shoe interceptor; but I didn't constantly put my whole my country down because he ducked questions.
I wonder if Joe Wilson is gonna do it live this time?
One shot coming right up for my GF! *hugs baby*
Tonights gonna be a GOOD night...
President Obama will give the good speech first.
Then we get to have fun when our fellow space cadet queen, Michelle Bachmann. She and rocket man, Paul Ryan, are definitely worth a double. How could FR say he rocketed himself into position? LOL
Jim Beam me up.
Michelle Bachman, the wicked witch of the North, I can't believe this woman was really elected, she is so mean and hateful. She couldn't possibly have an intelligent thing to say in a rebuttal to the Presiden't speech tonight.
do any of you accually listen to what thes fools are sayin? omg no wonder he got elected.. stepford voters!!!
Talking about me, or am I just paranoid? ;-)
This from the side that has Michelle Bachmann, Sarah Palin, Sharron Angle, Christine O'Donnell, Bobby Jindahl ...
Need I go on?
the corn should grow good this year. the bs obama is spreading is very thick and flowing good.
Dang Feisty, now I can't get The Blackeyed Peas music outta my head!
Did I hear My President say "baddens" ?
barney and fred are yabba dabba doing,, at least fred has learnt to read a telepromter,,,oh did the republicans take the taxpayers checkbook back obama,,,no more spending,,
I've basically given up on that pack o' ignorant flocks, who constantly brings up Pres. Obama's use of the teleprompter.... but cheers Sarah Palin on for using her body parts to "jot" down talking points with a sharpie.
You will NEVER convince them that every SUCCESSFUL speaker uses the technology.... instead of writing crib notes on their wrinkly body parts.
obama does look really tired and distant ,that grey hair and busted lip makes him look exhausted . I suppose after spending almost 5 trillion in 2 years and seeing the debt climb above 14 trillion would even make a community organizer tired ,,If he would agree to spend absolutely nothing the next two years there is a chance he will not be below jimmy carter as the worst president ever
Pathetic! That is the most appropo descriptive word that comes to mind. And this is a President? Not mine but any President at all? He basically told the American People still that he will spend, he will get amnesty, he will turn everything green which means participating in the UN fraud, he will 'pay' for the foreign students and be damned to American students.........I mean really, what a total insult to the people.
Well Mr Ryan lead by example ...stop the war funding...and close the pentagon..and 750 of the 800 bases worldwide ! STOP the NATION BUILDING when the people in the USA are homeless hungry and jobless ! And pay off China by giving them Hawaii & South Carolina !
Wow, What are you talking about?
to beverly in chicago i think they already did if your buyin the dems bill of goods, heard almost the same thing at his last speech and nothings changed! ssdd he couldnt govern his way out of a paper bag!
Anna Molly
Talking about me, or am I just paranoid? ;-)
Never would I say that about you.
Totally a lot of hot air...I don't know who writes his scripts, but they need to go back to Journalism School or Hollywood...whatever. The "atmosphere"....?? Again, a lot of propaganda! I shudder to see what my kids and grandkids have to deal with in the future. Back-tracking....lip service...who can you believe? Money talks, but the sad thing is, its not the average person that is going to benefit from any of that! BS< BS>BS! I am so sad we allow this! God HELP us...! Let's let every gay, lesbian, convict, sexual offender on the street join our military service to protect us...wow! Is that what we have come to? Not that we don't have enough issues to deal with! Did you see the military commanders faces? America wake up!
marty-2735771
to beverly in chicago i think they already did if your buyin the dems bill of goods, heard almost the same thing at his last speech and nothings changed! ssdd he couldnt govern his way out of a paper bag!
What about lip smacking half-wit half -governor Palin?
haven't heard anything on how and what are the plans to change the economy now. Alot of American children aren't going on to college.....why....can't afford it. Plans for 2035.....electric cars, yeah, have you priced them?Let's bring things, like the American flag, back to being made in the U.S. Thousands of people are losing their homes, still have no health care, and that was his major running ticket. So, what is he saying? Nothing.....same old same old. I don't know why we as American people who vote them in and do nothing about forcing change.....and I would really like to know where he gets his information because last light they were saying another 4-5 years before housing market for one will change. If you are not an U.S. citizen you get the free health care, schooling and jobs...........Anyone can say the words, but when there is no action behind it, it is all hot air.....woulda, shoulda, coulda
I keep hearing people say that illegals get free education. Honey, where does this happen? Have you ever tried to enroll in a university? If you are a legal alien you have to pay incredible fees. Have you ever tried to enroll out of state? Again, incredibly high fees. So how is it that illegals are getting a free ride? Through what mechanism are they enrolling? Is there a special form for illegals that waive all tuition? It is NOT TRUE. Stop spreading lies. And what about in hospitals? People are turned away every day for not being able to pay for medical care. Do you think the triage nurse says, "Oh you're an ILLEGAL ALIEN!? Why didn't you say so? Here, have this bed! It's free!" How exactly is this going down?
I agree that illegal immigration is a problem and needs to be solved (but not as much as we need to work on the problem of dead-beat dads, which cause a much larger economic and social burden on tax-payers but are somehow not treated with a fraction of the scorn reserved for immigrants -- but don't get me started on that one.) Can we just address the problem with honesty? We actually need to be honest so that we can come up with clear-headded, viable solutions.
Also, it's hard to make real change when the other side is so against you that they call you a liar before you even speak, which the Republicans for some reason have been doing in anticipation of this speach. You know, I'd be a Repubilcan if I believed for a second that they cared about the financial well being of the common American or if they acted like they need to be responsible, decent, fiscally responsible leaders, too. They don't. All they seem to do is sling mud and reach for second helpings of pork while screaming about the other side's pork. Please. We're paying attention, guys. I have yet to see any evidence that there are any true fiscal conservatives on the R side. I don't like the D's much, either, but the President isn't slinging the kind of filth the others are, and at least that shows good character and respect for his countrymen.
and now he says "we" will help tunisia when are we ever gonna learn to stay out of other peoples business and politics
From www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-04-21-college-board-immigrants_N.htm
Among the College Board's findings:
• About 360,000 illegal immigrants who have a high school degree could qualify for the tuition aid. Another 715,000 immigrants from the ages of 5 to 17 would also benefit if they are motivated to finish high school and pursue a college degree.
• Roughly 10 states which offer tuition aid to illegal immigrants generally saw increased college revenue by enrolling these additional students, rather than financial burdens caused by an influx of immigrants paying cheaper tuition.
• Only a fraction of the 65,000 illegal immigrants who graduate from high school each year go to college. Their ability to receive a higher education and move into better-paying jobs would help the U.S. economy in the form of increased tax revenue and consumer spending.
golf channel 9:00 --rush limbaugh
Hi all--
Out here in Pacific Time, I'm not going to enter into any discussions for obvious reasons--I'm going to watch and listen to President Obama's SofU Address.
Just came on to say this one thing--share a bit of a personal goal---I've got no drinking games going, no ticking of oft-repeated "keywords" (I do that all day long--I'm a reference librarian!). I'm going to listen carefully, focus my attention and practice staying in the moment.
Because, say whatyouwill, any State of the Union Address is important, from any President, becausenomatterwhatyouthinkofhim, he's the President and it is in all of our best interests to listen to him and take away what we can from his message.
It's like "what would Lao Tsu do?"
Because that was Zen and this is Tao... (lol)
LiberalLibrarian
Excellent point of view, I'm going log off too until later. but, before I go here's what David Rothkopf of Foreign Policy thinks of our President
This is a hard-working, earnest, talented administration doing a pretty solid job in very challenging times. Overall Grade: B
http://rothkopf.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/01/20/grading_obama_the_progress_report_after_two_years?wpisrc=xs_wp_0003
Can we have a little respect for our President now please the world is watching the GOP/ Tea Baggers and this country?
You ask for respect while using the term tea-bagger? Please, do the world a favor and take a bath with a toaster.
Neubob
You ask for respect while using the term tea-bagger? Please, do the world a favor and take a bath with a toaster.
I take it you're a tea bagger which means you're slow. I was talking about giving the President of the most powerful country in the world respect; not some filthy, lying, yellow, tea bagger.
Mr/ Mrs//LBGT or whatever you identify yourself as. It's you people giving America a bad name with your vile, hateful, and bigoted pictures of your President you're proud to tote around.
Tea bagger defintion
Teabagger” Is An Oxford Word Of The Year Finalist
According to the release, they define “teabagger” as “a person who protests President Obama’s tax policies and stimulus package, often through local demonstrations known as ‘Tea Party’ protests (in allusion to the Boston Tea Party of 1773).”
http://www.mediaite.com/online/cue-outrage-teabagger-is-an-oxford-word-of-the-year-finalist/
Beverly maybe you should look at these--
binscorner Dot com pages d death-threats-against-bush-at-protests-i.htm
Put in the http and replace Dot with . and spaces with /
slodon
Beverly maybe you should look at these--
binscorner Dot com pages d death-threats-against-bush-at-protests-i.htm
Put in the http and replace Dot with . and spaces with /
I'm not an illiterate. I am well aware of how Bush what treated. There is no why you can compare the hate, bigotry or death threats President receives. In fact, Secret Service had to increase had to increase their personnel.
Neither were there as many call for violence by people associated with the President. One just recently happened in AZ.
Tea Baggers are not good for this country. These are undeniable facts. Protests are find but not a call for an unnecessary civil war in a country as great as ours.
You're still compairing what happened in AZ to a political party? Is that what you're attempting to write?
The job situation in America is not the fault of the current Adminstration. The problem why there's no jobs is due to the financial Banks not lending money. Let's all be honest, if you want to kill jobs and businesses, stop lending money. Wall Street is the fault of this economy, if we put Requirements on the Financial Banks or give them an altamadom "You will Lend and Modify Loans" or the government will shut you down, our Economy will blossom and the Jobs will automatically appear. This is not rocket science. The American people are tired of these games. Follow the Money and you will find a solution for America, if not, I guess we have to wait until the Republicans get their way... NOT THIS TIME and Never Again.. The Majority of Americans is never going to let this happen again. You can run the House, own the Supreme court, but the American people are resilliant.. WE SHALL OVERCOME...
Yes we will Carl, we just have to keep people engaged. Nice post, keep posting, nice to see you here.
I am listening to My Left on MSNBC already getting upset at Obama for not being left enough and they have not even heard him give the speech yet. Enough already! This is why I get mad at my side.
Jennifer-2446215
I am listening to My Left on MSNBC already getting upset at Obama for not being left enough and they have not even heard him give the speech yet. Enough already! This is why I get mad at my side.
Me too Jennifer
If they know so d#^n much why the hell don't they do the job?
I never thought I would say this but I almost want to turn it to Faux news. At least I know what to expect from them. Oh no, I didn't say that. I mean CNN.
Jennifer and Bev, you are so right, some times it sounds disloyal, but we, as individuals have to keep talking to our friends and family. We have to keep writing our observations and opinion. As long as they are factual, they will make a good argument. We have to support our President in his efforts to continue to this long climb back to a better future, it will take time and patience.
ONGOING10
Maybe the thing that will make him "not the worst president in history" is Pelosi no longer being speaker.
Survey Ranks Obama 15th Best President, Bush Among Worst
Former President George W. Bush is in the bottom 5
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2010/07/02/survey-ranks-obama-15th-best-president-bush-among-worst
By MALLIE JANE KIM
Posted: July 2, 2010
President Obama ranks 15th out of 44 in a poll of the best and worst presidents while former President George W. Bush earns a place in the bottom five, according to the Siena College Research Institute's recent survey of 238 presidential scholars released Thursday. [See a slide show of the 10 Worst Presidents.]
It it true that Supreme Court Justices, Thomas, Scalia and Roberts did not show up for the President's address?
Roberts is there, Alito, Thomas and Scalia are awol.
Maybe the three have the intestinal flu or stuck in traffic. What will be their excuse for disrespecting the President?
"We just saw Elliot Engel's entire re-election campaign."
Good call, Lawrence, and funny! As one of his constituents, I do have some differences with him but would be happy to see him re-eelcted.
Lets do this right and make a change for the better of mankind.
Classy that the President complemented the new Congress...
Suggest your panel state that the American people pulled GM from the brink - not a lone Congressperson.
How is hard work rewarded when we are taxed higher if we work hard.
Try working smarter.
We are paying for billionaire tax cuts !! They don't pay their fair percentage ! You get to pick up the billionaires expenses !!
Coverage of this speech without Keith Olbermann just isn't the same!!!! I MISS KEITH!
Valarie from Baton Rouge
Coverage of this speech without Keith Olbermann just isn't the same!!!! I MISS KEITH!
So do I. I heard he is going to be doing HBO. I'm sure going get my Keith fix on if it's true.
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/david-shuster-says-keith-olbermann-was-mesmerized-by-his-fan-base/
Let me follow up with you, David, because you worked at MSNBC for a long time. A bit of full disclosure, you got into a dispute with management and you were taken off the year last year, and your contract has run out. Right?
SHUSTER: It has.
KURTZ: OK.
What are you hearing from your former colleagues? Is there anything that we haven't heard beyond Olbermann perhaps sometimes going over the top, Olbermann being in a virtual state of war with the top executives and NBC and MSNBC? Is there any other factor here that may have led him to jump even as maybe he was getting a gentle nudge?
SHUSTER: Well, a couple of things. I mean, all the staff that I have spoken with have suggested that this whole event of him giving donations and the reaction to him being pulled off the air was a much bigger story than people think. Not so much in terms of how MSNBC and NBC executives viewed Keith, but in terms of how much Keith viewed his own sort of following.
Keith was mesmerized and flattered beyond belief by the 250,000 people who signed the petition. And he and his new agents who he picked up for the last year felt that that had certain value. And that when MSNBC made it clear that, no, it does not have the value that you think it does, Keith and his team felt like, OK, let's try to take this base of support, let's try to take this loyal fan following, and let's take it to a forum where I'll have the kind of independence that I've always wanted, and I'll be able to do the sort of reporting and analysis without having my wings clipped by NBC News.
KURTZ: Independence, but he was being paid $30 million over four years. Did he want more money from MSNBC?
SHUSTER: Keith has never been about money, and he's not somebody who's sort of obsessed with it.
KURTZ: I would agree with that.
SHUSTER: I think what he felt like is he wanted to be paid what he felt he was worth, and he wanted the respect that he felt his 300,000 fans who signed the petition deserved.
KURTZ: And wanted to be able to say what he wanted without having a Jeff Zucker or a Steve Capus or a Phil Griffin rein him in?
SHUSTER: Yes, or without the possibility in the future that his special commentary scripts might have to be approved by somebody else other than somebody on his show, that they might have to be run through management levels to sort of shake it out and make sure it fits, and what people want. And I think that's where Keith was very anxious.
It will be tempting for Olbermann's critics to view this simply as confirmation that this decision was purely ego-driven, while his supporters will see it as evidence of his commitment to speaking truth to power, without interference. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.
The outpouring of support over his suspension probably did give Olbermann a misplaced sense of his importance to progressive journalism, but not necessarily an inflated one. While he may well enjoy success on another digital platform (he can't have another TV show until his contract runs out in 2012), he won't be breaking new ground for liberals in media. At best, he could become a big fish in a very crowded pond.
Conversely, his absence from MSNBC's lineup could jeopardize the roots that he helped put down for liberals like Rachel Maddow, Ed Schultz, Lawrence O'Donnell, and Cenk Uygur. Liberals have yet to establish a beachhead on any other TV network, and without Olbermann's numbers to anchor this one, could find themselves watching middle-of-the-road fare like Parker/Spitzer, or moreLock-up repeats.
Cable news is an unequal landscape in which three hours of programming (only on weeknights) is somehow considered to be a counterweight to a 24-hour news network, a symptom of the mainstream media's discomfort with falsely being called "liberal." They're quick to call out MSNBC's liberal personalities, but rarely have anything to say about Fox News.
As Shuster notes, Olbermann treasures his independence, but not merely out of ego, but because he truly believes that this is what's best for journalism. Time will tell if he's right, or if he should have stayed and fought the onerous interference he anticipated, at least until he had another spot on TV.
NO ONE CAN HOLD A GOOD MAN LIKE KEITH DOWN. I ALWAYS THOUGHT HIS SOUL WAS THAT BEAUTIFUL. NOW I KNOW.
I miss Keith a whole lot too, Valerie.
I say give the power back to the people of america who want changes that dont affect are economy. And I dont see the growth in america. Not even in the west coast. The project we need to work on is more jobs of manufacturing here in america. Not everyone wants to sell cake and ice cream.
I agree.....the manufacturing here has disappeared....we depend on other countries to make our own flag because it is cheaper?
Coverage of this speech without Keith Olbermann - just isn't the same! I MISS KEITH!!!
Me too! Still don't get what happened. Who's next??
who is keith olberman ,was he the telepromter organizer?
NOW he wants cooperation --- who da thunkit
Stop blaming a man that came into this mess that BUSH created!!!
Not Bush It was the Democratic Congress-the Congress makes the budget not the President.
Yes congress does the budget but Bush forced the congress into higher spending. Remember the 2'd war that we went into, and those tax cuts? If anyone complained, well that person was un-American. He may even be put on a list.
It is not undocumented it is illegal!
It is secure the borders then let us talk about those who are already here!
It is not how much we spend on education it is how effective our education system works!
Investment means government spending!
So true John.
We spent about $1 TRILLION over the last 10 yrs. for what?? A bunch of students who can't Add,Subtract,Multiply or Divide 1 digit numbers without a CALCULATOR.
Looks like money well spent,doesn't it?
Thats why we need to CUT DEEP if not COMPLETELY the Dept of DIS-Education
You are sooo dead wrong slodon.
all of a sudden this boob cares???.......what a fake..worst president in history....
It's always about boobs for you guys. They're just breasts johnny!
sorry my mind wanders sometimes
I'm taking a shot just for good meaure. After that, it's anyone games.
Is Bonner sucking on a lemon???
Look at Biden's face then lets talk about lemons.
What are you talking about? At least he's the right color...skin, not orange!
Lost the lemon analogy now you want to talk skin color?
Sounds RACIST to me Mary
That's because you have apparent problem with thinking perhaps, slodon?
Johnny-2332021,
Have another cold one and pretend he has done nothing.
Despite what President Obama said in his speech tonight, here is the real state of the Union:
1.) The debt held by the public stands at $14,062,239,904,820.69 effective January 24th, 2011.
2.) In the month of December 2010, the United States paid $104,700,174,845.03 in interest on its public debt. That puts the deficit reduction of $400 billion over 10 years into perspective, doesn’t it?
3.) The U6 unemployment rate stands at 16.7 percent.
4.) Housing prices continue to drop as shown in today’s Case-Schiller home price index with nine major markets hitting new lows.
The greatest issue facing the United States is mounting interest payments on the debt. The Congressional Budget Office calculates that, under their best case scenario, interest payments could rise to 4 percent of GDP (or one-sixth of federal revenues) by 2035. Interest payments, which absorb federal resources that could otherwise be used to pay for government services, currently amount to more than 1 percent of GDP.
Here’s an article outlining the interest rate spiral that is facing the Obama administration:
http://viableopposition.blogspot.com/2011/01/interesting-look-at-interest-on-us-debt.html
Heaven help us all when interest rates rise to historical norms.