I wanted to wait until after the State of the Union before I wrote my column. That way, my column would be cutting edge and up to the minute. I really hate it when I write about an event or a situation, and by the time the column comes out, everything has changed. What’s worse is when it looks like I’m just jumping on a subject because every one else is. In addition to that specious claim, it gives me an excuse for my column to be late.
I try to watch the State of the Union every year. It’s great theater. I mean that in a good way. The full leadership of the greatest country on Earth gets together, and the Supreme Leader gives an hour-long speech giving his insights on the year to come and the challenges facing the country. It’s a time when the entire country comes together – unless they’re watching one of the other 150 channels on their television or doing something else.
Truth be told, it can be a little hard to watch. I always think it will start at 7 p.m. Central Time, and am always surprised when it starts an hour later. That means I get caught up watching the pre-game on any number of news networks. Maybe the State of the Union should be held at 7 p.m. Eastern, and then it could be replayed for the folks west of the Potomac every hour. We could treat it the same way we treat New Years Eve.
After being announced, it takes 15 minutes for the President to walk to the podium. Before he can speak, he has to shake hands with the members of Congress that have been camped out in the aisle seats waiting for the event like college kids camping outside of a stadium before a big game. Once he gets to the podium, he shakes hands with the Vice President and the Speaker of the House. To me, one of the best parts is that they get to sit behind him, so you get to watch them during the entire speech. The last thing I want is a camera on me for an entire hour without break.
When the Speaker of the House is a member of the opposing party, as we had Tuesday night, the Vice President and Speaker remind me of the two masks representing theater: one smiling and one frowning. The Speaker did not seem to enjoy himself. It must be hard to clap for things that sound good even when you know the president is taking a shot at your party when he makes them.
The substance was more of the same from years past. That’s not to say the things said were not important, but compared side to side, there wasn’t much difference. The topics of the economy, war, crime, education, and a simplified tax code all made appearances. These are important topics but, with a sharply divided government, the chance of real improvement will be diminished by party politics and personal agendas. The greatest agenda item, of course, is the desire to get re-elected. Self preservation is a powerful motivator.
I did watch the entire speech and even the response by the Senator from Florida. Let me say this: I predict “Saturday Night Live” will lampoon Rubio’s response this weekend. The wiping of the brow and the desperate grab for water in the middle of his response were gifts from the comedy gods. Maybe it’s not funny, but I thought it was hilarious.
On a side note, while watching the State of the Union, I was able to connect my phone to Xfinity On Demand. Now there’s more than I can ever watch available to me via my phone. Watching the theater described above was not a waste of time, but the fact that I got something done while I watched it gives me a good feeling. It never hurts to multi-task. That’s true for everyone, especially those of us way up in the CHEAP SEATS!
Bill James is a co-founder of the James Law Firm with offices in Little Rock, Conway and Fayetteville, Arkansas. His primary area of practice is criminal defense. He can be contacted at Bill@JamesFirm.com