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SOTU Recap
Author: BobR
Date: 01/26/2011 13:32:47
Last night President Barack Obama delivered the State of the Union speech to Congress, the SCOTUS, and all of America. As these speeches tend to be, his was the usual rundown of accomplishments for the year, and plans for the future. As always, there was the "response", which in this case was delivered by Republican Paul Ryan, and an extra nugget of entertainment - the Tea Party response - delivered by erstewhile Republican Michelle Bachmann.
Here are the themes the President spoke about during the speech:
Here's an interesting word cloud of the speech:
(The Republican and Bachmann word clouds can be seen here)
You can read an analysis of the speech here and some random fact-checking here. My overall impression was that I was behind it about 80-90%. I think his austerity plan for government employees will be detrimental to the economy. I also was left scratching my head over his plan to increase investments for new technologies while decreasing spending. Based on a comment by David Axelrod after the speech, the funds for those new programs will come from reducing government waste, inefficiencies, and redundancies. I also felt like the comments on the wars in the Middle East were more of the same.
Other than that, though, I appreciated the rest of the speech.
The official government response came from Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), which contained the following:
(More analysis here). All in all, it was the usual FEAR from the Republican party.
The icing on the cake, though, was the Tea Party response from Michelle Bachmann. With makeup caked on to a level approaching circus clown, she stared off into the distance (never once looking at the camera) reading prepared words on a TELEPROMPTER! as seemingly random images appeared on a screen behind her. It was surreal theatre of the absurd at its finest. You can watch it here.
So while the pundits debate, and the political activists look for hidden meanings, life goes on. Perhaps next year we can see how much has really changed.
Here are the themes the President spoke about during the speech:
- A call for unity
- Investment tax breaks
- World competition
- Winning The future - reforming the government
- Innovation (Sputnik)
- Clean energy
- Education: schools, teachers, college funding
- Infrastructure: high speed rail
- Trade agreements
- Government regulations
- Healthcare legislation
- Balanced budget
- Saving Medicare and Social Security
- Remove tax breaks for the rich
- Eliminate government waste
- Enhance government efficiencies
- Vetoing legislation with earmarks
- Same ol' same ol', re: wars, homeland security
- The idea of what America means - doing big things
Here's an interesting word cloud of the speech:
(The Republican and Bachmann word clouds can be seen here)
You can read an analysis of the speech here and some random fact-checking here. My overall impression was that I was behind it about 80-90%. I think his austerity plan for government employees will be detrimental to the economy. I also was left scratching my head over his plan to increase investments for new technologies while decreasing spending. Based on a comment by David Axelrod after the speech, the funds for those new programs will come from reducing government waste, inefficiencies, and redundancies. I also felt like the comments on the wars in the Middle East were more of the same.
Other than that, though, I appreciated the rest of the speech.
The official government response came from Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), which contained the following:
- A pandering reference to Rep. Giffords
- Warnings about federal spending
- Warnings about the federal debt
- Antipathy towards the Insurance mandates
- Spoke of a replacement for the health care law, but provided no details
- Lied about the health care law "bankrupting" America
- Spoke in favor of "limited government" (ie: drown it in a bathtub)
(More analysis here). All in all, it was the usual FEAR from the Republican party.
The icing on the cake, though, was the Tea Party response from Michelle Bachmann. With makeup caked on to a level approaching circus clown, she stared off into the distance (never once looking at the camera) reading prepared words on a TELEPROMPTER! as seemingly random images appeared on a screen behind her. It was surreal theatre of the absurd at its finest. You can watch it here.
So while the pundits debate, and the political activists look for hidden meanings, life goes on. Perhaps next year we can see how much has really changed.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 01/26/2011 14:01:31
wickedpam on 01/26/2011 14:01:31
Morning 
Comment by 
Scoopster on 01/26/2011 14:09:24
Scoopster on 01/26/2011 14:09:24
Mornin' all.. 
Bracing for another dumping of snow later today..
I managed to find the highlights from last night's address: The 20 second SOTU!
Bracing for another dumping of snow later today..I managed to find the highlights from last night's address: The 20 second SOTU!
Comment by 
Raine on 01/26/2011 14:18:05
good morning!
Raine on 01/26/2011 14:18:05
good morning!
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 14:24:02
Raine on 01/26/2011 14:24:02
So Paul Broun is kind of a douchknob....
Broun took to Twitter during the address, accusing the president of believing in socialism. Obama touched on several economic themes during his address, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to be competitive in the global marketplace.
"Mr. President, you don't believe in the Constitution. You believe in socialism," the tweet reads.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/26/2011 14:26:29
yeah - saw JakeTapper had pointed it out then checked it myself - the man should be ashamed of himself
wickedpam on 01/26/2011 14:26:29
Quote by Raine:
So Paul Broun is kind of a douchknob....Broun took to Twitter during the address, accusing the president of believing in socialism. Obama touched on several economic themes during his address, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to be competitive in the global marketplace.
"Mr. President, you don't believe in the Constitution. You believe in socialism," the tweet reads.
yeah - saw JakeTapper had pointed it out then checked it myself - the man should be ashamed of himself
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 14:31:31
I guess no one needs to yell "you Lie" now that the GOP found the twitter...
shameful is kind for this behaviour.
Raine on 01/26/2011 14:31:31
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
So Paul Broun is kind of a douchknob....Broun took to Twitter during the address, accusing the president of believing in socialism. Obama touched on several economic themes during his address, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to be competitive in the global marketplace.
"Mr. President, you don't believe in the Constitution. You believe in socialism," the tweet reads.
yeah - saw JakeTapper had pointed it out then checked it myself - the man should be ashamed of himself
shameful is kind for this behaviour.
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 14:33:46
Raine on 01/26/2011 14:33:46
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Even the Tea Party rejects Michelle Bachmann!
Please call Michele Bachmann’s Office and tell her that she does not speak for the Tea Party. Michele has announced she will be giving the ‘Tea Party Response’ to the President’s State of the Union Address. The Tea Party Patriots Organization is a grass roots organization. One person has no right to speak for the whole organization.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/26/2011 14:34:19
That idiot didn't even attend the speech, tweeted that BEFORE the speech even started, and then later (about 2AM by my estimates) he jumped on Twitter again, erased that one and replaced it with "Please join me tonight at 9 - I’ll be live-tweeting my thoughts and reactions during the #SOTU address."
Scoopster on 01/26/2011 14:34:19
Quote by Raine:
So Paul Broun is kind of a douchknob....Broun took to Twitter during the address, accusing the president of believing in socialism. Obama touched on several economic themes during his address, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to be competitive in the global marketplace.
"Mr. President, you don't believe in the Constitution. You believe in socialism," the tweet reads.
That idiot didn't even attend the speech, tweeted that BEFORE the speech even started, and then later (about 2AM by my estimates) he jumped on Twitter again, erased that one and replaced it with "Please join me tonight at 9 - I’ll be live-tweeting my thoughts and reactions during the #SOTU address."
Comment by wickedpam on 01/26/2011 14:36:49
I think people and forgotten what shame is
wickedpam on 01/26/2011 14:36:49
Quote by Raine:I guess no one needs to yell "you Lie" now that the GOP found the twitter...Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
So Paul Broun is kind of a douchknob....Broun took to Twitter during the address, accusing the president of believing in socialism. Obama touched on several economic themes during his address, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to be competitive in the global marketplace.
"Mr. President, you don't believe in the Constitution. You believe in socialism," the tweet reads.
yeah - saw JakeTapper had pointed it out then checked it myself - the man should be ashamed of himself
shameful is kind for this behaviour.
I think people and forgotten what shame is
Comment by Scoopster on 01/26/2011 14:40:23
Scoopster on 01/26/2011 14:40:23
Comment by 
BobR on 01/26/2011 14:41:09
BobR on 01/26/2011 14:41:09
blog is up - sorry for the delay
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 14:41:54
Holy crap, you are right! HE sat in his damn office!
Raine on 01/26/2011 14:41:54
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
So Paul Broun is kind of a douchknob....Broun took to Twitter during the address, accusing the president of believing in socialism. Obama touched on several economic themes during his address, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to be competitive in the global marketplace.
"Mr. President, you don't believe in the Constitution. You believe in socialism," the tweet reads.
That idiot didn't even attend the speech, tweeted that BEFORE the speech even started, and then later (about 2AM by my estimates) he jumped on Twitter again, erased that one and replaced it with "Please join me tonight at 9 - I’ll be live-tweeting my thoughts and reactions during the #SOTU address."
Comment by BobR on 01/26/2011 14:43:15
That article is pre-speech. I am wondering if they followed through on their threats to skip it?
BobR on 01/26/2011 14:43:15
Quote by Scoopster:
Speaking of absentee idiots.. guess who else didn't show up?
That article is pre-speech. I am wondering if they followed through on their threats to skip it?
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 14:51:12
Raine on 01/26/2011 14:51:12
I'm still waiting, patiently -- for the GOP plan to create jobs. There was NOTHING mentioned about Jobs in the Ryan speech.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/26/2011 14:53:49
Looks like they did.
Scoopster on 01/26/2011 14:53:49
Quote by BobR:Quote by Scoopster:
Speaking of absentee idiots.. guess who else didn't show up?
That article is pre-speech. I am wondering if they followed through on their threats to skip it?
Looks like they did.
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 14:54:12
Alito, Scalia and Thomas were not there.
Raine on 01/26/2011 14:54:12
Quote by BobR:Quote by Scoopster:
Speaking of absentee idiots.. guess who else didn't show up?
That article is pre-speech. I am wondering if they followed through on their threats to skip it?
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 14:55:37
Raine on 01/26/2011 14:55:37
Alito seemed to have a reason for not attending:
A court spokeswoman said six of the nine justices plan on going. She said one who won’t be attending is Justice Samuel Alito, who happens to be in Hawaii this week for a previously scheduled law school speech.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/26/2011 14:55:45
wickedpam on 01/26/2011 14:55:45
so the fed taxes would be lower but your state taxes would be higher - I see no savings for me.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/26/2011 15:02:48
Scoopster on 01/26/2011 15:02:48
Comment by Scoopster on 01/26/2011 15:06:31
I'm gonna start callin' him Niagara Falls Johnny.
Scoopster on 01/26/2011 15:06:31
I'm gonna start callin' him Niagara Falls Johnny.
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 15:06:37
I was just reading about hat.
Damn that is a mess. I am glad that people are taking back their country, but I do worry about the instability, especially in that region.
Raine on 01/26/2011 15:06:37
Quote by Scoopster:
Say has anyone seen what's going on in Egypt?
Tunisia and Lebanon, now Egypt.. and Yemen too!
Damn that is a mess. I am glad that people are taking back their country, but I do worry about the instability, especially in that region.
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 15:07:17
PLEASE tell me the color was intentionally altered....
Raine on 01/26/2011 15:07:17
Quote by Scoopster:
I'm gonna start callin' him Niagara Falls Johnny.
PLEASE tell me the color was intentionally altered....
Comment by Scoopster on 01/26/2011 15:15:39
Scoopster on 01/26/2011 15:15:39
Remember that whole mess in NYC after the first big snowstorm and those dirty unionized sanitation workers supposedly staging a work slowdown?
Yeah.. turns out that was all a politically-motivated lie by a douchebag Repub Councilman.
Yeah.. turns out that was all a politically-motivated lie by a douchebag Repub Councilman.
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 15:23:00
I must say, that Ribbon is in the wrong place... hmmmm.... and the tie looks different.
Raine on 01/26/2011 15:23:00
Quote by Raine:
Caption this! #6
and this!!! #7
I must say, that Ribbon is in the wrong place... hmmmm.... and the tie looks different.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/26/2011 15:26:12
Various members of the House react as Senator McCain lays an epic fart during the SOTU speech..
Scoopster on 01/26/2011 15:26:12
Quote by Raine:and this!!! #7
Various members of the House react as Senator McCain lays an epic fart during the SOTU speech..
Comment by wickedpam on 01/26/2011 15:29:08
In his thought bubble -
"Toys are hereby declared illegal, immoral, unlawful AND anyone found with a toy in his possession will be placed under arrest and thrown in the dungeon. No kidding!"
wickedpam on 01/26/2011 15:29:08
Quote by Raine:
and this!!! #7
In his thought bubble -
"Toys are hereby declared illegal, immoral, unlawful AND anyone found with a toy in his possession will be placed under arrest and thrown in the dungeon. No kidding!"
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 15:29:57
Raine on 01/26/2011 15:29:57
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
and this!!! #7
In his thought bubble -
"Toys are hereby declared illegal, immoral, unlawful AND anyone found with a toy in his possession will be placed under arrest and thrown in the dungeon. No kidding!"
Comment by wickedpam on 01/26/2011 15:30:40
yeah! you got the reference
wickedpam on 01/26/2011 15:30:40
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
and this!!! #7
In his thought bubble -
"Toys are hereby declared illegal, immoral, unlawful AND anyone found with a toy in his possession will be placed under arrest and thrown in the dungeon. No kidding!"
yeah! you got the reference
Comment by BobR on 01/26/2011 15:35:06
BobR on 01/26/2011 15:35:06
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 15:37:17
Raine on 01/26/2011 15:37:17
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
and this!!! #7
In his thought bubble -
"Toys are hereby declared illegal, immoral, unlawful AND anyone found with a toy in his possession will be placed under arrest and thrown in the dungeon. No kidding!"
yeah! you got the reference
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 15:40:40
A little more to the left, Sir. Oh yeah... THAT the spot!
Raine on 01/26/2011 15:40:40
A little more to the left, Sir. Oh yeah... THAT the spot!
Comment by wickedpam on 01/26/2011 15:40:43
wickedpam on 01/26/2011 15:40:43
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
and this!!! #7
In his thought bubble -
"Toys are hereby declared illegal, immoral, unlawful AND anyone found with a toy in his possession will be placed under arrest and thrown in the dungeon. No kidding!"
yeah! you got the reference
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 15:42:32
Raine on 01/26/2011 15:42:32
Are they aware the cat is having a siezure?
Comment by BobR on 01/26/2011 15:44:34
BobR on 01/26/2011 15:44:34
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 15:47:14
Raine on 01/26/2011 15:47:14
I am now of the opinion that it was either Vodka or Gin. Joe Biden didn't have a bar set last night.
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 15:49:06
HA! the softball reference was perfect!
Raine on 01/26/2011 15:49:06
Quote by BobR:Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
HA! the softball reference was perfect!
Comment by Scoopster on 01/26/2011 15:52:37
But....?! does Boehner think he's a guest star on Mad Men?!
Scoopster on 01/26/2011 15:52:37
Quote by Raine:
I am now of the opinion that it was either Vodka or Gin. Joe Biden didn't have a bar set last night.
But....?! does Boehner think he's a guest star on Mad Men?!
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 16:17:06
Raine on 01/26/2011 16:17:06
Please heal well, Jimmy Buffet.
Shocked fans at the sell-out concert at the Hordern Pavilion were urged to leave the auditorium by Buffett's Australian tour manager Michael Chugg as the 64-year-old entertainer lay on the floor in front of the first row of seating waiting for paramedics and an ambulance to arrive.
He was rushed to Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital, in Darlinghurst, thirty minutes after the accident.
Neither Chugg nor his assistant David Pope would comment on Buffett's condition at the scene but an audience member said it appeared the entertainer had struck his head and was bleeding as he lay on the floor.
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 16:18:25
Raine on 01/26/2011 16:18:25
I still LOVE what Chris said last night about the boner.
If Boehner were wearing an avocado green tie, he would totally look like a 1970's kitchen.
Comment by BobR on 01/26/2011 16:25:38
wow - I wonder if he fainted or tripped?...
BobR on 01/26/2011 16:25:38
Quote by Raine:
Please heal well, Jimmy Buffet.Shocked fans at the sell-out concert at the Hordern Pavilion were urged to leave the auditorium by Buffett's Australian tour manager Michael Chugg as the 64-year-old entertainer lay on the floor in front of the first row of seating waiting for paramedics and an ambulance to arrive.
He was rushed to Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital, in Darlinghurst, thirty minutes after the accident.
Neither Chugg nor his assistant David Pope would comment on Buffett's condition at the scene but an audience member said it appeared the entertainer had struck his head and was bleeding as he lay on the floor.
wow - I wonder if he fainted or tripped?...
Comment by BobR on 01/26/2011 16:26:50
I don't think they're putting the cookies ON the pizza
BobR on 01/26/2011 16:26:50
Quote by Raine:
Well they went and topped the Double down Sandwich....
I don't think they're putting the cookies ON the pizza
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 01/26/2011 16:47:01
velveeta jones on 01/26/2011 16:47:01
Still alive......... :)
Comment by BobR on 01/26/2011 16:50:03
hiding out in a coffee shop?
BobR on 01/26/2011 16:50:03
Quote by velveeta jones:
Still alive......... :)
hiding out in a coffee shop?
Comment by Scoopster on 01/26/2011 16:54:11
Scoopster on 01/26/2011 16:54:11
Hooooo boy the snow started a LOT earlier that they were forecasting.. and it's comin' down fast too!
Comment by Raine on 01/26/2011 17:06:13
How much you supposed to get?
They are still sketchy about the forecast here.
Raine on 01/26/2011 17:06:13
Quote by Scoopster:
Hooooo boy the snow started a LOT earlier that they were forecasting.. and it's comin' down fast too!
They are still sketchy about the forecast here.