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State of the Union - 2015
Author: BobR    Date: 2015-01-21 11:44:07

Prior to last night's State of the Union address, there were hints that President Obama was going to go a more populist route. He did just that, as well as jab the Republicans with some velvet-tipped spears to prod them into doing more than just disagreeing with whatever he proposed. It was entertaining to watch, but will likely not inspire them to do anything different, especially since they all seemed glued to their seats, with what must have been lemons in their mouths.

He opened with a salvo of good economic news, obviously targeted at Republicans who have tried to paint the economy with bleak colors despite the rosy reality. He then mentioned he wanted to talk more about values than specific items (this is where he pivoted into populist mode), but he still mentioned numerous specific program ideas along the way, covering numerous topics.

Economics:
  • He focused on economic fairness (pay, school loans, etc.)

  • He mentioned the phrase "Middle Class Economics", so look for that to become a familiar talking point.

  • Speaker Boehner didn't even clap when Obama said he would lower taxes for "working families". Aren't the Republicans big on lowering taxes for "hard working American families"?

  • He also once again advocated for raising the minimum wage, saying "If you truly believe you could work full-time and support a family on less than $15K/yr - go for it. If not, vote to give millions of the hardest-working people in America a raise". Mic drop!


Family Issues:
  • He advocated for affordable childcare, saying it affected large numbers of working families. Republicans will reflexively be against this because SOCIALISM!

  • He asked for guaranteed sick leave & maternity leave, saying we are the only advanced nation not doing it. Once again - America isn't some damn socialist European country - we were born with bootstraps and we know how to use them!

  • He promoted equal pay for women for the umpteenth time. Once again, the Republicans stayed in their seats and did not applaud. Think about that next election day, all you Republican women.


Education:
  • President Obama recently promoted the idea of free community college. Considering that Germany and other countries with whom we compete on the the global marketplace provide completely free secondary education, this seems like a no-brainer (pun intended). Naturally, Republicans will hate it.

  • Student loan payments are killing graduates, who often owe more than they borrowed after paying on their loans for years. This is a real problem for the economy, sucking "disposable income" that might be spent on consumer goods and services down into a black hole instead.

  • It wasn't until President Obama recognized the service and sacrifices of military veterans did Republicans finally stand up and applaud. I had predicted this earlier in the day, and was sadly correct.


Jobs:
  • He stated that for America to compete globally, and attract businesses and jobs to locate in America, we need a 21st centure infrastructure. That included solar energy and faster internet. He also took a jab at the Keystone XL pipeline, saying "let's set our sights higher than a single oil pipeline. Let's pass a bipartisan infrastructure plan that could create more than 30 times as many jobs per year, and make this country stronger for decades to come". Mic drop!

  • He requested Congress approve trade deals to help bolster exports.

  • He announced a Healthcare research initiative to work towards eliminating deadly diseases.

  • He asked for Congress to close tax loopholes to pay for the things needed to help working Americans.


Foreign Policy:
  • He started out the Foreign Policy section of his speech with some sadly jingoistic applause lines referencing terrorism, and asking for more power to act unilaterally (yes - that's scary).

  • He pointed out that the use of military AND diplomacy works better than bluster and knee-jerk reactions. Republicans hate that, because all they know is bluster and knee-jerk reactions.

  • He mentioned his recent change to Cuba relations, calling it an "expired policy" from the Cold war.

  • He touted advances made in discussions with Iran to de-nuke, saying he would veto any bill from Congress that proposed new sanctions. Meanwhile, McCain could be heard humming "bomb-bomb... bomb-bomb Iran" (just kidding).


He touched on internet security, and why it's so important. He also called out the science-deniers who are fighting any changes to policy or law that might alleviate climate change. Who ya gonna believe? Most scientists, or your elected Congressman who starts every discussion about climate change with "I'm no scientist, but..."?

He wrapped it all up by saying he wanted to mention American "values". Among those:
  • Close Gitmo - we spend too much money keeping that hellhole afloat.

  • He appealed to Congress to lead and find common ground, not fight. The Republicans all looked dour and did not applaud. Sigh...

  • He said nothing is more American than protecting voters' rights.

  • He asked for an update to the criminal justice system that protects the public AND the officers, returning to their ostensible raison d'être of "protect and serve".


It was fairly exhaustive. What most people will be talking about, though is when he said all this had nothing to do with running for office: "I have no more campaigns to run... I know, because I won both of them". Mic drop!

The Republican "rebuttal" from Jodi Ernst was just - odd. It started off by her saying she wasn't going to do a rebuttal, then continued with her talking about bread bags on her feet. The entire time she wore the same fake plastered on grin (which matched her equally plastered on hair) and spoke about nothing specific, except to say that ISIL is very bad and we should react with fear.

In other words - it was everything you'd expect from a Republican politician in this day and age. At least she didn't reach for a water bottle.
 

41 comments (Latest Comment: 01/22/2015 01:14:00 by TriSec)
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Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2015 12:38:07
https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10369144_10203535142165691_5620628934448176518_n.jpg?oh=8e54ff8f4973b7ac89992bd554fefa5b&oe=55277AC8


Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 13:03:32
http://0.media.collegehumor.cvcdn.com/93/18/edcae7c781e9b8224e07a2c5021758db-dropmic4.gif


good morning!

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2015 13:18:04
We could do mic drops all day, couldn't we?

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2015 13:19:54
Since I really wanted to see the season premier of "Justified" I didn't stick for Joanie Ersnt and her bread bags. I did read the transcript. For those who watched, was she more coherent in response that the transcript?

Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 13:32:15
Quote by Mondobubba:
Since I really wanted to see the season premier of "Justified" I didn't stick for Joanie Ersnt and her bread bags. I did read the transcript. For those who watched, was she more coherent in response that the transcript?
She was not.

also and bread bags, too.


Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 13:33:54


Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/21/2015 13:34:06
Well, I was waiting to see what childish stunt the Republicans might try to pull off and was slightly pleased to see that for the most part things were respectful, until Obama served up that meatball at the end and the Republicans fell for it.

Wondering who is going to get thrown under the bus in regards to deflategate. 11 of 12 underinflated? ugh.

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/21/2015 13:40:07
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Since I really wanted to see the season premier of "Justified" I didn't stick for Joanie Ersnt and her bread bags. I did read the transcript. For those who watched, was she more coherent in response that the transcript?
She was not.

also and bread bags, too.



Oh read the transcript, that was more than enough. Thank you though for the link.

Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 13:40:07







Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 13:45:40
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Since I really wanted to see the season premier of "Justified" I didn't stick for Joanie Ersnt and her bread bags. I did read the transcript. For those who watched, was she more coherent in response that the transcript?
She was not.

also and bread bags, too.



Oh read the transcript, that was more than enough. Thank you though for the link.
IT's hard to read with brad bags on my nahds….

Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2015 14:05:45
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Since I really wanted to see the season premier of "Justified" I didn't stick for Joanie Ersnt and her bread bags. I did read the transcript. For those who watched, was she more coherent in response that the transcript?
She was not.

also and bread bags, too.



Oh read the transcript, that was more than enough. Thank you though for the link.
IT's hard to read with brad bags on my nahds….



I don't want to play the clip of anything - they give me a headache in my eye - what is this bread bags on shoes? Only thing I remember about bread bags was putting them in my boots for extra protection when I was little.

Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2015 14:06:33
Morning all

I skipped the SOTU for Face Off, far more creative and entertaining.

Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 14:08:41
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd256/AmerigoVespucci/OhJoni_zps9aa093da.jpg


Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 14:12:47
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2015 14:24:34



When CNN trolls you live on air about your faux tan - reassess your tanning schedule.

Comment by BobR on 01/21/2015 14:25:27
Quote by Raine:
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd256/AmerigoVespucci/OhJoni_zps9aa093da.jpg

This was for Jodi Ernst?

EDIT: of course it was - just noticed the time along the bottom

Comment by BobR on 01/21/2015 14:27:36
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Since I really wanted to see the season premier of "Justified" I didn't stick for Joanie Ersnt and her bread bags. I did read the transcript. For those who watched, was she more coherent in response that the transcript?
She was not.

also and bread bags, too.


Oh read the transcript, that was more than enough. Thank you though for the link.

She reminded me of Jindal - trying so hard not to sound angry that she was inappropriately peppy (and more than a bit condescending) when talking about terrorism

Comment by TriSec on 01/21/2015 14:33:42
I'm unclear on this whole football thing. Did the Colts not use the same balls? Or did they magically inflate and deflate depending on who had possession?

Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 14:35:15
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 14:38:29

what happened at about 45 seconds in is GOING to be a meme!!!

Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 14:44:38
Quote by Raine:

what happened at about 45 seconds in is GOING to be a meme!!!


The Ted Cruz rebuttal FB page!!!


Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/21/2015 14:45:33
Quote by TriSec:
I'm unclear on this whole football thing. Did the Colts not use the same balls? Or did they magically inflate and deflate depending on who had possession?


Each team has their own allotment of 12 game balls for the offense to use. Then there are a number of balls sealed in boxes at the factory to be used for the kickers.

Aaron Rodgers is on record saying he likes his balls overinflated and is upset that the officials usually (but not always) sets them to the proper inflation (13 +/- .5psi). He likes them overinflated because of his he-man super grip. Of course, as far as he's concerned, it's not OK to underinflate them for girly-boys like Brady. And Brady is on record as saying he prefers them underinflated and loves it when GRONK SMASH.

Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 15:01:10
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by TriSec:
I'm unclear on this whole football thing. Did the Colts not use the same balls? Or did they magically inflate and deflate depending on who had possession?


Each team has their own allotment of 12 game balls for the offense to use. Then there are a number of balls sealed in boxes at the factory to be used for the kickers.

Aaron Rodgers is on record saying he likes his balls overinflated and is upset that the officials usually (but not always) sets them to the proper inflation (13 +/- .5psi). He likes them overinflated because of his he-man super grip. Of course, as far as he's concerned, it's not OK to underinflate them for girly-boys like Brady. And Brady is on record as saying he prefers them underinflated and loves it when GRONK SMASH.
TRuly enjoying Ball talk ….

Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 15:20:52
It is to be amazed that while this is a huge deal, I didn't even realize it.
It might be surprising, but never before had any president used the words "lesbian," "bisexual" or "transgender" when talking to the huge audience that watches the annual State of the Union. The reference came Tuesday as part of President Obama's description of the values that make us American.



Comment by Scoopster on 01/21/2015 15:23:41
Mornin' all..

So this happened:


I hear they may sue for definition of character.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/21/2015 15:49:18
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..

So this happened:


I hear they may sue for definition of character.


But Shep was on the regular Fox telecast. With Chris Wallace.

Couldn't find my TiVo remote so TV was stuck on Fox affiliate.

Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 17:26:27
I am telling you, Listening to Thom and I realize just how good Bobbers Blog is.

Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 17:37:17
The level they go to distort truth is beneath a pile of dog shit.
At the 43:25 minute mark, President Obama is supposed to say “I’ve heard some folks try to dodge the evidence by saying they’re not scientists; that we don’t have enough information to act. Well, I’m not a scientist, either. But you know what — I know a lot of really good scientists at NASA, and NOAA, and at our major universities. The best scientists in the world are all telling us that our activities are changing the climate, and if we do not act forcefully, we’ll continue to see rising oceans, longer, hotter heat waves, dangerous droughts and floods, and massive disruptions that can trigger greater migration, conflict, and hunger around the globe.”
Instead, the entire section is skipped. Obama’s comments resume with “The Pentagon says that climate change poses immediate risks to our national security. We should act like it.”


Comment by TriSec on 01/21/2015 18:01:56
Non-sequitir: I have always wondered if we shared hurricane data with Cuba. That sort of thing should transcend ideology, IMHO. In any case, I suppose the answer would be 'yes' this year.

Comment by TriSec on 01/21/2015 18:03:31


No dog I know would poop anywhere near that; they have more self-respect than the average republican.

Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 18:10:20
Quote by TriSec:


No dog I know would poop anywhere near that; they have more self-respect than the average republican.
Excellent point.


Comment by livingonli on 01/21/2015 18:15:43
I guess the Koch Brothers trained Joni well in order to conceal that she is bought and paid for by them. I guess that's how she avoided the sinking other far-right Senate candidates got in 2010 and 2012.

Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 18:21:31
OMGoodness. Michelle Obama wore the good wife outfit at the SOTU…

I love it.

http://www.etonline.com/tv/2015/01/24126491/640_michelle_obama_good_wife_split.jpg


Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 18:21:59
Quote by livingonli:
I guess the Koch Brothers trained Joni well in order to conceal that she is bought and paid for by them. I guess that's how she avoided the sinking other far-right Senate candidates got in 2010 and 2012.

She learned much in ALEC.

Comment by livingonli on 01/21/2015 18:23:30
Quote by Raine:
Quote by livingonli:
I guess the Koch Brothers trained Joni well in order to conceal that she is bought and paid for by them. I guess that's how she avoided the sinking other far-right Senate candidates got in 2010 and 2012.

She learned much in ALEC.

I can't wait until she introduces ALEC backed legislation and forgets to remove the notes that will indicate she didn't write it and it came from ALEC or one of the corporate backers.

Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 18:24:46



Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 18:41:04
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by livingonli:
I guess the Koch Brothers trained Joni well in order to conceal that she is bought and paid for by them. I guess that's how she avoided the sinking other far-right Senate candidates got in 2010 and 2012.

She learned much in ALEC.

I can't wait until she introduces ALEC backed legislation and forgets to remove the notes that will indicate she didn't write it and it came from ALEC or one of the corporate backers.
This is why she is deeply disturbing as a senator.

Last June, Ernst told attendees at a secret Koch donor summit in Dana Point, California that, although she started as "a little-known state senator from a very rural part of Iowa," it was "the exposure to this group and to this network and the opportunity to meet so many of you, that really started my trajectory." (The summit was closed to press but a recording was obtained by The Undercurrent.)


This has been under- reported by all parts of the media.

Comment by Raine on 01/21/2015 18:55:54
At least Jodi Ernst has a family that could afford bread bags. I recall barely being able to afford bread and scrounging around looking for change….

We should not celebrate that, we should be ashamed that this country has people who cannot afford to pay their bills. We should be ashamed that there are really and truly people who can't afford bread for those bread bags.

Jodi has a family that enjoys farm subsidies. She was middle class and that is great. What she said last night was a rural tale.

I wore bags on my shoes so my mom could get my feet into slush boots.

Let's not pretend this was a moment of suffering. It was practical for anyone who lived in an area that had to walk in slush. That isn't a spectacular American moment. It's about being able to get shoes in and out of slush boots.

I think I get it.

Jodi Erst is very pro slush boots. They are the same boots used to clean out the pig stables after a pig castration.

Comment by livingonli on 01/21/2015 19:01:08
Quote by Raine:
At least Jodi Ernst has a family that could afford bread bags. I recall barely being able to afford bread and scrounging around looking for change….

We should not celebrate that, we should be ashamed that this country has people who cannot afford to pay their bills. We should be ashamed that there are really and truly people who can't afford bread for those bread bags.

Jodi has a family that enjoys farm subsidies. She was middle class and that is great. What she said last night was a rural tale.

I wore bags on my shoes so my mom could get my feet into slush boots.

Let's not pretend this was a moment of suffering. It was practical for anyone who lived in an area that had to walk in slush. That isn't a spectacular American moment. It's about being able to get shoes in and out of slush boots.

I think I get it.

Jodi Erst is very pro slush boots. They are the same boots used to clean out the pig stables after a pig castration.

She'll cut everything except that corporate welfare she lives off and of course the military-industrial complex.

Comment by BobR on 01/21/2015 19:01:38
Quote by Raine:
At least Jodi Ernst has a family that could afford bread bags. I recall barely being able to afford bread and scrounging around looking for change….

We should not celebrate that, we should be ashamed that this country has people who cannot afford to pay their bills. We should be ashamed that there are really and truly people who can't afford bread for those bread bags.

Jodi has a family that enjoys farm subsidies. She was middle class and that is great. What she said last night was a rural tale.

I wore bags on my shoes so my mom could get my feet into slush boots.

Let's not pretend this was a moment of suffering. It was practical for anyone who lived in an area that had to walk in slush. That isn't a spectacular American moment. It's about being able to get shoes in and out of slush boots.

I think I get it.

Jodi Erst is very pro slush boots. They are the same boots used to clean out the pig stables after a pig castration.

If you're well off, it's a luxury to look back on lean times and see how far you've come. For a lot of people, they never leave the lean times behind.

Comment by TriSec on 01/22/2015 01:14:00
Quote by BobR:

If you're well off, it's a luxury to look back on lean times and see how far you've come. For a lot of people, they never leave the lean times behind.



It's all relative. I ran over something the other day and blew two tires - it was a luxury having money in the bank to buy two new tires, and it was also a luxury to have a job that gave me sick time so I wouldn't lose a day's pay.

Not that far in the rear-view mirror yet.