This was a comprehension and well constructed SOTU speech and then rebutted by a high school valedictorian. This isn’t going well.
I will not watch and boycott all speeches from this liar in the white house. I hope many good Americans do the same. I'll get all I need to know from Rachel tonight and Nichole tmrw -that is all I can take of this terrible being - trump.
2
When has anything that Donny Trump said ever mattered? I’d rather do something useful with my time.
2
To heck with speechwriters. We want Tramplish!
I hope he wanders off the professionally-written drivel on the Teleprompter and gives us his best garbled 'poor me, my crowds were the biggest, witch-hunt, beautiful wall, birth certificate, lights make me orange, better than Abraham Lincoln' monologue.
Tramplish. The trash dialect for illiterate presidents. Let's share our pain with the world.
3
Some well-placed “You lie!”s from the Dems would be awesome. Embarrass him. Get him off balance. Spare us as much of his narcissistic mendacious bombast as can be gotten away with.
2
You know what's surreal- the New York Times. The "paper of record" has been wrong about Trump for three years and still sees itself as a legitimate news source.
It's so painful to watch the Democrats try and unseat a legitimately elected President. It's painful to see them and MSM rail at Trump's "horrid" conduct with Ukraine when Hillary, Biden and Obama and so many politicians past did far worse. The Dems look like such sour grapes over losing the election. I recently watched Pelosi's interview with PBS the night of the 2016 election. They are still stunned that they didn't win. They will never get over it and many in this country will never forget their behavior.
2
As awful as it is BRAVO’s “Vanderpump Rules” will be more stimulating than a replay of Trump’s superlatives and lies to exaggerate his presidency. I look forward to a fact check after he is done.
1
I will only watch the State of the Union if Trump calls in sick and a real President delivers it.
3
I wonder if he will single out Mitch McConnell for special recognition tonight for delivering him a "perfect" acquittal.
2
I refuse to watch this man proclaim that he’s taking care of American interests and that he represents the best of our values.
He’s gangrene.
2
Let this man rant and rave as he surely will, filled with grievances about the unfairness of the Constitution and the House, and it'll be a mess. The only hope is if someone calls out "You lie!" as a republican House member did to President Obama.
3
Trump has supported Israel more than any other President.For that sole reason I will vote for him.
Maga! Thank you POTUS for 3 great years and 5 more.
2
"...we face a mountain range of debt...The nation is off the rails, and everyone...knows it."
I do wish the national debt were much lower. There are 2 ways to reduce debt: spend less or increase taxes -- or a little of both. Republicans have long gone about it oddly: cutting taxes in a futile "starve the beast" effort. The "beast" simply goes out and spends the same, borrowing any shortfall. Usually the "starver" himself (Reagan, for example) spends more.
I'm all for lower taxes, but I'd prefer that we whittle down the national debt first. Trump hasn't done that, though the Democratic Party would be even worse.
1
If this were the country our founder's envisioned, tonight would bring another action like the Boston Tea Party...something symbolic and tangible to demonstrate our break with the business of tyranny.
We might, for example, have a blackout where every person who grasps how grave the situation this GOP just put us in is would turn off their TVs, turn off all of their lights, and walk to the nearest peaceful protest. The Democratic side of the aisle might choose not to show up.
This is not about being petty. Civil Disobedience is the only appropriate reaction. Because, in point of fact, we do NOT have a functioning union anymore. So it's beyond a travesty to sit there and listen to this man yap and clap politely while Rome burns.
Our inability to respond with the appropriate degree of disgust and anger is a huge part of the problem. Every day we normalize him. The pundits do, fellow politicians do, journalists do, and we sitting in our seats watching do. The coming storm is on all of us who pretend we're paralyzed when we're not.
It's time to illustrate that in living color.
5
Not wasting my time. He’s only talking to he thinks is important like his Fox and friends base
7
No, I will absolutely not watch 'Trump's homage to Trump', I would rather stimulate my brain with a Real Housewives marathon.
10
What to expect? I expect a bombastic boasts and lies mixed with the occasion partial-truth for flavor.
7
What to expect?
Expext a verbally-challenged pathological liar to stumbled his way through an address entirely written by others.
However, based on Trump’s past performances, his ego will compell him to insert an extemperaneous insult here and an unscripted lie there. Trump will, more than likely throw in a few completely imaginary presidential accomplishments.
Golf is not the president’s primary hobby. Bizarre bragging is his first love.
Even though his self-aggrandizing flights of fancy have elicited derisive laughter from foreign governmental leaders on occasion, Trump can help himself.
The fact that this man is delivering his fourth SOTU address is unfunniest joke imaginable. Nobody’s laughing.
9
I don't care what Trump has to say, and I refuse to waste any time watching him spout off. Every word that comes out of his mouth is suspect. We can see well enough that the State of the Union is dismal, without him adding his lies to the mix.
6
If Bolton had one shred of patriotism in his body, he would appear on some news show at the same time and fully disclose Trump's treasonous behavior, on the even of the vote.
8
What is wrong with the Dems? They should give Iowa results when SOU starts, not before. Detract from T. Zero imagination. Zero fight.
2
This is small news, well behind Iowa, coronavirus, impeachment, and even Ms. Lopez. This year is really special.
2
If you expect this to be anything more than an airing of grievances with boastful lies in between you will be sadly disappointed. I plan to spend the time performing do it yourself root canal surgery without anesthesia, it will be less painful than sitting thru a Trump speech.
3
Do you hear that? It’s the sound of Netflix, HBO, HULU being switched on. No one cares about that man. November cannot come soon enough.
10
Another Trump win in November. I can't wait either.
Expect another shocker from the newly unleashed “I can do anything I want” wannabe dictator.
They say that they would like him to “restrain himself”.
Like that will ever happen with our “Dear Leader”.
He now says that he wants to prosecute John Bolton.
Thanks to the complicit Republican Senate.
6
If not impeached, Republican senators will have determined breaking the law is not illegal. The new defense for all crimes.
2
I've never listened to a state of the union address my entire life. I certainly won't start tonight. It will be "all sound and fury signifying nothing."
3
I'm not surprised when friends tell me they're not going to watch the SOTU tonight. Indeed, people on both sides of the aisle are pretty disgusted by GOP leadership in the Senate and their actions to cover up for this lawbreaking, norm shattering president. The vote on witnesses was just the latest straw for many. When will GOP take off the blinders about this guy? The $64,000 question! In the meantime, I plan to watch SOTU, if only to see how many new lows Trump will reach by the 11 o'clock news.
4
Like Elia Kazan's "A Face in the Crowd," one day Trump will be recorded badmouthing his loyal supporters, saying in private what he really thinks of them as he wines and dines at Mar a Lago. His supporters will then learn the hard truth that he does not really "love" them. I hope at that point this nightmare will come to an end.
5
@Clarice Been my theory for quite a while. Good post.
1
@Clarice:
He already has badmouthed them—saying he loves the uneducated. He still won the presidency.
I think this already happens pretty much on a daily basis. Check w John Bolton.
As for the rubes, they’re listening to a man who said he could shoot someone in the face on a crowded street and get away with it. If they’re not watching him, they’re watching... heck if I know or care.
How long will it be before Trump starts delivering State of the Kingdom addresses? Unless something is done to stop him, that's the way things are headed.
5
@dutchiris
Believe it or not dutch, the “smart money” is still coming in on — Eventual removal in sstraight-jacket.
Go figure
2
How is it that Trump's supporters can forget or, otherwise, ignore our 2 trillion dollar deficit created by his unwarranted tax cuts?
8
@Glenn Thomas
No one’s ignoring it.
All the debt accumulated over decades will result in severe pain eventually.
One thing’s certain: the second Republicans start cutting the budget to reduce the deficit, Dems and ‘progressives’ will be screaming ‘austerity.’
4
@EGD
No need to cut the budget if you didn't allow the trillion dollars tax cuts. The point is that it is the average and disadvantaged Americas who's services will be cut.
7
@EGD Look at history. It's a case of Republicans creating a deficit and Democrats bailing us out. It's happened time and again over at least the last few decades. Talk is cheap.
5
Shouldn’t Trump’s address be re-titled “The State of Dis-Union”?
Is the following an accurate description of the state of our nation? The United States of America, once an internationally admired and respected democratic republic, is now:
A polarized nation in which the major political parties compete for donor dollars and base support. When elected, these empowered politicians make little effort to achieve responsible compromises, but instead resort to obstructive and divisive tactics that further polarization. They then, to the best of their abilities, impose the policies favored by donors and base on the citizenry as a whole.
A nation wherein the trappings of democracy remain in place, but in which democratic norms are undermined and democratic institutions are severely weakened, primarily through the obscene influence of money in politics. Consequently the considered preferences of the majority of citizens are ignored.
A nation wherein government officials, in unprecedented ways, abuse state power in order to aid themselves and their allies, and to disadvantage their adversaries. Ours is a nation wherein far too many politicians have abandoned republican ideals, virtues and values. They instead engage in the exercise of power guided solely by the principle “the end justifies the means”—the end being the promotion of their own, their political party’s, their donors’ and their base supporters’ interests.
”State of the Union”—how ironic!
3
I won't waste my time! And recommend you don't either.
18
Why? I am totally looking forward to it. It will be a complete triumph.
6
Because misinformation doesn't have much practical value.
5
It will be, I’m not sure “triumph” is the word. “A new accomplishment” is probably the most diplomatic way I could describe it.
That he's appearing at all is a disgrace. It would be just if the entire Democratic side of the chamber shouted out "YOU LIE!' as Joe Wilson did to Obama with far less justification. I thought watching Bll Clinton's State of the Union, during HIS impeachment was excruciating. But this is far beyond that, more nauseating than excruciating. At 80 years of age, I hope now to somehow live long enough to see the Ship of State righted and sailing as the America I've always loved and believed in.
14
Democrats should not attend...if the Senate abandons its responsibilities, the Dems have my full support to stop supporting their theater of the absurd for the oligarchs and racists that dominate the GOP party.
9
Trump continues to appeal to many citizens...people that the readers of the NYT do not live near, work or socialize with....but they understand Trump is talking to them.
The readers of the NYT are still angry their person is not president and cannot get over that electoral college fact. And he may very well win again against this very divided, leftist group of candidates who either seem shrill, dull, uninspired, and without viable solutions. They are also shooting at each other in destructive, nasty ways.
In short, the current President and all the aspirants to that post are all third level choices at best.
Where are the real leaders ? Where do we look for inspiration and vision ?
What has happened to us ?
6
@ZEMAN That "Electoral College fact" was an egregious move by that outdated, anti-democratic institution. That the EC still exists is a stain on this new century.
1
@Glenn Thomas
it was legal and something Hillary forget to factor into her strategy.....Trump dd not....
He may be uncouth, but still a sly fox
To all Democratic Reps and Senators:
Please, at no point are you to stand or applaud during Trump's entrance to the chamber or his speech!!!!!!!
Just sit quietly and somberly.
Thank you
9
Somberly?
You mean like when they gleefully impeached him? Try again.
3
Best economy in decades, full employment, stock market at all time high, Latino and African American employment at all time high with real wage gains, peace at home. What am I missing in the doom and gloom NYT?
7
@Joe Slavoski You may start by coming to terms with facts like Trump's policies and "leadership" is not what put us here but Trump *is* responsible for our 2 trillion dollar debt due to his "tax cut."
10
The trajectories of major economic indicators have been steady since 2012. Trump lucked out and took office at the the longest economic expansion in recent American history. While presidents are often given credit (or blame) for the economy, they actually have relatively little power to affect it. The limited ways a president can influence the economy take years to have real impact.
3
@Joe Slavoski
Do you really want to know?
"The U.S. government’s budget deficit is projected to reach $1.02 trillion in 2020, according to a report released Tuesday 28-1-20 by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, as the federal government continues to spend much more than it collects in tax revenue.
A combination of the 2017 tax cuts and a surge in new spending has pushed the deficit wider. This year would mark the first time since 2012 that the deficit breached $1 trillion, a threshold that has alarmed some budget experts because deficits typically contract — not expand — during periods of sustained economic growth."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/01/28/us-deficit-eclipse-1-trillion-2020-cbo-says-fiscal-imbalance-continues-widen/?utm_campaign=wp_news_alert_revere&utm_medium=email&utm_source=alert&wpisrc=al_news__alert-economy--alert-politics--alert-national&wpmk=1
2
except iran did strike back and left more than 30 US service members with traumatic brain injuries...
7
With better approval ratings than Obama at this point in his first term, record low unemployment, a safer America and a crackdown on Obama's opioid epidemic, the President will have a lot to crow about. Maybe Pelosi will get a snarky clap out of it. That genius just gave Trump a 6% approval bump with her fraudulent impeachment. Democrats should just stay quiet in their shame.
4
Surreal is right.
Trump the Impeached will try to fit his king-size beer goggles on the rest of America tonight. No 2 trillion GOP debt put on the national credit card, no kids without their parents on the border, no impeachment without witnesses -in the breathy phone-creep voice.
On a lighter note, there was an article on nude communities in America in today's Times. A commenter suggested that the press conferences be held in the nude. If this SOTU was Trump in the round, we could all see what Devin Nunes was yipping about for ourselves. lol.
4
The "oh come let us adore me" speech?? I'll pass on the lie-fest.
9
I really hope at least one Democrat will have the courage tonight and shout "you lie"!
And then everyone should stand up and leave.
8
I predict Trump will not utter five truthful words in his speech tonight. If five truthful words exist in Trumps vocabulary, I’d be stunned. If Trump says _anything_ truthful in his speech, even two words together, please let me know.
This Administration is a sham. This President is a sham. I will not be watching as I cannot stand to hear him talk.
Trump is not my President. He lost by more than 3 million popular votes. No amount of bogus Electoral College can change that.
I’ll tune in and pay attention once Elizabeth wins.
4
PC, Warren is unlikely to receive the DP nomination for president. She is too progressive for most of us.
2
I will not watch this speech from a proven pathological liar. Unless he starts with “I am sorry for putting our country through this mess. I will strive to do a better job and be the President for all Americans. I will strive to truly put the interests of the American people first and foremost. I will strive to tell the truth from now on. This I solemnly swear forever and ever. “
One can always dream...it’s far better than the reality of the day.
7
Trump deeply mistrusts our FBI CIA and intelligence community. His actions show he is bent on Making Russia Great Again, he already demonstrated that by withholding critical aid to Ukraine and then acting on Russian propaganda that it was Ukraine who interfered in 2016 election.
All hard working members in the intelligence community should protest President Trump at the SOTU.
3
This would be the perfect time for Trump to dust off his “American carnage” inaugural theme. And this time the description would be accurate. Looking out, Trump will see comprehensive wreckage: The Senate is a sad joke, its Republican members happy to aid in a cover up; at least one Supreme Court justice occupies a stolen seat; the Joint Chiefs have been cowed into silence by a president who called them “losers and babies;” members of the cabinet are either feckless or dishonest or any case working only for Trump; and the House GOP has become a collection of anti-fact crazies who exist only to polish the boots of the would-be authoritarian who has made fools and lackeys of each one of them. It is sickening to see.
Americans who believe the country should stand for something – besides dark money, corruption and unending lies – used to take comfort in the fact that history would get it right, that McConnell and Graham and the whole bunch would live in infamy. But then you realize that those types, and presumably their supporters, don’t care about history or legacy, or even a decent future for mankind. They can’t be shamed because they have no shame. The single thing that matters to them is power. The day when it is no longer in their grasping hands can’t come soon enough.
5
Feb. 4, 2020
Thus speaks:
DJT Trump
Chairman of the Board of America, LLC.
I am the greatest and America in Trump land rules in fact by overcoming the madness of the Democratic impeachment nonsense. My only expectation is that all Americans to give their praise to my guys the Republican that saved the truth in greatness and onward to my deseving next term - all is right with the world Trump, LLC
1
Don't invite that criminal, President Pelosi.
You hold the keys to the House, and to this event of self-aggrandization at Congress and on international TV. He may've been "acquitted" by a partial jury of his very-much-peers, but you don't have to dignify him. Make him go fulfill his constitutional duties at his emotional-support rallies.
I mean really, when DOESN'T he twit "Information of the State of the Union" for all (and thus Congress...and putin...) to see and "recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient", anyway? That's just about all the Very Stable Genius does online in his Executive Time (well, that and the hate speech and general babbling that Twitter refuses to ToS him for), and in a way he's fulfilled that duty of Article II Section 3 far more eagerly and expeditiously than any actual president!
2
There is only ONE thing the Fool could do that would surprise, even Shock, me : RESIGNATION.
Ain’t gonna happen.
gee, what to expect. since trump the flimflam man who has been shown to be a prolific and perpetual lier, i expect lies and self-pity. i expect a ludicrous concepts that he will bring and of course, him petting himself on the back for an economy he has actually done more harm than good.
1
what to expect? Some bragging, a few lies, some more lies after a bit of bragging, then another lie.......or six, a failed attempt at humor, a denial of some sort, some more bragging, some petulant tantrums and another lie, then another, another 4 denials and then a surprise lie.
3
Trump has destroyed all norms, so let’s take away this one norm he wants to enjoy.
I suggest the Dems show up, but about half should be late. Some should trickle in as others trickle out, like at a sporting event when the home team is getting blown out. And they should chat with each other. Maybe listen a little here and there and point and laugh at the lies. Extra points to anyone who cracks open a beer. Further, it’s definitely worth shouting out (Wilson style) and interrupting his lies at some point. And hopefully Nancy will give one of her trademarked claps of disdain.
Then, after the blowhard winds things up, the House should get back to business. Nancy should convene a special late night session and authorize a new impeachment inquiry, and subpoena John Bolton.
Do other people have daydreams like this, or is it just me?
1
I will not be listening to him.
8
I wonder what we'd hear if he had to write his own speech.
1
I don't expect anything but strutting, bragging and lying. I'll give it a miss.
6
I don’t plan to watch the state of the union address. One of the reasons I subscribe to the NYTimes is that they publish the text of the address in full. They also publish the full text of Supreme Court decisions. It’s so much more informative to read in black&white. Thanks NYTimes, keep it up for those of us who care about the written word.
2
Thoughts? Many. Not watching because I want to preserve what's left of the State of my Sanity and my overall well-being.
5
To be clear, the economy and the stock market are not the same thing.... The GDP and it's growth are a far better measure... In 2016 the GDP was $17.7 trillion. It has since grown to $19 trillion.... a growth of a little more than 5%. However. National Debt has grown from 18 to 23 trillion (Nov '19) a growth of more than 27%... with NO END in sight. All on the nation's cedit card.... So when we hear about the great economy, think about it...
4
@Tom
Wait a minute.
Stop the music!
Are you claiming that the gains holders of stock portfolios have realized over the past three years is NOT the most important measure of our nation’s economic well-being?!?
Are you kidding?
(seriously)
Excellent comment, Tom.
Kudos & thank you.
1
I have been politically engaged my entire life. Not just my adult life, or my teenage life, my entire cognizant life. One of the only times my very sweet mother ever yelled at me was when I was 8 years old and had the TV on at 2 in the morning. She yelled at me to go to sleep and I replied, "How do you expect me to sleep when they haven't announced who won the election??" That was in 1968, Nixon- Humphrey when I was in 4th grade. In 1972, at 12, i tried to volunteer for McGovern and was turned away by laughing 18 year olds who thought I was 9. (To be fair, i probably looked 7-I'm still waiting for my growth spurt.)
For the better part of the last 20 years I have worked in local government for an elected official. I have not watched the last 2 SOTU speeches and have no plans to watch tonight. In fact we are going to go to a sports bar so I can drink and watch something else.
My entire life I have believed that in the proper hands, government can be a force for good, can inspire hope, provide opportunity and in the words of the framers, secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity.
I am really beginning to fear for our ourselves, but especially for our posterity.
5
Discouraged by the Democrat's ineffectiveness since 2016, I despair the party has become nothing more than talking heads and self-promoters - good intentions aside.
That clip of our President meandering unaware reminds me of what I’ve seen in memory care units. More than a bit unsettling.
2
I will not be watching. I don't want to hear any more lies, blame-the-Democrats, and chest-thumping. I'm sure his speechwriters will make him sound "presidential" and if he can stay on the teleprompter, many will be impressed with his ability to read. But it won't be the real Donald Trump, the Twitter Trump, we have to endure the rest of the time. Republicans will stand up and cheer and gloat about winning their battle against the Constitution and the values of our nation. I've heard enough of that, too.
2
Let's make this the last time Mr. Trump pretends this is the country's annual tribute to him and his administration, not a constitutionally specified responsibility to provide a yearly update to his employers.
Of course, it would be great to be pleasantly surprised by a speech that admits he's made some mistakes; recognizes that he serves as president of all of us, not just his supporters; uses the unfamiliar word 'responsibility'; is bipartisan at least to the extent of using the correct name of the opposition party (Democratic, not Democrat); and hews closely to facts and truth.
But it's less likely than Speaker Pelosi putting a whoopie cushion on his chair (doesn't appear to be against House rules!). Or Mitt Romney showing up in a leather blazer and rainbow sequined tie.
There was a reason Alec Baldwin's improbable version of a Trump courtroom speech admitting everything was so funny: it's impossible to imagine Mr. Trump saying he's taking responsibility for any mistake, even something as clear-cut and nonpartisan as accurate hurricane tracking info.
What I expect to hear is a speech written by Miller and delivered via teleprompter with fewer non verbals and asides than Trump is used to using at his rallies. He will look uncomfortable because of this stricture but also preen in the moments of pomp and circumstance and when he has a phrase written from Miller that he particularly likes. The persons in the family with decorum (the women) will be in the gallery.
Those whose position requires them to be there will be there. The Republicans will hope he doesn’t make them look foolish and will try to applaud loudly when they can and otherwise dutifully. The Democrats should have fidget spinners but probably won’t. They will try to look attentive but not disgusted. The Supreme Court may take turns napping. Nearly all listening — except those in the gallery — will aim toward looking expressionless for the most part.
That’s what I think is going to happen. Content of the speech? Will be printed tonight or next day.
2
If you thought making fun of a disabled reporter, a gold star family, a woman’s “bleeding whatever” was bad, you ain’t seen nothing yet.
Gingrich mastered the art of personal political destruction, but Trump is going to plumb the depths of opposition research and unleash revenge media. Whether it be true or not.
Like any bully, Trump smells out weakness and hammers it.
Choose your candidate wisely. There is only one candidate that has the guts (and money) to relentlessly troll and attack the bully mercilessly (while also demonstrating a decent record in governing, to boot).
2
President or not, I for one will not take the time to listen to what a habitual lair has to say. Cleaning lint out of my spouses bellybutton would be more interesting and productive. However, the reporters should count the "sniffles" from the adderall cocktail he is dependent on, and tell us what subjects of national interest he says nothing about... that will indicate what he distracting voters from.
Is no one else tired of the ceaseless contrived petty drama from someone so unsuited for the highest office in the land?
2
AOC will boycott the State of the Union tonight. She is so brave.
Hearing this I think the Secret Service should be on high alert.
What to expect: braggadocio, lying, verbal abuse, name-calling of Democrats, repetitive use of the words Hoax, perfect, very, and negative remarks suggesting disgust with women. Exorbitant claims about the state of the economy and the gains of American workers.
Not to be mentioned: the deficit, the underfunding of Social Security and Medicare, the wars, the attacks on our environment . . . the failure of America businesses, given the largest tax gift ever, to reinvest in the American workforce.
1
Congress needs to add a few constitutional amendments. Change the impeachment process so it works! Also any President impeached can not run for the office or serve as President ever again. If Trump had been tried in a regular court that allowed witnesses, he’d be gone and we wouldn’t be exposed to the pack of lies he’ll serve up tonight. I hope Democrats boycott this fiasco!
1
I expect to hear one of the greatest State of the Union addresses in the history of State of the Union addresses;
the best so far have been delivered in 2018 and 2019. Thank you.
18
I’ll be watching anything else. My time is valuable.
2
@Southern Boy, unfortunately for Trump the numbers in the House and Senate are fixed so he can’t exaggerate his crowd audience size to be so much greater than previous presidents’ giving the same state of the union address.
2
You can “expect” anything you wish, but the greatness of the speech will depend on how eloquently Stephen Miller writes. Doubtful Donnie will give the Democrats credit for anything like their significant roles in MCA and prison reform. Rather he will whine about how mean the “”Do Nothing” Democrats are you him.
Also he will skip mentioning the 400 pieces of House legislation (275 bipartisan) that have been passed in the House since January, 2019. All those bills are languishing in Mitch’s wastebasket because his puppeteer Trump has instructed him to bury them, not send them to the floor of the senate for a vote. If Donald makes a pitch for bipartisanship tonight, let him show good faith and send all that legislation to the senators for a vote. Don’t hold your breath.
1
Maybe Joe Wilson will attend to shout out, "You lie!"
28
who wants to watch him spewing a pack of lies?
25
Can the Democrats boycott the SOTU?
13
The mask comes down when he thinks he is not on camera. Trump cult members and ANY enabling apologists reading this, just watch him mocking the National Anthem when he thinks there are no cameras;
https://nypost.com/2020/02/03/trump-pretends-to-conduct-orchestra-during-super-bowl-national-anthem/
Everybody around him acts appropriately.
What a reckless unaware phoney. Remember this when you watch him wallowing in self-aggrandisement during the impeached President's State of the Union
23
@Bob Guthrie What seems absolutely amazing is that either the person filming or standing next to the person filming is speaking either Russian or Ukrainian (or so it sounded to me)....really!????
3
I expect to be in bed watching “Veep” for the 100th time.
6
@person
I going to watch the Great British Baking Show for the 100th time.
There is no doubt what to expect. The orange one will gloat about total exoneration, then target his enemies. What a joke.
18
I will await the fact check that will follow. No use listening to, or even looking at, that pathological liar as he spews his venom and snorts his way through another “speech”.
16
I won’t be watching because I know it will only be Trumper propaganda. Plus, any dip in his TV ratings might actually get under his thin orange skin. Join me?!
19
I just mainly feel sick all the time when it comes to anytime this person opens his mouth.
The president of the United States is mocking people, systems, a state on Twitter today. Let that sink in. He is reveling destruction.
So far gone.
So far gone.
18
I won't be watching the narcissistic "campaign rally" under the guise of a State of the Union address, by the intellectually challenged, empathy impaired, spray-tanned, obese, morally corrupt, spiritually empty shell of a man, void of any integrity. No thanks.
23
I won't be watching the narcissistic "campaign rally" under the guise of a State of the Union address, by the intellectually challenged, empathy impaired, spray-tanned, obese, morally corrupt, spiritually empty shell of a man, void of any integrity. No thanks.
7
Trump will spike the football before getting into the end zone.
8
Couldn't you even bother to say what time the speech is? I seem to always have to really search for times for things because the MSM tends not to put them in the stories about them.
@Bill Samuel
9PM EST.
Can't wait for the off-script comments on the Iowa fiasco.
4
No need to read this article, I can tell you what to expect:
Lies, exaggeration, spins, embellishment, and more empty promises.
15
Confused are you or just Uber politically partisan?
Your words summarize what we can expect in the SOTU. The factcheckers are keeping track of exactly how many lies he can reel off in an hour plus. Will that number exceed the lies in his world record of 142 tweets in one day? The only surprise that would shock us would be if he said anything nice, gave even a teensy bit of credit to the opposition for helping with bi-partisan achievements. For him Win Win means he gets a two wins credit all for himself... reminds one that he demands two desserts every night at dinner when his guests are limited to just one.
This will be the first State-of-the Union address I will have missed in five decades. It will simply be too difficult to turn on the television and listen to that sing-song voice read his dishonest diatribe from the teleprompter.
Instead I will finish “A Very Stable Genius “ a horrifying and accurate ( according to the reviews ) insight into the daily workings of the White House by two Pulitzer Prize winning journalists. It is truly terrifying to read how our country is being run by the seat of its pants by the whims of a disinterested, incurious, often raging, retaliatory president who truly believes he knows more than his advisors, generals, intelligence and legal personnel. And usually makes decisions despite them. Or pouts and then fires them.
Since the SOTU is crafted by his two behind the scenes speech writers, it is a waste of time to listen to a man who likely will not fully understand what he is reading. Except that he has done the most for this country, better than any other president, and will continue to cut taxes and make hunky-dory for his base.
Truly frightening.
17
A few years ago some yahoo House member from Texas yelled “liar” as Obama made a (truthful) point in his speech. At the time I was shocked at the lack of respect shown to the office of the president. It’s a sign of how much that has eroded that I really hope the Democrats at least boo him tonight if he starts talking about Iowa, name-calling his opponents, or telling his ridiculous lies.
Please, oh please!
8
@Ed Pittsburgh Dude was from South Carolina. Situational awareness demands we keep tabs on the domestic terrorists (then again, Texas has plenty).
Your point is well taken though.
1
@Ed Pittsburgh
Yes. That was Representative Joe Wilson (SC-R) who shouted “you lie” at President Barack Obama.
1
The best approach is to ignore him and his address. He doesn't deserve to speak to the nation that he is destroying. He spouts nothing but lies, so why bother with anything he has to say. Get the message straight from Putin. It'll be more accurate.
12
Defending the indefensible is so easy for some!
6
When he is introduced as he walks in the House chamber, will he be introduced as The Impeached President of the USA?
He should.
He earned the title and it should be used as often as possible.
16
We need to remind him that he will always be an impeached President whether or not he is removed.
How about democrats all turn their chairs, or sit backwards, with their backs to trump and their faces proudly praying to any of the many flags in the chamber.
8
Simply put, We must boycott the speech , make it the lowest rated one since the dawn of tv, nothing but lies , mistruths and self grandiose nonsense
10
Trump is obviously in mental decline. Sooner or later, he will have a massive meltdown in public. It might be tonight.
11
@Ruben Kincaid- that is the only reason I will be watching
2
What to expect? Seriously? I expect to have dozens of better things to do than watch Trump read aloud on TV. He is utterly abhorrent.
14
Wash my hair, clean the cat box, start the income tax, schedule a colonoscopy or root canal are several such pursuits that are preferable to watching Trump speak. I have overdosed on his orange pancake makeup, the white raccoon rings around his eyes, and his multi-color roadkill hair. My eyes would be glazed over well before he launched into his never-ending braggadocio combined with whines. SOTU by a POtuS!
all it will be is lies, lies, and more lies coupled with bragging about how he has saved the world. He makes me sick. I will not watch nor waste my time listening to him.
7
This will be the first SOTU address in over 40 years that I will not watch. Why should I listen to his lies, dismissive comments about marginalized communities, boasts about his (lack of) accomplishments, outright distortions, fake inquiries into his rivals and constitutional gobbledygook. It will not enhance my knowledge of or interest in our society. It will not guide me in my understanding how his administration works or how our Union is doing. I'll stream some crime show. At least that is more accurate.
10
I'm not watching. I will listen to my ten year old who has a better vocabulary.
18
Tonight Trump will deliver the State of Disunion for our country and you know that nothing he says will be the truth as he has proven himself to be the biggest liar to date.
There is one thing that you can be sure of and that is he will talk about the impeachment hearing and how great he is.
If anybody in that room tonight can hear what is being said, it'll a miracle because the rest of the world is laughing so loud at us and what we've become.
7
I believe that any democrat who shows up at the state of the union is giving trump credibility, so please dems, boycott the union address
6
Boycott his speech!
Don’t watch and let him achieve the lowest rated least watched State of the Union in recent history.
8
I would not be surprised to see some Democrats either stand and turn their backs on Donald Trump, or just get up and walk out once he starts to speak.
The man is unfit to hold any office of public trust.
He does not deserve to waste people's time with his lies.
11
Trump will start out reading his speech written by Steve Miller. Then he will go off scrip and begin to rant because he cannot help himself.
5
After 16000 lies and counting, why even listen to what he says, it will just be more lies.
9
When Trump enters the House chamber, will Democrats:
1. Stand and applaud, albeit lightly, just to be polite?
2. Stand and remain silent?
3. Sit, silently?
4. Stand and turn their backs?
I'm a Trump opponent, by the way, so my questions above just stem from curiosity. Personally, I'd probably go with option 2.
5
I avoid experiences guaranteed to elevate my blood pressure.
10
I would love for all Democrats and people of conscience to turn their backs to Trump when he enters the chamber, and remain that way for the duration.
6
Why would I watch the "Misinformation show?" I would rather watch a repeat of "Law and Order" or a new episode of any TV show; they do not make any pretense at truth.
6
Tonight we will hear how the Emperor's New Clothes are the most beautiful of all.
6
Hmm he will say that the Democrats cannot even handle a simple primary/caucus and why would you want them to be in charge of the most powerful country in the world?
Democrats just handed themselves on a platter for ridicule tonight. I myself will NOT turn on the TV and watch the person who destroys this country for generations to come.
4
Wat to expect from Trump's state of the union address: Donald will continue to refuse to serve as President for all Americans and he will continue to divide the nation with hatred, bigotry, intolerance, and fear. Donald knows one script.
7
The democrat senators should invite John Bolton to the SOTU tonight. Position Boston where he can be seen directly. Also mattis and John kelly as well as all previous trump administration employees who were either fired or resigned.
11
I know I ought to watch but I just cannot or I will wind up breaking something and yelling. I have never in my long life had such a visceral negative reaction to a politician or indeed to anybody I have ever met.
11
The problem is that if Dems want to appeal to moderates and never-Trump Republicans they have to show respect for the office if not the man. That means they have to show up, be dignified, and avoid theatrics like turning their backs or shouting “you lie”.
3
No. Just don’t watch his ‘spectacle’.
Hmmm... what to expect. Well, there will be scripted Trump playing the role of a sane, rational person seeking bipartisan legislation.
Then, there will be rally-rant Trump, claiming victimization, deep state, hoaxes, conspiracies, claiming wins, etc.
I really hate to make these comparisons, but as a student of history Trump's consolidation of power within the GOP (all branches, all levels) truly reminds me of the legally elected AH, who also cemented power over a period of several years.
6
"New polling by Gallup reveals that President Trump's approval rating is at an all-time high, as he prepares to deliver his third State of the Union address Tuesday night and the Senate is expected to acquit him in his impeachment trial on Wednesday.
Trump's job approval rating now sits at 49 percent, with a 94 percent approval rating among Republicans and a 42 percent rating with independents, both numbers being highs for Trump's presidency. The GOP itself is also seeing a significant boost."
9
@RP
From Wikipedia: "Clinton's job approval rating ranged from 36% in mid-1993 to 64% in late 1993 and early 1994. In his second term, his rating consistently ranged from the high-50s to the high-60s. After his impeachment proceedings in 1998 and 1999, Clinton's rating reached its highest point at 73% approval."
4
Apparently you can fool some of the people most of the time. Again folks we can do better than the current occupant in the White House.
9
I've seen this movie before. He sands up trying to read words & ideas from a teleprompter he neither believes nor intends to abide by.
I don't know how many laws he must break before Joe Public has had "enough". I'm not certain how much democracy we must lose till the 40% says "enough". Know that Trump just announced Medicare cuts for the least vulnerable while the wealth gap grows even larger for Trump's 1%.
I've certainly had enough.
33
The Washington Post's motto is "Democracy dies in darkness." In fact, however, what's left of democracy will die in broad daylight tomorrow afternoon when the GOP Senators vote for their jobs instead of for their country. I wonder whether that will be mentioned in the State of the Union, but I can't bear to watch or listen to find out.
25
I’ll just wait for the blooper reel.
24
The do-nothing senate intends to investigate the House managers and the whistle blower and the Bidens.
Republican senators will do for Trump what he couldn't get Ukraine to do.
This is what they did to Hillary Clinton with Benghazi hearings. Somebody has to raise the standards in Washington.
The last couple of times we were truly united as a nation were 9/11 and Pearl Harbor. Must it come to that?
14
Trump should be very, very careful what he says as Justice Roberts and the rest of the Supremes will have front row seats and John has stuff going on tomorrow.
1
@jonT
Neither Chief Justice Roberts nor the Supreme Court have anything to say or do about the Senate vote on Impeachment.
3
As noted, Trump began his Presidency with a speech depicting what he called "American carnage," for which he was widely assalled. Ironically, it is now the Democrats who have been reduced to painting that kind of picture, in their repeated attacks on evil billionaires and corporations who allegedly are causing the economy "not to work" for most Americans. With full employment, wages rising, and markets soaring, it may be a tough sell.
4
@Ken M.
There is full employment under fascism and communism, too. One-third of the stock market is owned by foreigners and only enriches the wealthy. If you have a job and it pays federal minimum wage you're making $7.25 per hour. If you have a job and it's irregular you can't plan your life. If you have a job and it doesn't pay for retirement, cuts to Social Security and Medicare will drive you into poverty. I call this economy half-slavery because people get paid half what it takes to live, while the cost of education, housing, and healthcare continues to soar, and the rich get richer and demand even more tax cuts and cuts for the poor.
4
Can we agree and acknowledge all that is required of Trump is to get dressed in a suit and tie, have his hair styled and makeup applied, then read the speech written for him by a team of speech writers off of a teleprompter, with a devoutly serious expression on his face.
He is incapable of delivering a cohesive "speech" with his own words, as evident from the constant simpleminded nonsensical rants he delivers at his clownish rallies.
To refer to this event as "Trump's State of the Union" is just disingenuous and embarrassing.
17
I can’t even stand to hear that man’s voice. I will have to avoid listening to it for my own sanity.
37
@Mathias, I hear you (pun intended)! I also cannot listen to that voice (it prompts an instant, intense physical stress response), so I make frequent use of the mute button. Casting eyes on his ugliness is also sickening, but I'll put a few fingers up as a curtain.
3
@Feline.. I was shocked to read your response. That's my exact response. Only I'll use the remote as my curtain along with the mute button for when the Buffoon appears. He's too embarrassing to watch!
1
Perhaps the Sergeant at Arms can deliver subpoenas since the gang will all (mostly) be gathered together, thus showing some true fiscal conservatism.
6
No thanks. I will not be watching what will most certainly be lie after lie after distortion after distortion by mister Trump. And I hope the GOP senators will pay at the polls for this debacle of an "impeachment trial."
17
The Democrats should attend but two things should be done:
They should not applaud
The rebuttal should issued live by Doug Stanhope.
4
Another Trump speech. Another State of "The Onion" address. Writers for SNL must weep that they can't come up with this stuff.
9
In his speech tonight, we can be certain that Trump will lie repeatedly and call himself the greatest – he can’t help himself.
Trump’s psychological state presents an imminent danger to America and to the world. So say a group of 650 psychiatrists, who recently submitted a petition to the House Judiciary Committee. https://dangerouscase.org/petition-to-the-judiciary-committee/
This is a key passage:
“What makes Donald Trump so dangerous is the brittleness of his sense of worth. Any slight or criticism is experienced as a humiliation and degradation. To cope with the resultant hollow and empty feeling, he reacts with what is referred to as narcissistic rage. He is unable to take responsibility for any error, mistake, or failing. His default in that situation is to blame others and to attack the perceived source of his humiliation. These attacks of narcissistic rage can be brutal and destructive.”
Unfortunately, Trump's outbursts are likely to get worse.
12
During the speech, every Democrat in the chamber should stand up one by one and shout
“GUILTY” and the turn their backs on him. Then they should leave. Leave the speech to the fact checkers.
12
@Queenie
Exactly what the GOP & Russians hope they do.
1
What to expect? Expect more of the same - lies, exaggerations, divisiveness, delusions of grandeur and more lies.
9
We can expect a loud, boisterous autocrat want-to-be brag about how he has made America great again. Like his classic mode of operation, he will attempt to give the impression there was no American progress before he stumbled on to the scene.
Republicans in the House chamber will applause like the political string puppets they are. Democrats will look on with contempt, waiting for the torture to come to an end. And the television audience will enjoy the entertainment coming from the most powerful fool currently occupying the world stage.
11
He will start out using the teleprompter speaking of the need for national unity, healthcare for all, lower taxes, etc. Then he will lose his attention on the prompter & start his lies, rants, & name calling. Typical trump reality TV. Will he invoke the Article II claim that he can do anything he wants because the Senate has now said anything goes for this president?
4
He should simply state that the incompetence Dems and ‘progressives’ displayed in Iowa is what they want to impose on this nation.
Short and sweet. Drop mic. Exit stage right.
3
Gloating and humiliation and contempt is this man's stock in trade. We'll be hearing a lot of it. I'm sure they're spending the day trying to rein him in, but maybe he'll go off-script and show his true colors tonight and at least the Republicans will have to sit there in shame for their complicity.
7
I will not watch. Trump speaking is like nails on a chalk board for me. And if I want to be lied to I can call my family.
20
Do not watch. Do not cover. We have heard it all before and it is all lies. What is the point?
13
I'm going to give him what he deserves, that is, dead silence.
I'm going to become one of those who see no evil, hear no evil, because I'm not going to see or hear him. I'm going to ignore him and go out to dinner.
17
Great American comeback?? I don’t think so. Average Americans are not better off. Just take a look at your bank account and see how much interest you didn’t earn. Try and get a decent CD rate - it’s pathetic. While we’re not earning interest, we’re destroying the environment, ignoring climate change, caging children and separating them from their parents, chipping away at women’s rights, ignoring the rule of law, and operating under a fake Congress. We’re sitting this one out - the stench will be too strong to bear.
8
What to expect?
Nothing but a meaningless waste of time replete with both sides posturing, uttering banalities forgotten in a week's time.
3
Poor ratings are the only metric this president understands. Don’t watch. Read an inspiring book, take a friend to dinner, watch an Oscar nominated movie, listen to the Hamilton soundtrack, do the laundry, donate to an important cause, take a walk, write a poem, slow dance with your significant other. Do anything. Just don’t watch.
13
I very much look forward to not watching.
10
I will be amazed if he can control the impulse to gloat.
3
The Great American Comeback was under Obama, after Bush II. Trump has been coasting on it, and only his sycophants and non-thinking followers don't get that.
9
I won't be listening. Can't stand the man.
17
Trump should be required to identify each of the 50 states on a map before making his speech. Failing to get 100% should result in being escorted out of the chamber.
4
@GB Who are you kidding. I'd bet my salary he can't correctly label 10 states.
2
Yesterday I emailed my representative in the House, Zoe Lofgren, who’s a House Manager for the impeachment process. I made a specific request. I’ve asked her to silently get up and turn her back on the President when he brings up the impeachment in his usual fashion: “witch hunt”, “fake media” or some of his other greatest hits like “I can do anything as President”. I also asked Zoe to encourage her colleagues to do the same. A large number of congressional representatives silently turning their backs on this man would be an important statement from a disgusted American people. What this toxic individual needs is a dose of humiliation after his grand entrance into the congressional chambers. He needs to face public embarrassment, in front of his large television audience, because he is certain to get a pass from the very compliant, servile House and Senate Republicans.
6
What do I expect? Nothing worthwhile. I doubt I will be disappointed.
2
Drinking game!
A shot every time Trump tells a lie.
It still wouldn’t be enough to dull the searing pain of watching. I think I’ll skip the alcohol and just sit around sticking needles in my eyes, sober. So much less painful.
9
Expect tonight's 'State of the Union' to be full of braggadoccio by a vindictive bully, fully dedicated to serve his own interests and in disregard of the well- being of these United States. No matter that one third of the population remains emotionally in Trump's pocket, having such an arrogant know-nothing cruel charlatan ought to make us think twice before pride blinds us to the ongoing destruction of this democracy. A royal shame really. And in urgent need of repair. Justice demands it. And without justice, peace in society shall remain a distant dream. How awful is that?
4
Bread and circus! Just like the trial down the road.
1
What to expect from the State of the Union? Absolutely the most fantastic, greatest, best one ever.
All bravado and lies but Makes Russia Great Again.
2
Hopefully Trump will be his normal boastful, spiteful self, thus alienating even more independent and moderate voters.
2
Be good if nobody watched it. If he gets bad ratings, maybe the GOP won't be so anxious to aid and abet his every despicable move.
4
Let's hope that the Congress shows as much respect for the president as he showed to the flag during the playing of the national anthem prior to the start of the Super Bowl.
It was, by far, his greatest demonstration of hypocrisy since becoming the president.
4
If you are will not admit how strong Trump looks right now, you’re living in a bubble.
Right now we have Democrats throwing garbage on Iowa, a swing state. Trump was the big winner last night.
We are not at war. We don’t appear close to war.
One of our biggest adversaries, China, looks like a complete joke in front of the entire world with their secrecy with Hong Kong and now the coronavirus.
He wiped out one of the most dangerous individuals in the Middle East last month with a bomb in there has been no retaliation From Iran. Do not kid your self for a second if You do not think this makes him look strong.
And the fact is, the economy is amazing. It’s just that the stock market is more amazing and so all Democrats can do is complain that the stock market is great, but the economy is not quite as great?
I think some of you all will be surprised by how much blue-collar people will reward Trump for even trying to fight with China on trade. Even if it’s not super effective they will reward him for trying. African-Americans have received very little benefit from the Democratic party for decades now, but Democrats are still rewarded with their vote because they look like they try. Same thing.
Those are just the facts.
51
@jason
RE: "He wiped out one of the most dangerous individuals in the Middle East last month" He attacked Saudi Arabia last month? I must have missed that.
But you are right, as strongman Trump looks strong. It's what strongmen do. It's their path to power.
But we are supposed to be a nation of laws where HOW you do something is as important as WHAT you do. It's what separates the likes of Mussolini from FDR. If all that matters is the end, than any means to achieve it is justified. That is true for neither our laws or our religions - though many in either realm forget that.
I wonder how many African-Americans still remember comments regarding Obama "dirtying" the office, the White House, or the comparisons to animals by the Republican faithful spoken out loud?
Your viewpoint, like Trump's, is transactional. A lot of people share it. But quality matters to many Americans as well.
67
@jason
The facts are; no " cheaper better healthcare." the facts are an additional 1 trillion in national debt. The facts are most Americans don't own stock or even have remotely enough for retirement. The facts are: the environment is being destroyed, climate change is upon us, the infrastructure collapsing, people working three jobs,
no less than 20 lawsuits against trump by women who were sexually assaulted by him, children separated from their parents indefinately for the crime of seeking a better life, farmers hurt by tariffs, 5 of his closest associates in prison, collusion with an enemy power, Russia.
those are the facts. You won;t be crowing when the economy collapses and it will.
and soon. Trump has bankrupted everything his entire life. and ps; what have Republicans done for African Americans lately other than describe white supremicists as " fine people"?
87
@jason
Yes to all except understand that the majority of lower middle class do not own stocks so this does not help them.
11
Really, why bother tuning in to see this Fake President tell more lies, falsehoods, and gross misrepresentations. Any attempt on his part to convey “optimism”, unity, or any normal themes for a real President will be a purely manufactured performance by Trump. To see cowardly Republican Senators cheering for and backslapping him, knowing that tomorrow they will fully acquit the most corrupt President in our national history, is too much to stomach. We have reached a new and dangerous nadir in our politics.
5
Nancy should have rescinded the invite, ignored their whines and shut the whole thing down this year. She could have simply stated that its a partisan speech, politically motivated and that she holds the power to do as she pleases in the House... Take it to court if its so important Donald...
3
What a joke . Every word he says is lies he is profoundly immoral and will destroy our air and water with coal . I won’t watch him speak the Dems should boycott this corruption. I will watch our after Democratic response. The Grand old Polluters /GOP want to dismantle Social Security Trump mentioned he will look into that later this year. He feels he will be reelected.
2
Trump's so-called speech will be the usual load of lies, innuendo, conspiracies and self-aggrandizement except, now wrapped up in a warm blanket of smug satisfaction at being acquitted in a sham trial by his loyal and servile sycophants in congress.
4
I hope there is one loud sustained chorus of boos. That’s the most he deserves.
3
Wager: “ Lock Her Up “- Clinton. “ Lock Him Up “- Biden.
He WILL go there. The Presidential Apprentice, the king of uncouth and Boorishness.
Thanks, GOP.
NOVEMBER.
3
At this point, I hope all the Democrats walk out. Maybe they should take a cue from the Republican who yelled out "You lie!" to Obama and return the favor.
5
I won’t be watching. All Trump does is lie and preen.
7
As usual, IMPEACHED Donald Trump will lie. He'll distort the truth; he'll use misdirection, praising dictators and criminals while using/abusing decent people. He'll take credit for anything that might have gone well - not that anything has...He'll insult anyone who does not support him, particularly Democrats. He'll whine, he'll bully and lie some more. Listening to him is a major waste of my time.
I've learned that when his lips are moving, he's lying. It just saves time to assume nothing good can come from him. I won't be listening to his speech; it's just too nauseating...
3
Nixon said not to hate but it is so hard not to
3
The SOS address used to really mean something. Now, though, it is simply another tool in the box of devices used to further the propaganda spouted by an autocrat.
2
I don’t agree that SOTU members should shout “you lie” and repeat the ugly 2009 example set by South Carolina Republican Representative, Joe Wilson.
I might flip my flag lapel pin upside down. It’s jewelry, not an actual flag.
3
Pass. He's not worth it.
6
Wednesday is expected to be the date for the final vote in the Senate. One day after the State of the Union address. If the Republicans were not in majority in the Senate, the Wednesday date would have been some other date. Even a date prior to the State of the Union address. One has to get into the head of Mitch McConnell, to know how exactly he spread out the schedule for the impeachment trial, to coincide with the State of the Union address.
Where's my John McCain ?!
3
Simple steps to counter his performance tonight:
- Congressional Democrats — don’t go. Leave him standing there embarrassed that half the seats are empty.
- Every other compassionate, rational human being — don’t watch. Don’t allow his lies and verbal trash to worm their way into your head.
- Every American who really cares about the future of this country and the world — this November 3rd, vote Blue no matter who...every office, every district.
Simple.
14
@Matt This type of snide protest does not win over the hearts and minds of independent voters. Please carry on, I suppose.
If ever there was a time for payback for the "You lie!" outburst...
15
I hope the Democrats either boycott the speech or walk out if he starts talking about his "total exhoneration"
13
Expect the usual lies, misdirection, distractions, bombast and nonsense.
Trump is a tyrant and pathological liar. The saddest part is how many gullible Americans drink his toxic kool aid.
9
What "The Donald" sows - racism, misogyny, fascism, etc……
We, the country and the ignoramuses, reap…………...
6
What to expect? More blah from the big poobah!
3
New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries argued at President Trump’s impeachment trial Thursday that the Steele dossier did not constitute foreign meddling in an election because it was “purchased.”
Jeffries, a Democratic impeachment manager, was responding to a question posed by Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), who noted Hillary Clinton’s campaign hired Christopher Steele — a former British spy — to work with contacts abroad and compile the salacious dossier.
Hey, NYT, why do you never report this???
I've submitted this about ten times, and this never gets published. Why? Why?
Democrats are 100% corrupt through and through and cannot be trusted whatsoever.
2
@Elizabeth Carlisle Read the book A CRIME IN PROGRESS by the reporters who formed FUSION GPS for answers to these and other questions related to the Dossier. The material in the dossier was originally compiled by one (or more) republicans to use against then-candidate Trump was he was competing for the republican nomination.
8
@Elizabeth Carlisle ~
“The analogy is not applicable to the present situation because first, to the extent that opposition research was obtained, it was opposition research that was purchased,” Jeffries responded to the question.'
It has been documented extensively that campaigns purchase such studies. And there are no laws against it.
Such as the GOP, who started this one.
Want to read what Andrew McCabe said?
"For a campaign to hire a law firm, an American law firm who then turns around and hires an American research company that then contracts out with a foreign individual, that is not illegal," McCabe emphasized."
3
@Elizabeth Carlisle
The Times doesn't report lies. Just because you believe the lies doesn't mean the rest of us do.
2
I'd rather have my teeth pulled without anesthesia than subject myself to that insufferable, lying, racist, misogynist. Democrats should boycott or at least scream, "You lie" every time he opens his lying mouth.
6
I really wish all Democrats would boycott this event, or sit with their backs to the lectune....
4
I think I'll watch some newsreels of Mussolini or Franco speeches instead. There's be no ostensible difference from watching Trump.
13
Mr. Potter gets up tonight in front of the Board of the Savings & Loan, and declares himself King Donald I. Then takes credit for everything Peter Bailey did, and renames Bedford Falls Pottersville. Fortunately, George Bailey has left town, headed for Tahiti on a tramp steamer.
6
Good for George! I’m glad he finally gets to go somewhere!
1
I will not watch or listen, but I anticipate sound, fury and lots of boasting, smugly delivered by our deceitful and duplicitous, propaganda "president".
With repugnant McConnell grinning along in the background.
8
Not worth watching. Will be lies, lies, lies.
10
What to expect?
One word: LIES
Two words: MORE LIES
10
Be sure to have your clicker at the ready to count the number of lies.
5
The Soma will flow!
5
The Dems should protest, respectfully. Just as Trump starts his speech, every democratic house and senate member should stand up, and turn around. Remain standing until Trump is finished.
Trump won’t know what to do. Just think of the photo op.
7
Well it looks like Joe Biden had a bad night in the Iowa Caucus. So Trump’s strategy may have worked. He was impeached over it but if he’s re elected he’ll take the trade off.
5
Why would I watch? It would only make me angry. I wouldn't learn anything because it will be shy on facts. I would have to look at him and listen to him, and that would make me physically ill. I'll pass and listen to the pundits sum it up tomorrow.
6
It's only morning, and he already stuck a finger in the eye of CNN by refusing to have them at the tradition SOTU lunch for network anchors.
He's petty at the level of a grade school student, but with an unmatched level of power to do harm.
And if the "great American comeback" doesn't reach back to 2009, then he's just denying a decade of US history and spitting on those who put him on third base.
Imagine him going forward a congressional check or balance. "The Ransom of Red Chief" should be required reading for all GOP senators.
7
"What to expect from Trump's address?" I expect NOTHING from Trump, as I never expected anything from him since day one. Let me clarify that: I never expected anything GOOD from him, and I've gotten nothing good from him. The COUNTRY has gotten nothing good from him. I can't bear to hear that gangster's voice and I have no reason to tune in. I might read a recap in the paper on Wednesday OR....I may not. It doesn't really matter at this point anyway, ladies and gentlemen, what he says or when we're forced to endure hearing about it.
9
Trump’s speech will probably go as follows: Me, Me, Me, Me, Me, Me, Them, Them, Them, Them, Me, Me, Me.
7
Since the GOP Senators apparently will boycott the yes vote to impeach, I vow to boycott every public appearance of this WH temp, whether TV, social media or otherwise, and suggest entire nation do the same. With Rush Limbaugh out of commission, Trump will have poorer reception with the majority of disapproving voters tuning into NCIS or Law and Order re-runs where bad guys end up in jail.
5
Surging economy, low unemployment,increasing wages and better environmental performance .
Self righteous critics are wrong.
1
@clarity007 ~
Yep, Obama did pretty well in the last 6 years.
You CAN'T be referring to Trump when you include anything positive about the environment under him.
5
I think they meant “economic” not “environmental”?
1
I am grateful to have a professional continuing education course this evening. It assures I waste less of my life listening to nonsense from the top. I wonder how sober he will be, but I have Twitter for that ....
3
Can't we just dispense with is annual nonsense? All that is required under the constitution is a 'report', not an every growing dog and pony show - a speech that is less about the actual state of the country, good or bad, but an ego-trip for the incumbent, and, in an election year, free advertising; one side stands and cheers, one sits on its hand; stock the gallery with props to point out to illustrate a talking point; have previews of the address and then a rebuttal, both total wastes of time; using the military leaders and justices as further props to sit stoically in the front row, looking uncomfortable all the while (at least the justices can't be ordered to attend - and shouldn't); post-speech 'analysis', consisting of rah rah if your a supporter, and slamming if you're not; and on and on.
All so predictable, and all such a grand waste of time. Have the president mail it in and be done with it. Let this annual angst fest die.
3
I expect nothing would be a bigger waste of time than watching Trump's State of the Union Address. I will be dusting, or in a pinch, watching paint dry.
9
or as spring begins in California, we can watch trees bud.
3
I hope Trump strides up to the podium tonight and looks those who have mocked and ridiculed him for years now for not being "presidential," straight in the eye and shows them what presidential looks like.
1
@John Doe
Given his past history, not possible.
1
@Chris Bunz, even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Trumps speech will be nothing more than a string of lies and boastful exaggerations.
If you want to watch fiction, there are much better options.
6
What do I expect? Nothing worth repeating, therefore nothing of substance from president Big Mack. More falsehoods, braggadocio. More lousy theater certainly. And lastly, a grand waste of time. It is best to tune into a good film and ignore the grifter president.
4
As is the case from last year, I won't be watching. I have watched SOTU addresses from every president regardless of party. Not this man. Donald Trump is not our president. He is an employee of Vladimir Putin. Can't wait til next year when this scourge has been cleansed from the White House.
3
I expect trump* to lie, and when he does, Democrats in attendance should not hesitate to shout out, loud and clear:
"You Lie!".
4
I'd throw decorum out the door. This President has already disgraced the office. I think the Dems need a strong show of how abhorrent and dangerous they think this monarch is. They should not show up or show up with some symbol (black armband?) and not be afraid to boo or throw shoes a la George Bush ... This con man has created a monarchy under the eye of his enabling cabal of Republicans. If you think he is dangerous you cannot treat him normally.
6
I am being treated for windmill cancer, and then assigned to a neighborhood watch for caravans of impoverished, exhausted brown children that are a threat to me.
Thus, I will have to miss the State of the Disunion.
Fingers crossed for Donald that he can successfully read a teleprompter.
I can get an update on the lie count tomorrow.
Still waiting for the tax returns (no other POTUS has ever refused....)
5
I do not choose to spend my time watching a liar lie.
Vote blue, no matter who.
6
Trump could call his side of the aisle doormat weaklings and they would still give him a standing ovation.
5
An orchestrated "Animal House" coughing fit is in order. I hope the Dems show some grit and defiance.
5
It will be his typical bragging and probably insulting, unless someone reins him in. Maybe someone can attend and yell “you lie” 15,000 times.
1
What to expect? Inaccuracies, lots of them, as usual..
1
Tonight I expect to get ready for the event by making a little extra tea, hitting my old guys recliner, cat in lap. Perhaps a little weather station, maybe some....anything but the would be god king tyrant. I wish I could find a good old test pattern.
Do I recall an Egyptian pharaoh that displeased his minions and they wiped his memory from history? So there is hope......
2
Should Democrats yell liar and impeached at the president as he speaks? Do it multiple times and then what, he’s going to walk out? I wouldn’t be surprised.
1
Whatever Fox News is saying is what I expect to hear.
4
Lies, lies and more lies!! Take credit for the Obama triumph over our economy and exaggerate everything. Only his base will bother watching this farce. Hopefully tomorrow they will censure him for bad behavior.
2
I expect a bunch of rambling, a lot of bad mouthing and a bunch of inconsistent or outright lies..
3
I imagine Trump will review a list of his accomplishments; things that have happened in a positive manner in spite of the Democrats attempt at removing him. I also imagine he will ask the Democrats to become civil again. After all, the economy is churning, our military has made some great accomplishments, energy is now self sufficient, jobs are plentiful. Then he will describe what needs to be accomplished next; prescription drug reform, sensible immigration reform, health care reform, and above all reducing the deficit with spending cuts and tax manipulation. The fact is, he will be doing this speech for another four years. The Democrats have insured his reelection with their actions and lack of sensible policy. I look for him to extent an olive branch to bring them into the real world of compromise, which is the one word this country was founded on.
2
@Duane Mathias
You must be a fiction writer... If you reversed Democrats for Republicans it would make more sense. I am constantly amazed at the how Trump's supporters can only see the mirror image of that man.
2
@Duane Mathias
Huh?
Forget the 15,000 lies for a minute.
And his singular refusal to show his tax returns.
Instead, let me know how his “policies” on the environment, health care and education help your kids,
Them let me know how the plutocrat tax cut and the historic deficit work out for you and them.
Wake up
He is a sociopath
You’re being conned
It’s the one thing he’s good at.
2
The only reason to watch would be to see the academy award worthy performance of Nancy Pelosi introducing 45 with the class and dignity she always manages to project. Thank you Madam Speaker for lending some semblance of decorum to this political theater.
9
On the eve of his impeachment over attacking our election process yet again what did he do? What did he say about Iowa Republicans?
Choosing to undermine instead of strengthen the process of voters is at the core of the unfitness of this administration and those that continue to support him.
2
Wonder if he checks the "ratings" and if any of his staff would give him honest numbers. I would smile a little at his rage upon finding out most people have turned off the Trump show.
Oh joy, once again the Republicans will telegraph how they intend to continue their subversion campaign against the country and the people who are supposed to protect us from just such illegal activity will nod and go back to enjoying their overpaid positions.
Yes, what the Republicans are doing with the Trump impeachment is NOT a cover-up. There is actually a word for it. The word is subversion. What is going on right out in the open is Republican Subversion.
But don't let it bother you. Don't get worked up about it. But when the Republicans say they have to cut Social Security, Medicare and other taxpayer funded social safety programs, don't claim no one ever said a thing about it.
And when the Republicans say there is no choice but to replace the Constitution with a document ALEC has conveniently written for you (and they will) that it's the first you heard about it.
3
The stock market is higher on the day of the state of the Union (SOU) 2020. Lowest unemployment in history. Highest wage growth. Wuhan Corona virus mostly contained on the other side of the world that the WHO does not want to call it a pandemic. Last SOU, Trump summarized the last of the Union as "strong". whats he going to say today? Terrific.
2
@Girish Kotwal
-Most Bade base don’t have stock.
-McJobs don’t pay all the bills.
-Healthcare bankrupts families.
-Student debt crushes young people.
-Not even Hannity can claim trump has ANYTHING to do with containing corona,—Oh and then Southern Hemisphere is on fire as he ignores climate crisis.
Keep watching Fox “News “
You’ll feel good.
Rah rah.
And that’s what matters
2
"Surreal is an excellent description of Trump's presidency and the Republican Party's fealty to this very flawed incompetent demagogue.
3
Why bother watching when you know he will be lying, manipulating, coercing, exaggerating and deceiving?
5
Lies, slander, cheap shots, incoherence, scapegoating--all the things we have come to expect from the Occupant. Why anyone pays any attention to anything he says is a mystery.
4
Not me. I plan to skip the SoU.
This creation that passes for a human gives me revulsions to watch.
That said, I would love for some brave Democrats to rise and say “You lie!” when he inevitably spouts a false narrative.
I’m even happy to see the rules of decorum breached if they were to rise and loudly Boo him.
Instead I plan to be at the anti-Trump Corruption rally at Columbus Circle in NYC tomorrow.
Protests are planned nationwide. You can look up events at the action network .org.
3
I will not be watching. Until Trump, I always watched SOTU even if I did not vote for the man delivering it. Always. For over sixty years I watched.
I tried the first year with Trump, but found my dinner kept trying to come up, and my blood pressure got high.
I think it has something to do with the fact that I really just can't stand obnoxious, braggadocious, hateful liars.
Besides.. why give him the ratings? My entire family will switch the channel and watch something, anything else. Either that, or shovel snow and/or clean toilets.
3
What else can it be? Winning on ALL FRONTS. Economy, border security, middle east peace plan, new and improved NAFTA, impeachment fiasco, Mueller fiasco, best employment in 70 years. And best of all is Iowa. What a joke!
@Matt - Prime sarcasm - but definitely not funny. 🙁👎🙁
1
The usual lies and self proclaim greatness..rather watch paint dry than his speech
1
The world will be watching with bated bread, I think there’s a serious concern of Trump embarrassing himself and the country during the State if the Union address.
I think Trump doesn’t know or doesn’t care that he’s acting in a disturbing manner during the National Anthem before the Super Bowl.
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article239913588.html
2
Nothing but a con-job and farce wrapped into one.
Why no witnesses?
Why no arguing of the facts?
Why no decency?
Where are his tax returns?
All totally "inappropriate" -- yet completely comprehensible.
A total farce.
4
I prefer my SOU addresses from POTUS's who weren't impeached.
4
I refuse to watch. I've seen enough of his shtick to last a lifetime.
The guy has made a career out of lying.
Why bother?
5
I cannot think of anything less embarrassing to the nation than the State of the Union address being delivered by a man known to be a habitual liar, whose ignorance is legendary, who will take credit for nonexistent accomplishments such as the so-called great American comeback, whom world leaders laugh at for good reasons, whom is suspected to be a victim of kompromat held by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and who is known to have committed criminal acts whose intent was to game the 2020 election in his favor. Pass the bucket, please.
3
What I expect is not to listen to a word of it, and not to bother with any recaps. It'll all be lies, just because Trump lies all the time. I can't stand the sound of his voice either. So yeah, for me, this SOTU is absolutely meaningless.
Red meat. Blood and guts. Vengeance. Spite.
1
What will happen at tonight’s state of the union address: Donald will once again demonstrate that he has no intention of being President for all Americans. He will further divide the nation and he will further solidify his support among bigots, racists, and the poorly educated.
No thank you.
1
Hopefully they won't applaud him. He's been impeached and proven to be a liar, a cheat, and an unrepentant repeat offender. He slanders them and calls them names. Show up, yes; but other than that, don't show him a shred of respect.
Is anyone going to listen to this litany of lies besides the Republican stooges in congress and maybe his base?
1
Are Democrats really going to attend this charade? They should shut down the House until the next inauguration.
2
@Duke
Yep. Just give up and go home.
Brave.
Strong.
If--no, when--Trump starts to spew insults, I hope that Speaker Pelosi will gavel him out of order, and when he refuses to cease and insults her, she will lead a walkout of all the Democrats in the hall.
2
@James Miller
Not happening. She has more class and more political smarts than that.
1
This is not an important event. It will be forgotten in days.
The moment of truth for Democrats will be when Trump unveils his plan to replace Obamacare likely right before summer.
Both Pelosi and the Democratic candidate will have to choose: look partisan and unwilling to work with a Republican president, or cooperate and hand Trump a big victory right before the election which will make him look presidential.
Republicans have tested this scenario with USMCA/NAFTA and know Pelosi will likely choose to work with Trump.
3
You think Trump has a plan?
3
@Liz
The problem is that the Republican Party has not had a serious healthcare reform idea EVER because meaningful reform would involve regulating out the greed from the system; Republicans love the greed and extortion in the system because greed is their fundamental family value.
The USMCA/NAFTA are fake 'new and improved' Trump window dressing.
If it doesn't help millionaires, the GOP is not interested in public policy.
3
@Gisele Dubson No of course he doesn't have a plan. He will copy Obamacare, shore it up a little and allow a few amendments by the Democrats, then call it his own.
The ACA is Obama's signature legacy, you know Trump is just waiting to kill it, and he did promise a "phenomenal" healthcare plan. That's what makes me believe Republicans will pull something out of their hat.
If Bernie (MFA) is the nominee a bipartisan agreement on privatized healthcare might make things even more complicated and drive yet another wedge between progressives and centrists.
Thank you all below for providing me an summary ahead of tonight's state of the union address. This will be the first one I will NOT rush to get into my car and listen to it on the CA 405 freeway, pop on my headphones, ask my husband to make dinner ahead so we can watch together. I'm afraid that I will simply not tune in because after recent weeks and months and now years of this circus, I'm taking a short break until I can find a productive way to help fight and win back some piece of democracy!
18
It will be interesting if President Trump mentions the Chinese Wuhan crisis, and due to it,,the threat to interconnectivity around the Globe. If he does, most important is how he creates the narrative. China Has Fallen. Only question is how far, and will a global position of support continue.
2
@R - Trump will divulge tonight that 5G causes coronavirus.
2
This will be the "teleprompter Trump," although he might go off script if he cannot resist making jibes and self praise. Like his previous speeches, he will take credit for things he has done and others have done before him. It does not matter what he has to say on foreign policy or on infrastructure investment. The future of these topics is changeable instantly. As for immigration, he will talk about completing the wall and stopping virtually everyone from entering from third world and Muslim nations. Look for him to claim a big win on the trade deal with Canada and Mexico which is only marginally different from NAFTA, its predecessor. He will probably claim near success with China trade, although that deal is still much up in the air. When all is said and done, the speech will have little effect, not unlike its predecessors. Trump's memorable actions so far, like assassination and abandoning allies like Ukraine and Kurds in Syria, were not previewed in his public speeches. Be prepared for another roller coaster year in Washington, and his speech will not reveal the shocks to come.
4
I don’t think the Constitution requires the Democratic Congress to be used and abused by Trump on television to gain popularity with his base. When the targeted audience disappears, the show closes down.
24
@Miriam Webster
Yes. Watch hm disrespect the Anthem when he thinks nobody is filming him. What a fake he is:
https://nypost.com/2020/02/03/trump-pretends-to-conduct-orchestra-during-super-bowl-national-anthem/
2
I have watched all of Trumps SOU addresses since he has been in office. Tonight should be one of those nights that make the hair on your arms stand straight up. With the impeachment exoneration by the Senate and the Democratic failing of the Iowa caucuses will provide the ammo Trump needs to go off script a little. I for one am excited to hear how well our nation is doing. I know folks from my region have never been happier (and that's not including a recent Chiefs Super Bowl win).
What do you think the tension in the room will be like with Nancy Pelosi sitting directly behind Trump for so long. I hope the President turns around and gives her a little sarcastic clap back like she once did to him.
8
We should indeed be thankful that Trump chose to continue the great “Obama Prosperity” that started in 2008.
By luck, it’s the one thing he’s not stepped on.
Virtually everything else, including your taxes, healthcare and national safety, he’s either given to his wealthy friends, tried to get rid off, or taken us closer to war.
Good call there, buddy!
2
Didn’t you hear? There was no trial; no witnesses were allowed. Like Trump’s State of the Union addresses, it was all talking, no reality.
2
The state of our Union is division and chaos. The chaos is caused by over 15,000 lies delivered by the King of Chaos, Donald Trump.
Finally, a minimum wage of $7.50 an hour as part of a viable economy is a major part of the Big Lie -- his so-called great economy.
30
If Democrats want to drive the point home, they should all walk out during his state of the union (“Look at how untouchable I am”) speech. Now, THAT would be something! It probably won’t happen, but I can dream, can’t I?
32
@Selena Coul
Or in unison shout “YOU LIE” as my local southern gentleman Republicon Rep did during President Obama’s SOU.
@Selena Coul, maybe at least one of them will muster the courage to shout out loud, "YOU LIE!!!"
The State of The Union address will be as divisive and deceitful as the President that is delivering it. It will also be as illegitimate as the acquittal that will follow on the very next day. We are witnessing the darkest of times in our nation’s history.
58
I can't watch the SotU. When I hear or see the Cheetolini, my PTSD sends warnings throughout my system, and my limbic system takes over.
The past 3 years have been exhausting.
56
please pay attention to President Trumps words before the MSM turns it negative
our country is doing very well and it's time for all to appreciate our successes
time to unite. Democrats will have their chance to lead in 2024
8
@Brasto
I hope you make $7.50 an hour until then.
1
I’ll be taking a pass on the State of the Union.
I already know there’s no union.
And that our State is barely hanging in there.
54
And that our poor State is barely hanging in there.
2
The shorter version of tonight's "speech": Trump holds up a copy of the Constitution, lights it on fire, as all Republicans stand and offer rapturous applause.
76
The establishment of a monarchy should be announced
17
"The speech will begin around 9 p.m. Eastern and will be followed by responses by two Democrats, one in English and one in Spanish."
I think that the responses should be delayed by a few hours. Let the man speak, let US decide what to make of it, and then AFTER we have had a chance to take it in, let the Democrats have their turn.
2
Both parties get their chance every four years. This is a democratic republic. Unification means to support that republic and its rules, not to unify around one man.
1
Instead of a response, maybe Democrats can finally deliver Iowa caucus results.
4
I will not watch Trump. I have never watched his state of the union addresses. Like Jack Nicholson said in the film "Terms Of Endearment" - "I would rather stick needles on my eyes."
29
Unfortunately tradition dictates that Speaker Pelosi will introduce the President with what will be the first lie of the evening:
"Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the President of the United States."
No one who believes in an inclusive America and a fair democracy would feel it's a privilege to introduce this most dishonorable and shameful of presidents the day before a sham trial acquits him of his high crimes.
No doubt the sycophantic and complicit Republicans will loudly cheer for their Great Leader and each lie he tells, but if they had an ounce of honor they would be joining with Democrats in a post speach rousing chorus of
"Na na na na, hey hey, goodbye"
Followed by a vote to remove this miscreant from the office he has disgraced.
10
Just another Trump tv show, no relationship to reality, no reason to watch.
31
I want someone in the audience to yell out, “YOU LIE!” Or perhaps they could bring a noise grogger in, so whenever he starts to boast or tell us how fabulous or tremendous or excellent his economy is they could rev it up as background sound. Or maybe those horns that were used at the soccer game? Maybe small white hand-to-hand banners could be held that also say: “GUILTY!”
17
So the usual smoke & mirrors, spin & lies that are Trumps trademark. Yeah I’ll pass on Mr. Twitter trolls marketing pitch on why nothing is his fault and everything is his success. He was a con man & a carnival barker long before reinventing himself as a phony conservative. It just a matter of who his marks are this time, the product has always been the same. Overpriced junk with Trump stickered on it, like Obama’s economic recovery that Trumps taking credit for. What a carnival of foolishness.
16
The man lies every time he opens his mouth. I choose not to waste my time and attention listening to him.
21
Not too hard to figure out. Mr. Trump will do what he has done all his life. He will take credit for other peoples' accomplishments, declare himself great, blame others for what is wrong, and give us all the reasons why he is a terrific President.
He will point out exceptions and make them the rule; he will insult and disparage his critics and opponents; he will warn of how awful things will be if he isn't allowed do do what he wants.
It's Donald Trump. It's the right half of the GOP. Why should we expect anything else?
And, unfortunately, it's what our national politics have become. Ultimately, whose fault is that?
Go back and read the Preamble, and tell me if any of us are really living up to the promise.
276
@Steve Feldmann, I'm not sure 'We the people' aren't living up to the promise, in fact I would say the opposite. It's just that sometimes the person you want to be president doesn't win.
My first presidential election was 1980, and for every president from then until now that I liked (or disliked,) there were other voters who disliked (or liked) him. That's just how it goes. And despite all the handwringing about it being the end of life as we know it, we keep rolling on.
How did it happen that Trump got elected? Unfortunately, it is a permanent, and to me, embarrassing part of the American lore. But to the next guy, Trump made America great again.
2
@Steve Feldmann
Or go back and Read the Declaration of Independence.
See how many of the intolerable conditions they mentioned that lead them to declare independence and fight a war to get are present in the country today.
After you read the Declaration, ask yourself what actions the colonists would take if they were here now.
13
@Steve Feldmann
refreshingly fair comment, Steve.
5
"White House officials said the theme of the speech will be “the great American comeback,” highlighting his record on the economy, increased military spending and the appointment of conservative judges."
"Great American comeback" or Great American Setback? My God, his record on the economy should give every ordinary American pause, as we face a mountain range of debt, a bubble stock market--all fueled by deregulation that takes the nation back to the dirty air, unsafe drinking water and dangerous carbon-fueling policies that are destroying our planet.
Great American Comback or Great American Setback? The loss of the country's founding values, rising racial bigotry and white nationalist terror, and a president whose corruption and abuse of power knows no bounds.
The nation is off the rails, and everyone, including Trump's enablers, knows it.
524
@ChristineMcM With all due respect to Trump's claims of his positive effect on the "economy".....If we look at the graphs of economic activity over the past decade, they all show that the great "Economy" that Trump is taking credit for began right after Barack Obama was sworn in as POTUS in 2009 and his administration bailed out the big banks and manufacturing.
There has been no additional upswing in the economic indicators since Trump's inauguration in 2017. While the financial markets are up the real question for voters in November will be whether their ability to live comfortable lives has improved or deteriorated in the past decade, in spite of, or because of the classic indicators or economic success.
52
@ChristineMcM
Makes you wonder who your friends are, doesn’t it? And why or why not.
A country divided and torn. A Trump delight is what we’re living. We’ve sort of kept our heads above water. If he gets in again, we’ll just plain drown.
21
@ChristineMcM "Increased military spending"!?
The military portion of the budget is already over fifty-percent and there is certainly no accounting by Trump for the absence of a cogent plan for healthcare or infrastructure in America.
25
After observing what has happened in this country and the misbehavior of an untold number of elected officials at the highest level of government, I just don't care about this spectacle. It will probably turn out to be another zoo-like rally with no substance, a lot of insults, and more hatred being spewed. I'll skip it and just wait for election day.
202
@roark This State of the Union address with this Congress in attendance will be one of the most spectacular performances of the Theater of the Absurd that the world has ever seen. To miss it will be missing an historical event the likes of which you will never again have the chance of seeing. (Hopefully, never again!)
13
@roark
I plan on doing the same.
9
@RLW
My stomach isn't strong enough!
2
At this point, I hope the Democratic side responds to every one of Trumps lies and inanities with resounding laughter.
524
@Clayton Marlow you got that right. If the Dems just sat and laughed every time he said something about his illusions , they would drive him crazy. I’m not sure how the GOP would handle it, probably try to use it against them , “ saying some to the effect .” They aren’t doing their jobs , laughing about important blah, blah......” love the approach though.
96
@Clayton Marlow
You do realize that impeachment/ re-litigation of the 2016 elections over the past three years was to blunt the rise of Warren/ Sanders?
You also do realize, a lot of the folks on the coast (Wall Street or Silicon Valley) will vote for Trump instead of Warren/ Sanders.
You do realize that HRC falls in the above category. The Democrats are in disarray, as evident by the "non-Russia influenced" Iowa caucus fiasco.
Time to come out of the echo-bubble. Trump is not as bad as you and bubble-dwellers portray.
12
@Clayton Marlow
I see your point, but even as president trump degrades the office he holds, the Democrats can honor the office of President of the United States. We don't have to act like Republicans.
But even more important to me, this is tragedy not comedy. I can't laugh.
39
Does anyone remember that episode of the Simpsons when the gigantic company mascot statues came to life and started destroying the town, and the way to stop their campaign of terror was to deprive them of attention?
Ever since Trump first declared his candidacy, the press has developed an incredibly unhealthy obsession with him. His narcissistic personality disorder craves attention. The more attention the press gives him, the more outrages he perpetrates on purpose to keep the conversation about him.
Bottom line is this: Trump is going to be reading someone else’s words from a teleprompter tonight. The press should cover this event accordingly, with a resounding “meh.” Post the transcript on the website, cover it for 90 seconds on the nightly news, and move on to something worth your time, like climate change, the crisis of our healthcare system, wealth inequality etc. Stop giving in to Trump’s feedback loop of national trauma. If you quit giving in to his childish behavior, you take away his power to control the national dialogue, and you save the country.
38
Is there anyplace where you can place bets on how many lies
Trump will tell during the State of the Union?
Tom
28
@Polymath.oviedo He is not worth listening to, the lies and self-promotion will be disgusting.
What to expect: lies, distortions, bombast, hyperbole and divisiveness.
32
Who will be the Democrat with a moral compass who will scream “you lie” in the middle of Trump’s gaslighting tonight?
What about ALL democrats, on by one screaming “you lie” !
We need FACTS to enter our public discourse ounce again, in the name of democracy in America.
12
I am willing to wager that the Supreme Narcissist will make the "State of the Union" all about himself. I"ll be nowhere near any media this evening.
13
Tonight we will witness the proclamation of the monarchy. “I of House Trump, first of my name, ...”
2
Tonight, I thank God for streaming television! As for the state of the union: unfortunately, its abundantly clear. Who needs a full hour fake recap punctuated by a distracting nasal snort.
12
I refuse to watch Trump lie, slander, mispronounce, garble his words, and hear the most unintelligent, uncultured person in America bloviate about "how great everything is, folks." Democrats should boycott the address; if the GOP will deny witnesses and documents at his impeachment trial, Democrats should go about their business of running the country and not waste time on this mendacious, disastrous mess of a president.
21
The first lines of his speech should be:
I told you I could shoot a man down on Fifth Avenue and get away with it, and I just did.
His name was Uncle Sam.
43
Looks like the raucous caucus will release results in time to distract Americans from the State of the Union. These conspiracies just don’t stop!
1
Impeached presidents - especially fake ones - should never be given this honor.
21
@Matthew
Yes. It's an absurdity.
1
Nothing good that is for sure.
Vote blue no matter who!
14
No thank you, I have any trace of masochism well under control. Any channel but one that will show this aberration of a human being.
11
We are all hopelessly drawn into the swirling hole, emptying down the bowl, into the sewer.
7
What to expect? Bloviating, posturing, sarcasm, hostility and above all; lies.
13
I say we turn it into a drinking game. Every time Trump tells an obvious lie, you drink!
On second thought, half the country would have alcohol poisoning...
Ok, new idea. Drink every time Trump butchers a word - that'd be quite the achomlisment.
But I don't want to leave out my tea-totaling friends. You guys can drink every time Trump tells the truth. So, you know, not at all.
9
I am almost 70 years old and I have limited time remaining on this earth. I will not waste my precious time watching this liar, cheat, and you know what grabber. I will be reading a good book.
34
I know what to expect.
So I'll skip it. Don't need the nausea and blood pressure spike I'd get from trying to listen to the orange beast.
17
Expect lies. More lies. And even more lies.
There isn't a truthful bone in his body.
9
Every Trump false or agrandising claim should be met with prolonged periods of laughter. There's no need to shout out "you lie" as the Republicans did to Obama during his SOTU.
The American people know Trump lies, and that his lies are so easily disproved that it's a joke.
5
@rich "There's no need to shout out "you lie" as the Republicans did to Obama during his SOTU. "
It was ONE Republican and not Republicans. Lying comes as easy to Democrats (also) as falling off a log.
1
Who cares? A lot of hot air. What a spectacle our country has become.
7
Democrats need stop whining and see the light:
Trump* is morally repugnant, he lies, he cheats but... he wins.
He beat the draft dodger rap
He beat the Hollywood Access tape rap
He won the 2016 election
He beat the Mueller rap
He is about to beat the impeachment rap
And all his supporters care about is that he wins.
So WAKE UP or his royal heinousness will be reelected.
* impeached
3
Expect gloating, lies and more lies and more gloating.
Putin will be pleased.
12
We know what to expect.
Lies, incomplete sentences, mis-pronunciations and several repetitions of “very very”.
12
I expect lying.
Lots and lots of lying.
Possibly non-stop lying.
21
Other than the totally expected mountain of lies, uh, more lies.
5
And why would anyone want to listen to a nasal toned screed of lies and false grandiosity from an impeached President who thinks he is a King. No thank you. Netflix is a better way to spend my time.
12
I won’t be paying attention
8
I wish that the Democratic caucus would leave the chamber as a show of being unwilling to legitimize or respect this abomination of a president!
6
No doubt the Iowa Caucus democrat train wreck will get a well-deserved shout-out.
2
I certainly would hope that there is congressperson who is courageous enough to stand up in the midst of the trump's diatribe to scream at him "Mr. President, you are a pathological
Liar".
7
If you've heard one you've heard them all.
2
Gang GOP is complicit in his crimes. There is absolutely nothing I care to waste my time listening to this, should-be-felon. Vote blue
6
He will say" I am the Lord God. I can never do wrong. Obey me or die."
3
I’ll be surprised if Trump maintains a more or less “presidential” demeanor during tonight’s State of the Union speech, as apparently he has for the past three.
2
@Karen Lee, It might be more difficult for him this year. https://www.mediaite.com/news/trump-called-out-for-video-showing-him-joking-around-pretending-to-conduct-the-band-during-national-anthem/
@Steven, wow.
1. Dems must attend. To do otherwise sets a terrible precedent and disrespects the office itself.
2. Dems can’t validate the person occupying the office. I am hoping for a show of total unity on that side of the chamber. Not a single clap. If anyone stands, it should be to turn away. I’d also like to see something like black armbands, a silent but powerful symbol of mourning over where we are as a country. I’d also accept every Dem wearing a t-shirt under a suit jacket emblazoned with the number of lies Trump has told thus far in his presidency.
12
Much as I’d like to see that happen (your point 1), I agree. It’d be looking just as childish as he is. I feel so sorry for the Democrats having to sit there.
Who would watch it? We've seen the man in action for three years. Same old, same old. Sad. Will congress people show up? Are they required? Watch a great old movie. Gov. Whitmer response.
8
@badman Mr. Smith Goes to Washington would be refreshing.
2
It's not an acquittal, it's an abdication. It's not a normal trial by any means, it was not handled as a trial. And the only judgment passed was the Republican's cowardice and malice towards american norms and values.
8
Might it be appropriate to have the networks play Adam Schiff's speech from yesterday before or after Trump's State of the Union? More people would appreciate his summation of the State of our Union than Trump's. Quite possibly, for every statement Trump makes, there will be one countering it from Schiff's speech. This would be totally convincing for the general audience. At the bare minimum, I hope they do fact- check live, not allowing his base to accept his alternative reality as fact. This is a war for truth and truth will come out. We don't live in Russia where Putin can direct and produce an alternative reality. No wonder why Russians drink so much. Putin's faux reality and the cold, long winters make one feel hopeless. Then, of course, like our Republican senators, if anyone dares to challenge dear leader, they are sharply criticized, hammered by the state TV and possibly killed, as has been many journalists. Justice must be served for this most corrupt administration in history. The day of reckoning will come. It's midnight in Washington and the stakes to our democracy are too high to ignore and carry on without some redress. Our leaders can't expect the rest of us to comply with the rule of law, if they don't feel any need to and don't suffer any repercussions when they don't. You can't conspire with foreign countries to override the will of the people in our elections, with no recourse. This was wrong in 2016 and it is wrong in 2020.
9
@GraceNeeded Great idea! The Democrats need someone like you to help with their media campaigns. As of now, as nearly as I can tell, they are hopelessly incompetent on messaging.
2
@GraceNeeded The base will be watching State TV which will be supporting the lies not fact checking.
5
If I remember correctly, the SOtU speech is one of the two or three times a year Trump sticks to a script, written for him by people with an understanding about English grammar.
I imagine it can be painful for them to sculpt paragraph after paragraph that designed to exclusively congratulated himself about anything and everything that looks good, and lie about a lot that doesn't.
And then they have to wake up the next morning and face reality.
2
I’m not going to watch.
I can’t stand being lied to again and again.
28
trump may try and gloat tonight during the State of the Union Speech, because he believes that the Senate acquittal will exonerate him from his House Impeachment, guess what he couldn't be more wrong. Impeachment is a life sentence. If he does brag that border crossings are down, which went up because of his actions, then Congress should not allow him to "steal" more funds from the Pentagon, as there doesn't seem to any more emergency, thus his rational in the past. After Wednesday when the Senate completes there "sham" acquittal vote, I hope that we as a country who do believe in the Constitution and rule of laws, hold him the GOP members accountable in November 2020. America is based on principles and values, we may be divided on trump, but not to our FLAG!! trump's slogan has been making American great again. My America has been and will always be great.
1
State of what union? The impeachment divide is exactly the national divide, minus the shrinking, baffled middle. I am not watching it, because he lies. Next month, next week, tomorrow, he will just say something else. Plus there's no real listening or thinking going on. There is no talking the right or left out of their entrenchments, and they appear ready to destroy everyone around them. Trump the big supplier of hate for both teams will just make all of this more acute. Not watching, will let a journalist with stronger armor summarize.
8
For the first time in my life I’m not going to watch. My first President speech to the nation was JFK. Understanding at an early age that politicians do stretch the truth. That was then.
Now days, the so called political atmosphere has been polluted with substandard representation.
So I’m just not interested in seeing a sociopath talking for and hour plus.
9
Democrats whining in advance The president has had a very successful first term Great economy with wages rising more for those at the bottom than the 1% that they hate Trade deals and getting Mexico to pay for policing their southern border and their northern border Prison reform and so much more Re-election a certainty!
2
@Mitchell myrin I will agree with one sentence of your comment with a few small additions. "The President (it calls for a capital p, just so you know) has had a very successful first ( and, please God, only) term. He has studiously avoided ever telling the truth to the American people, committed numerous crimes of election interference, attempted election interference, obstruction of justice and other crimes we will undoubtedly learn about at some point in the future. Think of how much more he could accomplish with a second term."
You should also do a little bit of reading on basic economics. The 1% don't earn wages. They pay wages.
1
I know it will just be more of the same lies except they will be delivered with the new sense of power bestowed to him by a broken system of weak minded individuals who are sick with fear of losing their drug of choice, I refer to as political power.
I just hope the fact we need term limits doesn't get lost in an ocean of corruption which will surely lead to a motion do do away with term limits for a standing President. If we can't even get a cacus right how can we expect anything other than a complete implosion.
It can get a lot worse if we as a people don't start paying attention.
Nothing like someone who is under the cloud of impeachment giving a speech about decency and American values.
8
He has no more idea of what our union is supposed to be or what its current state is than my cat. All he knows is he gets to be on TV, in the spotlight, all eyes on him. It is heartbreaking and sickening that a man so lacking in ability, so devoid of integrity, so dismissive of all our laws and traditions gets to pose as a "leader." It will be a good opportunity for me to catch up on my recorded Doc Martins.
4
Just what we need. Won’t be watching.
5
I wonder how many of us, weary of Trump's lies, distortions and disdain for facts, will watch the address this evening. I know that I won't. There is nothing I could do that wouldn't be more meaningful than listening to Trump spew more falsehoods.
6
Lots of comments on how "bad" Trump is, but nothing on the partisan based impeachment and how it has been turned over in the Senate and how "bad" the Democrat effort is/was to the Country. When you have a bunch of Democrat congressman stating that they want to impeach Trump from the day he was elected, then you know this is a partisan based effort, please stop with the charade.
1
@G G Yes, because he actually lost the election and without cheating would have never won anything.
I for one will boycott the State of the Union speech. It is guaranteed to be Trump's usual display of ignorance, corruption, and lies. I will not watch fawning Republicans deliver their rehearsed and scripted applause when he delivers the expected lines. I hope Democrats find a dignified way to signal how illegitimate he is -- anything would be more dignified than the Republican Senators playing with fidget spinners during impeachment proceedings. Maybe they should just all wear black as a sign of mourning for our dying democracy.
Note to the GOP: you didn't signal contempt for the speakers, you signaled contempt for the institution of the US Senate and for the Constitution that gave you power. Not to mention the citizens who elected you and your fellow Senators.
4
I do not expect anything from the speech because I will not listen to it. I will tell my friends, family, and you not to listen to it. My wish is to make sure that the speech has the lowest ratings in recorded TV history because the man does not deserve to be listened to and he will be tormented by the low ratings. He deserves to be tormented by the low ratings because there is no other way, that he understands, to tell him that he is wrong.
I have gotten to the point that I do not listen to Trump or his surrogates because they are liars, have only their pecuniary self interest at heart, and, at best, are criminals if not traitors. They do not deserve to be listened to; they have not earned it. My message to the cable news organizations, I will not listen to your programming if you have administration officials or their spokespersons on your programs.
I have gotten to the point where politicians who support Trump will never, under any circumstance, have my support. There are individuals for whom I have a palatable enmity and who's political opponents will receive my support of time and money.
I will be voting and will make sure my family and friends get to the polls.
Time to treat this man and his administration for what they are and flush them down the toilet.
4
As in inveterate and well documented liar who makes up what he wants for the sake of expediency, and a man who has the Unmitigated Gall to stand before the troops in a combat zone and lie to them, the only people who can listen to him in rapt attention are those committed to the lies themselves.
You can't pick and chose what to believe? How do you know? Thus, if you are committed you have to believe it all no matter what. It's all true.
4
More of the same incoherent, bloviating that the Republicans will pretend is presidential.
4
Democratic members of Congress need to stay home and boycott Trump at SOTU. It is not the Democrats job to provide Trump with an audience, enable him, demonstrate respect where none is given, and applaud his lies. By allowing Trump to mistreat and verbally abuse Democratic Congressmen/women (and by extension, us), give him power. It is time to set boundaries.
What the Dems should do is boycott the entire address. If half the room was empty, it would send a very significant message.
4
Oh, this will be a beauty to watch--far more entertaining than Trump's super bowl interview. Yes, Trump will mention the economy, successful assassinations, and the wall, that big beautiful wall..but, those brief comments are only appetizers for the entree, served up with a list of democratic nicknames, Hillary and Obama rants, congratulation to Superbowl champs who beat Pelosi's weak 49er team, and naming several treasonous Americans---Bolton being number one on the list. In between, the rants, insults, and lies, he of course will mumble a lot.
2
Surreal is not just the word for this evening's SOTU speech.
It describes the entire three and a half years of this presidency.
1
Going to hear the great Catalan gambist Jordi Savall tonight, the perfect antidote to you know who. Hope my fellow citizens will find their own ways to nourish their souls and affirm beauty, genius, harmony, and truth.
2
I certainly won’t be watching! The site of him & McConnell makes me sick - better to listen to music. Whatever he says has no meaning to me and seeing him basically makes my head explode!!
Thought I saw bottom with Bush / Cheney but the Republicans keep going lower - where does this end??
1
What to expect of any appearance or utterances by Trump: lies, mocking, word salad, self-praise, trashing of others, snuffling, garbled words (the effects of too much Aderall or whatever he's on) and nothing of any real consequence. End of story.
5
Quite the contrast tonight.On one side, you'll have the Republicans whooping and hollering like they're at a frat party watching a beer chugging contest. On the other side, you'll have the Democrats sitting there like they're at a funeral. If Trump lets loose with attacks on the Dems, they should get up and walk out. And that will be the end of the State of Trump's Mental Capacities speech. Then, it will continue as a typical Trump rally.
1
What I expect ahead of Trump’s State of the Union Address: nausea, despair, rage, fear, disgust, sadness, hopelessness, revulsion, sorrow, anguish...the usual.
5
Democrats can't run a glich free primary or a persuasive impeachment trial. Doesn't provide much comfort they can run the Nation.
1
With an apprentice president, the sad reality is, there is no union—state or otherwise. Proof negative is that President Zelensky and Ukraine, in thwarting Trump’s extortion offer, did the job the feckless Republicans refused to do. Think about it. Zelensky thumbed his nose at Trump’s “drug deal” while the RINO cult of personality embraced it, as it thumbed its nose at democracy, the Constitution and the American people. In Ukraine, democracy is alive, well and thriving while here, in its birthplace, it’s dying on Trump’s vindictive, vitriolic vine.
2
All good Americans should boycott what is sure to be another Trump torture session of lies, boasts, ignorance, evasions, and blame, all packaged in language better fit for a 10-year-old. Gee, maybe POTUS will school us on how Kansas City. Missouri, really is in Kansas too.
3
It will be interesting to see now that he has Republican support as dictator to do whatever he wants.
1
I expect nothing because I won’t be listening. I am not interested in anything King Donald has to say.
What's the point of listening to him? He will simply lie again, and self-aggrandize.
4
The Constitution states:
"...he shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient."
The Constitution says nothing about the President providing Congress with a list of his grievances or taking a victory lap.
The moment that Trump brings up impeachment, Speaker Pelosi should gavel him out of order.
If the President persists--and let's be serious, he will persist--Speaker Pelosi should adjourn the House and lead the Democrats as they walk out.
In future, Trump can deliver his State of Unions the old fashioned way: in writing.
52
@John That only opens the door for Republicans to do the same thing in the future.
2
@John I respectfully disagree. The President is there at the invitation of the Speaker to give a SOTU. He is not being invited to give a vitriolic political speech condemning the very person(s) who invited him to speak. SOMEBODY must hold him to adhering to a standard of decency and fairness. It is the SOTU, not a Trump rally. If he can't play by the rules, then he has to go.
No President before him has used the SOTU to do anything but offer the address for its expressed purpose. The Democrats need not worry about the Republicans doing it in the future unless a Democratic President breaks the protocol. Then, the Republicans and the Democrats should walk out.
1
@John
They should all be in writing, doing away with this embarrassing spectacle.
1
The GOP has repeatedly said this is a political trial
Well 45 will be only the not guilty leader of the GOP
he will not be as he has never tried to be the not convicted leader if our country
He has not led nor eben tried to unite us
The sick joke of a speech rings as hollow as he is
20
Short of boycotting this farce, I hope that Dems will stand and turn their backs on him for the entire dictator "speech."
73
I expect to see reruns of "The Big Bang Theory."
25
@Gustav Aschenbach Netflix Hulu prime video are awaiting our indulgence.
1
And the Democrats have no plan for tonight? All we will get from Democrats is their response to the SOTU? The Democratic Party never seems to have a strategy. The SOTU is a unique opportunity for Democrats to gain extensive media coverage to their issues. And to highlight the abuses of the Trump Presidency. Instead, tonight the Democrats will look like fools with no self-respect. Trump will gloat and trash the Democrats, who will just sit there?
13
@Tom. Yes, and their response is from the attractive but lightweight governor of Michigan whose rich daddy funded her campaign for Governor. She sums up so much of what is wrong with the touchy-feely, arrogant, 21st Century Democrats—all feelings, no facts.
1
@Tom, you have hit the nail on the head. And, of course, Trump is sure to bring up the Iowa caucus debacle, which he will deftly use to lay the basis for a claim of election fraud should the Dems pull off the miracle of all times and win the presidency.
2
The State of the Union is deplorable because the nation's leading Deplorable won't get off the stage.
Let's impeach him again on November 3 2020 and send this miscreant packing.
290
@Socrates - Plain and simple - The Democrats should not attend the State of the Union since the Senate has abandoned it's responsibilities, why should the Dems grace the theatrics of this event with their presence, cowered and shamed...
3
What do you expect.. more tax cuts for the rich which will pay for themselves, Mexico pay for the wall... and at least 100 more lies!
89
Release the tax records!
88
I wonder if he IS going to get the largest audience. If so few people felt it necessary to follow the impeachment process, why expect them to follow a truly meaningless scripted speech by a man who can barely read the script? Surely there is a football, basketball, hockey, soccer, or tennis match to watch, if all the networks are covering the speech. Much more important.
30
I can’t imagine a worse horror movie
78
The Democrats need just one person in Congress to shout out to the President during the State of the Union speech - "You Lie!!". It will be the takeaway from the night. And there will be plenty of opportunities from Trump for sure. It will be fitting retribution against the Republicans for Joe Wilson against Obama's address. Anybody, Democrats, anybody? Show some guts.
225
@Tom Nope... that would be wrong. The Democrats should sit there politely and quietly. Whenever President Trump mentions one of his expected guests in his speech -- a soldier, a police officer or a teacher-- they should LOUDLY CLAP for that person. Whenever President Trump starts bragging about how great he is--and he will--dead silence. It will drive him crazy and may even cause him to become unglued on live TV... we can only hope.
34
@Bob Swygert Maybe have one or more of those mini-strokes he seems to have that manifest themselves in garbled speech?
18
@Tom
They should just not show up. The unbelievable gall of this man showing up to deliver some asinine speech the day before the Senate hands him a blank check to assume dictatorial immunity from the law (or tradition, or basic morality) should not be legitimized by their presence. Imagine, half the room empty! Sure, the optics would work both ways, but at some point the party needs to take a stand against this guy and act like they mean it.
10
Who’s going to stand and a say “You Lied” as the standard was set some time ago by a member of the other side. The truth hurts.
132
@John
They'd have to remain standing in order to keep up with the number of lies...
7
@John How about a “lock him up” chant from hundreds of Democrats?
I kid, that would be wrong. Though I don’t know what the answer is when the other side operates in abject bad faith.
3
Expect lies, lies, and more lies.
307
@Katherine Kovach don’t be surprised if he throws a few falsehoods in as well
2
Nancy Pelosi needs to CANCEL the State of the Union address. We don’t want a liar and a cheat speaking from OUR house!!!!!!!!!!!!!
82
@Sunshine Nancy will soon retire.
Trying to decide - is there enough wine in this house to dull the pain of watching?
Or just put a nice movie in the dvd machine and go into la la land for the evening.
63
@MIMA I’m going with Hulu and a movie. Or maybe a rerun of bedtime for bonzo. Where our long national nightmare began
38
Serious prediction, maybe too early for the State of the Union. Mr. Trump was surprised to win the Presidential election of 2016. It has been a challenging, tumultuous and difficult ride. He has some significant accomplishments perhaps reflected in the stock market rise but the future is quite uncertain and resistance is growing. If you were Trump would you truly want another term taking you to age 78? Trump will win the Republican nomination but just before the election will bow out due to "advice from his doctor". The job, he is told, is too physically stressful and his health is seriously vulnerable. Trump then selects Mike Pompeo to become the Republican candidate. Pompeo gets all Trump votes and appeals to dissatisfied Democrats. Pompeo is young, strong appearing and governs for 8 years. Trump enjoys the remainder of his days in Post-presidential bliss. Brilliant strategy and perhaps unbeatable.
@Richard
You say "He has some significant accomplishments perhaps reflected in the stock market rise..."
Please check facts and figures easily available from credible sources online: the market under Obama was more lush than Trump's record.
If the stock market rise is, as you suggest, significant in terms of accomplishments, then Obama wins.
13
@Richard
Sorry Pompeo is has bad if not worst. And he claims to be a Christian - another one who lies.
6
The only reason our fraud of a president isn't in jail right now - like his fixer who implicated him (would anyone have ignored that if it were Hillary or Obama's fixer? Of course, not. It would've been proof of their guilt) - is because he's the president.
If there's any justice at all, the Southern District of New York will make sure he dies in prison.
What a happy day that will be.
5
Standing before his Duma Donald Trump will welcome them, and us, to Trumpistan the newest Republic of the Russian Federation where we share a common border across the Arctic Ocean. (Editor's note: no Canada is not between us as the map with the big Sharpie X through it correcting the mistake of the map makers proves.) We will learn the many positive attributes of authoritarian rule from Putin to Trump, who wants, but can't be called Czar.
We will learn all indicators are positive as a result if His direct intervention. Any indicators that are not positive will be blamed on democracy, this bolstering the need to stamp it out where ever it lingers in the dark deep state. No one knows more, or can do it better than He can thus there is no further need for the waste of voting when the end has already been ordained by the means justified by the end.
If the President-fir-Life gets wound up and He feels the crowd is with him He will announce the arrest of all who voted against Him in the Duma and will demand voting records from the states to do the same of the rest of us.
It's a Good Life. Smile and remember "you had best think only good thoughts."
25
Much as I despise Trump and everything he stands for, you respect the office, and not the person. The office is the presidency, Donald Trump is only the person who holds it now. He obviously cannot make that distinction, and it is questionable to me if many in the GOP still can. But Democrats must—by showing up and at least extending common courtesy (without needing to signal approval)—or we are lost as a nation.
9
@Paul C. McGlasson Why is it always the Democrats who have to show "respect for the office" when the GOP and Trump have trashed the "office" for the past three years with underhanded deals, lies, disgraceful unpatriotic behavior, etc? Your suggestion is without merit.
67
@Paul C. McGlasson
No. He is an accidental tourist, not a president, and he deserves nothing. We are already lost as a nation.
61
So the onus is on democrats to fix what Republicans broke?
Yeah, that sounds about right.
58
When I woke this morning, I wondered if I had gotten my eight hours sleep, looked at the time on my phone, saw 6:13 and asked, "When did I retire last night?" Having recalled that I had stayed up to watch the Iowa returns and, upon learning of their delay, gave up quickly, I thought, "That was about 10:15 and close enough."
The thought then came to me, "Did the Iowa Dems delay their announcement of the caucus results in order to step all over Trump's State Of The Union Day?"
Wouldn't that be surprising for its wit and its guile?
And delightful!
29
@Cletus the Iowa debacle is not a good start to the season for the DNC. Makes everyone look incompetent.
3
@Cletus
I think it will be the other way around, unfortunately.
trump will step all over the Iowa results and rob the winners of any momentum going into NH.
5
I would hope that all Democrats would sit solemnly and listen to Trump but not clap at any point and not stand even though he mentions health care and infrastructure.Whatever he says is a lie and should not be dignified by any positive response.The response of Democrats response should be sad silence! This time is extremely fraught with an assault on our Constitution-the time requires wisdom and solemnity-our representatives need to reflect the anxiety of dismayed voters.
122
@JANET MICHAEL They should wear bags over their heads like fans do at losing baseball teams' games.
@JANET MICHAEL Instead of applause they should laugh.
1
I would prefer a chorus of boos, but will not be watching in any event.
2
Serious prediction, perhaps a bit early for the State of the Union address. Mr. Trump was surprised to win the Presidential election of 2016. It has been a challenging, tumultuous and difficult ride. He has some significant accomplishments perhaps reflected in the stock market rise but the future is quite uncertain and resistance is growing. If you were Trump would you truly want another term taking you to age 78? Trump will win the Republican nomination but just before the election will bow out due to "advice from his doctor". The job, he is told, is too physically stressful and his health is seriously vulnerable. Trump then selects Mike Pompeo to become the Republican candidate. Pompeo gets all Trump votes and appeals to dissatisfied Democrats. Pompeo is young, strong appearing and governs for 8 years. Trump enjoys the remainder of his days in Post-presidential bliss.
@Richard Hartoch
I read this twice, and then I remembered, pot is legal in Oregon.
4
Looking at Mr. Trump's temperament and past history do you really think he is eager to move into old age as an embattled president? The job is brutal and debilitating. No doubt more attempts for impeachment lie ahead. No doubt serious shifts in economy, worsening world politics and untoward personal revelations await. I think most egocentric New Yorkers would choose to walk away at the top of their game and set the stage to their own image for years to come. I would appreciate a serious response.
@Richard Hartoch
1) Trump say/admit he his old, sick, or or not up for another term......never
2) Pompeo appealing to any Democrats, young and strong and winning not just one, but two elections.....I don't see it.
3) Trump enjoying his post presidential years in bliss? I think his legal problems are just beginning. Once he is out of the protection of the oval office the roof will come down on him.
Trump will never just walk away.
1
This State of the Union address will be nominally about the state of the union and 99% about the state of Donald Trump's ego. Expect to hear a long list of lies and misinformation about what "he's done" as president. He won't mention the real stuff he's done, like allowing cities to dump sewage into rivers or how his tax cuts did nothing for the economy but increased the deficit to over $1 trillion a year or his lie about giving Americans coverage for pre-existing conditions in our health insurance. In other words, textbook Trump fantasy stuff.
56
@Aurora What you say is true and why I, and apparently a fairly large number of other citizens, turn off the channel or turn off the sound when Trump is on.
4
@B. Rothman I always turn the channel, unless it's a very very brief painful clip on the news. Then, I do mute.
I want advertisers to know that when Trump is on, their advertisements are not being seen.
I also do not want to give Trump some excuse about bragging about how there were so many more listening to his SOTU than Obama's... not that it would be true, but why give him any numbers at all?
We know what to expect, lies, lies and more lies. How Republicans in Congress can hold up their heads tonight is beyond belief.
59
At such times we are guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s universal principles.
“ Truth (Satya):
Mahatma Gandhi is an apostle of ahimsa. The basic principle of life is based on Truth. Gandhi gives a succinct account of his philosophy. He says; “I often describe my religion as religion of truth. Of late, instead of saying God is Truth, I have been saying Truth is God, in order more fully to define my religion. We are sparks of Truth. The sum total of sparks is indescribable as-yet-unknown Truth, which is God.”
“Ahimsa:
It is not merely a negative virtue of non-killing and non-injury, but a positive virtue of doing good to others. Ahimsa is supreme kindness and supreme self-sacrifice. It is non violence in thought, word and deed. It is not only abstinence from killing and doing harm. It is also abstinence from causing pain through word or thought and resentment. It is nonviolence in every form—in thought, word and deed. But non-violence or non-injury in thought, word and deed constitutes the negative aspect of ahimsa. It has positive aspect, which is more important than the negative aspect. It is not only complete absence of ill-will towards mankind and sentient creation but involves over-flowing love and affection for them.“
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@petey tonei Those that vote for Trump and the GOP would not understand one word of this. It's way beyond their comprehension.
Despite GOP efforts to sabotage his every move, Obama left our country in good shape. In 2016 we were doing fine.
Then came Trump, and chaos, and train wreck, and genuine dystopia.
But in the dipsy doodle world of Trumpism, we WERE a train wreck, and now King Donald has restored the throne to greatness.
Trump is not just trying to make history, he’s trying to write history.
Thankfully we have qualified historians who will tell a very different story.
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@Paul C. McGlasson
and Obama got 51% of the vote twice, so Trump can never lie that into a win in the battle of the Presidents.
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@Paul C. McGlasson
History is written by the victors. And so far Trump and the GOP are still firmly in power.
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@Roger Do not count your chickens. This coronavirus could put a major crimp in business and thus in The Donald’s excessive boasting about what he’s done for the economy. And it comes at such an appropriate moment.
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When Trump lies or claims credit for Obama's accomplishments, the Democrats should stand and turn their backs on him. Trump would, no doubt, call it treason, but it would be the nonviolent protest that he has earned.
Trump is what happens when we take our democracy for granted.
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He has lied more than 15000 times
Why on earth would anyone believe what he utters now?
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Not going to watch because I know it won't be informative. I can't trust him to tell the truth, nor even act like a human being at this point, so Trump is on permanent black out for me because all he does in add upset and frustration to my life. I feel sorry for the news reporters and sadists who have to tune in, you're stronger than I am.
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@Jon Q Amen, brother, amen!
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Those who impeached him should not attend. He is beneath the dignity of the office he holds.
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@December - The same thought occurred to me. However, doing so would likely lead to a new practice wherein only the party of the sitting president attends and thereby serves to further divide the US.
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@Tom McAllister
It’s political right?
Let’s show the country what extremes this leads to
The gop keeps calling god fearing decent Americans aka Democrats extremists
The optics would certainly be jarring
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@December
I agree, he is beneath the dignity of the office.
But maybe having Schiff, Nadler, Demmings et al,
sitting front and center, would cause Trump to melt
down completely and set him off on one of his lunatic rants.
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Many Americans, both Republican and Democrat, will be seeing the State of the Union with feelings of shame and more shame of their own cynicism. Everybody knows Trump broke the law and the faith by not doing what we, the people, through our elected Congress required of him. The "quid pro quo" is nothing compared to his not having faithfully execute the Congress's orders to fund the Ukraine and defied the House's requests for facts. Some people are very angry, some are very happy, but most of us are just really ashamed of how undemocratic we have allowed this nation to become.
And now a word from our 15th President, James Buchanan's State of the Union Address, December 3, 1860
"The different sections of the Union are now arrayed against each other, and the time has arrived, so much dreaded by the Father of his Country, when hostile geographical parties have been formed....
"It may be asked, then, Are the people of the States without redress against the tyranny and oppression of the Federal Government? By no means. The right of resistance on the part of the governed against the oppression of their governments can not be denied. It exists independently of all constitutions, and has been exercised at all periods of the world’s history. "
We have reason to be ashamed, don't we?
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@Max Shapiro Everybody knows that Trump broke the law — including the GOP! He broke his oath of office and has put the nation’s election system at risk and all that the Republicans offer is: it “doesn’t rise to the level of guilt and removal from office.” It fits the definition and they agree, but they play dumb about what they are morally obligated to do.
These are the same men who will go back to their Evangelical constituents and talk about “truth telling” and “”honor.” Their religious constituents betray their own faith and their relationship with God by sticking with these “Men Who Lie” for the sake of controlling others whose beliefs are different. Religious wars, anyone?
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Why do Democrats even sit in chamber ? To give him validation? Give me a break , one half the room should be empty to show how much help
Republicans gave during impeachment hearings . Any Democratic Senator that shows up puts thrump ahead of Constitution.
No where in constitution does it say State of Union must be attended by only one !
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@Phil my guess is : The senate still hasn’t gave the final decision. The could vote to approve trumps impeachment. By boycotting the state of 5be union ,would only make the gop more resolved, . Not that they aren’t already. I do agree it’s a great idea, and if forced to go, then they should LAUGH Trump off the stage.
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@Motaki22
Actually where is the jerk GOP congressman from SC who shouted ‘liar’ at Obama during one if his SOTU speeches when we need him most?
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@Phil Perhaps they should file out, one at a time, during the course of his address.
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Trump
Never fails to outdo himself.
We can be assured that he is a stable genius with a very good brain and a cult of Senators to stand by him.
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When a person is as righteous as Trump, there is no shame or humiliation because those emotions occur in relation to others. With him, there are no others - there's just himself.
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Surreal, more like bizarre... should really be called The Sate of Delusion. More specious promises and no concerted programs.
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Picture this. The Democrats boycott the State of the Trump disUnion and conduct a separate State of the Union that explains the sins of the Trump administration and its Republican Party enablers and describes the future of democracy under Trump/Republican rule. It will be a hard-hitting, bold condemnation of the man and his party.
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@fgros
I despise trump utterly, but isn't that what we just went through? The long list of sins? The Dems should hammer home the truth of things he hasn't done - no infrastructure plan - and show detail his harm to us all - more air and water pollution - and the lack of the Senate passing legislation. To pick 3 examples among many.
I feel a headache coming on.
Vote the GOP out!
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@fgros
If handled properly, this would be a brilliant strategy. It would allow Democrats to bring extensive media attention to their issues and highlight the abuses of the Trump Presidency. But sadly, Democrats never seem to have a bold strategy in place. Hopefully, at least a handful of key members of oure Democratic Congress won't attend, and use the coverage they get to highlight why Trump does not deserve the respect of their being in attendance.
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@Elle
" isn't that what we just went through? The long list of sins?"
Actually it was an absurdly short and excruciatingly selective list.
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