So tonight (actually yesterday, since we’re past midnight) President Obama fulfilled his constitutional obligation to inform Congress about the state of the Union. I’m boycotting the event to catch an episode of The Sopranos.
He shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.
— Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution
There’s nothing in there that says it has to be a two-hour posturing feast for President and Congress alike. Obama could have sent an email memo to all the members of Congress, or posted a 10-minute video on YouTube and be done with it. I know what will be said; I could have written the speech myself. I know how the opposition will react, I know how the GOP presidential wannabes will spin it to make Obama look like Pol Pot and I know what the talking heads will say. It’s Washington showboating as usual. I just can’t be bothered right now.