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State Of The Union Live Blog

By Big Tent Democrat

I'll live blog it.

I believe the Secretary of State is absent tonight. One Cabinet member is designated to be absent, just in case a Tom Clancy book breaks out.

Maybe it's me, but not quite so rousing a reception for the President as compared to last year.

A special moment with Tim Geithner. Ugh.

Speech stuff on the flip. Barb has the speech. Follow along and see how much Obama changes it. On the health bill - the scheduled lines - "As temperatures cool, I want everyone to take another look at the plan we’ve proposed. [. . .] Here’s what I ask of Congress, though: Do not walk away from reform. Not now. Not when we are so close. Let us find a way to come together and finish the job for the American people."

The State of the Union is . . . . ________?

My answer -- Challenged.

Anyway, Obama doing a little finger pointing before we get to "looking forward."

I am so sick of hearing about Elkhart, Indiana.

Bashing Wall Street.

Struggling but encouraged? Meh.

We're fighters! Really, we are whiners though.

Obama - it begins with our economy. More Wall Street bashing.

Did Geithner REALLY hate the bank bailout?

Defending TARP and all that. I would limit my time on this if I was Obama.

Bragging about cutting taxes. Meh.

You can say what you want about me, but I won't sit here and listen to you bad mouth the United States of America!!! Hmm, hmm hmm hmm . . .

On the Spending ! FREEZE!!!! - "Starting in 2011, we are prepared to freeze government spending for three years. Spending related to our national security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security will not be affected. But all other discretionary government programs will. Like any cash-strapped family, we will work within a budget to invest in what we need and sacrifice what we don’t. And if I have to enforce this discipline by veto, I will."

Jared Bernstein was lying to Rachel Maddow apparently.

Must stink to have to sit behind the President and not show any boredom. Poor Pelosi's face looks frozen.

My final words (I just can't stand it anymore) - as far as SOTUs go, this was average in terms of delivery and reaching the heights. etc. I can quibble on some of the substance - but it is a Democratic President's agenda for the most part. If he can do what he says he wants to do - then he will be the best President since FDR. Of course he can't. So we'll have to judge him on what he actually does.

As always, these speeches are a bore. Not Obama's fault really. Anyway - good night for now.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on January 27, 2010 (boomark / email).