Terminalcoffee discussion

Ok, the state of the union is this week, right? Do you watch? Why or why not?

I don't watch. I read the speech and commentary later. I don't know, the format seems awkward and over-prepared, and I guess I don't hear anything particularly interesting in the speech that I can't hear later. This crosses party lines, by the way, I don't care who's giving the speech. I don't watch debates, either, for the same reason. I can read the important parts tomorrow. I have bad ADD for these types of events, I guess. I want to fast-forward to the good parts.

And I know I'm a little baby, too, but if a political event pre-empts something I wanted to watch, I whine like a disappointed five year old.

You?

I probably won't watch it.

Primarily because I can't stand the post-address rebuttal. The mush-mouthed nonsense that came out of Bobby Jindal's mouth last year was sickening and hilarious at the same time.

People were talking about Jindal as a possible future presidential candidate until that night. Man, did he blow it.

He reminded me of Kenneth the Page from 30 Rock. In fact, I think there's a Jindal/Kenneth meme somewhere on the Internet.

Was it already on? I'm usually a political junkie but lately I just can't stand to watch any of it right now.

It's on tonight, Jaimie.
I would watch it, but I won't be home in time to catch all of it. I like the analysis afterwards better, although they go on too long with it.

Jindal's speech last year was RIDICULOUS, and the Jindal/Kenneth thing was eerie.

If I'm home tonight I'll watch. I'm a political junkie, but it's a friend's birthday.

I most likely will not watch it...but everyone on the radio has been talking about the SOTU address drinking game.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01...

Obama says "health care" - Do not drink, you will not be given a replacement liver
Nancy Pelosi claps like a seal - Do one shot
Nancy Pelosi becomes a seal - STOP DRINKING FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

I fall asleep to the SOTU Address - does that count?

Yes.

Somebody on Fox News this morning said the speech was "great".

On the other hand, Fox News also featured a segment featuring Larry the Cable Guy.

Two things:

1. Fox also did a funny bit when they said Biden was rolling his eyes every time Nancy Pelosi stood up...like..."enough, Nancy, we don't have to stand up every ten seconds."

2. I think Obama has to stop with the "I inherited a mess" message. Even if it's true, that's old news, and he's starting to sound whiny. He's been in office a year. It's time for him to stop blaming Bush all the time...whereas that message may have resonated with voters six months ago it's losing power.

I'd agree with you on #2 except for all the people attributing 2007/2006/2005/etc mistakes to his administration. Once that stops, then you are absolutely right. It's wasn't Obama's Hank Paulson that begged Pelosi for truckloads of money for banks - it was Bush's Hank Paulson that got down on his knees and begged Dem leadership.

On the other hand, he needs to get hands on the wheel and get something done. I'm tired of this Congress - almost to a member, they suck!

Yeah, I hear you, YC...it's a tough line...he's got to defend himself, I understand, but I don't think that message is working anymore...I don't know what he should say, to be fair, about old things that aren't his fault...maybe focus on the progress he's made, too?

I hope this is the last time that he references the mess he was handed too. Lots of people get handed messes when they take new jobs. His hands may be somewhat tied when it comes to fixing it, but that is what he was elected for, and it is incumbent upon his administration to find a way.

I was glad to hear that he is still working on getting the legislature to do what is best for America, not best for each party.

I almost always watch it. I can't help myself, there's just something in me that wants to watch these political events. I watch the primetime speeches of the political conventions, usually, until they make me sick to my stomach. I watch political funerals: when Ronald Reagan's funeral was being broadcast, I was at work, watching the whole thing with my boss. I watch inaugurations. I watched as much Cspan coverage of Clinton's impeachment trial as I possibly could, even though I was vacationing with my sister's family and she kept yelling, "Do we HAVE to watch this?"