I stayed up and watched the President Biden’s State of the Union address last night. As a general rule, I hate listening to politicians speak; however, I have always found Biden to be more pleasant to listen to than most. He has a few phrases that drive me a little crazy because he uses them too much and it makes him sound folksy, although that is also part of his appeal. He seems like a real person unlike a lot of politicians. I thought this was on of the most masterful SOTU addresses I’ve ever seen. It wasn’t the usual self-serving drivel. Instead, he baited the Republicans and did two things. First, he got them to look like absolute fools, even though McCarthy had warned them not to heckle Biden. They did anyway and for some of the stupidest reasons. Second, Biden laid a trap to get them to agree with some of his policies and and stand and applaud him. It was an interesting tactic, and Biden was so forceful at time. He wasn’t “angry racist white man” like Trump always came across looking like, but he came across as a genuine defender of the people and democracy. Trump always pandered only to his base and shipped them up into a frenzy like the fascist he is. Biden didn’t say everything just like all those in his party wanted. Instead, he spoke to the people, and I personally thought he did a great job.
If you watched it, what did you think?
Joe
The Closet Professor 
February 8th, 2023 at 7:45 am
I had a similar reaction. Yes, he says “Look folks” too often but he is more conversational than oratorical for the most part. The hecklers showed themselves to be disrespectful fools and did not enhance their already extremist image. The one caveat about the overall speech was that spending has been out of control and needs to be curbed. As one who loves Maryland I did like his tribute to Nancy Pelosi.
February 8th, 2023 at 1:12 pm
I thought it was one of the better SOTU addresses as he comes across as genuine but as a President I find him too weak. Some people are right in that the reins need to be passed on to a younger generation. It might get rid of the old party politics. We need progression, not stagnation. We demand a politician that has been elected by the people who stands for the people, not the party. That is why I like Zelensky so much because he is defending his country, not his party. Let’s put in two more parties so that the power in politics is diminished and we are governed by people who are concerned for the country and not themselves.
February 8th, 2023 at 6:06 pm
Jim, I agree with you. While it was a good address, I think Biden had a chance to do a lot more in the last two years, and he wavered when he should have pushed ahead. I’ve been disappointed in him in a lot of ways, but I like him. I do think he’s a genuine person, but he’s too cautious at times.
February 8th, 2023 at 6:26 pm
You see, we are alike in so many ways but I’m shorter, so there. Have a good night and watch the weather tomorrow. J
Sent from my iPad
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February 9th, 2023 at 7:52 pm
We watched and loved most all of the President’s speech! I agree with you about some of his “folksy” sayings that remind me of my great-grandpa talking, and that’s not helpful for the 80 year old President. Other than that, I loved how the MAGA Reps took the bait. I also resonate with the discontent. I’m a solidly liberal Democrat. AND I’m hurting financially as are many others. I recognize that the Dems and Reps that are willing to work together will do some good things. I also know that the things we need are more in the Democrats toolbag than in the Republicans areas of interest. I loved seeing McCarthy “shush” his people, and also knew that there were some places that were blatant exaggeration on the President’s part that are not helpful when he’s trying to encourage a bipartisan spirit. All in all, I would have enjoyed it more if there was a drag queen (not Santos) and a hot guy being honored as a guest!
February 9th, 2023 at 8:13 pm
I agree, Steve.