NJ Topics State Of The Union

Ted Nugent

Photos from State of the Union

Insiders Grade Obama on State of the Union

National Journal's Political Insiders of different parties had drastically different views of President Obama's State of the Union address. Asked to grade his performance, nearly all of the Democratic Insiders put him in the A to B range, while the majority of Republican Insiders -- more than half -- gave the President a C, with a tenth even failing the commander-in-chief. What grade would you give President Obama's State of the Union address?   Democrats (88 votes) Republicans (80 votes) A 44% 0% B 49% 17% C 6% 58% D 1% 17% F 0% 8%
Obama state of the union

Live Blogging the State of the Union Address

10:40.Florida Senator Marco Rubio takes a break from delivering the Republican response to take a drink of water… 10:38. Rubio said that the economy shrank during the last three months of 2012. And, according to the government’s first read, it did. But first reads are almost always revised, a...
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The Curse of the State of the Union Aisle Seat

Lawmakers wait for hours to get one of these coveted seats, but at what cost?
Obama

Obama Hits the Road to Spread State of the Union Message

President Obama took his State of the Union message on the road Wednesday, demanding that Congress act swiftly on the programs he outlined in his address to the nation and kicking off three days of travel to try to rally the public behind his economic agenda. Asheville, N.C., was the first stop, with a campaign-style event at an auto-parts plant that he sees as a success story with a message for Congress and the rest of the country.
Obama Gives the 2013 State of the Union

Cliffs Notes on Obama's 2013 State of the Union Address

The first State of the Union address since President Obama's second inauguration focused overwhelmingly on domestic policy. He devoted roughly one paragraph each to Afghanistan, North Korea--which reportedly tested a nuclear weapon on Monday--and Iran. For comparison's sake, that's the roughly the same amount of time he spent on cybersecurity in the address.
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Why State of the Union Addresses Are Hopelessly Long

Nobody loves workmanlike laundry lists, but four former presidential speechwriters say there's little hope for shorter speeches any time soon.
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The 9 Biggest Cliches in State of the Union Addresses

Peggy Noonan, James Fallows, Matt Latimer, Eli Attie, and others weigh in on the hack phrases to avoid. 
State Union

Expect to Hear an Absolutely Forgettable State of the Union Speech

When President Obama takes to the speaker’s rostrum on the floor of the House of Representatives Tuesday evening, you can expect him to speak for more than an hour. But don’t bet on him saying anything you’ll remember a month later.

Sizing Up Obama's State of the Union Address

Sizing Up Obama's State of the Union Address   In his State of the Union address, President Obama challenged Congress to act on climate change  - but declared that if lawmakers don't act, he will.   He did not detail how, specifically, he'll use his executive authority, but his spee...
Roy Blunt

Roy Blunt on CNN’s State of the Union

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., joined several Republicans on Sunday in questioning the talking points that U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice received following the terrorist attack that left four Americans dead on CNN’s State of the Union. Read the full transcript here

GOP Insiders Give Obama's State of the Union a Solid C

Democratic Insiders give Sen. Marco Rubio's response Tuesday night the same grade.

Play of the Day: The State of Our Union is Actually Pretty Funny

The vast majority of late-night comedy airtime Wednesday was spent on Barack Obama’s Tuesday State of the Union address. Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon both took an opportunity to mock Obama’s somewhat awkward fist bump with Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk. On Comedy Central, The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart was very distressed about Obama’s mentions of problematic bridge infrastructure, while Stephen Colbert has a suggestion as to how to avoid said bridges.

Play of the Day: North Korea's Nukes and a State of the Union

The comedy late-night shows tape in the late afternoon, so the hosts did not get to actually talk about Barack Obama’s fourth State of the Union address to Congress, but some did get some jokes in about the president. Jay Leno, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon all had some words about the speech. Meanwhile, with North Korea conducting its third nuclear test this week, The Daily Show, Fallon and Craig Ferguson analyzed the hermit kingdom.
Cody Wilson

Yes, Obama Did Mention '3-D Printing' at the State of the Union

President Obama touted the potential for 3-D printing "to revolutionize the way we make almost everything” in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday night. Here's how it could affect counter-terrorism, military strategy, gun control, and the global balance of trade.
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The Most Important Policies In President Obama's 2013 State of the Union Address

Everything you need to know from 2013's State of the Union address, from health care and the budget to immigration and guns.
Obama at State of the Union

Nothing Big or Bold About Obama's State of the Union Address

For all his swagger and political capital, the president subtly acknowledged the limits of what he can accomplish--even while promising in his State of the Union address to create “a rising, thriving middle class.”

Full Text: Marco Rubio's 2013 State of the Union Response

The Office of Speaker Boehner released a transcript of Marco Rubio's State of the Union speech (as prepared for delivery). Read the full text of the rebuttal below:

Full Text: President Obama's 2013 State of the Union Speech

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, fellow citizens:

Obama and Rubio Agree on 1 Thing: Jobs Are the Key in State of the Union

The Cliff Notes to the State of the Union speech are out: It’s going to be about jobs.
Marco Rubio

Marco Rubio's State of the Union Rebuttal May Be a Tall Order

Given the sorry history of partisan rebuttals of presidential remarks, he just might want to reconsider.
Ted Nugent

In Ted Nugent's Words: It's Him Against Obama at the State of the Union

The pro-gun, anti-Obama rocker will be the guest of Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Texas.
State of the Union

Obama's Best Jobs Play for the State of the Union: Think Big

Obama's best hope is to go big. He'll only make progress toward his goals if there's room to let Republicans move toward some of theirs.
Obama's State of the Union

How the State of the Union Has Changed Since Obama Took Office

Since the president took his oath in 2009, America has created more jobs and lifted the stock market dramatically. But as this graphic shows, public debt has grown significantly, too.
First lady Michelle Obama is applauded on Capitol Hill in Washington

Who Will Get the Coveted Seats in Michelle Obama's Box at the State of the Union?

National Journal is asking for your help in guessing which guests will be invited to sit in the first lady's box for President Obama's State of the Union speech.
Sen. Jon Kyl

Transcript: Jon Kyl on CNN’s State of the Union

Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., suggested the Obama administration may have orchestrated a cover-up of the terrorist attack in Benghazi that left four Americans dead on CNN’s State of the Union. Read the full transcript here.
David Axelrod

David Axelrod on CNN’s State of the Union

Obama campaign senior adviser David Axelrod said he wasn’t sure how Hurricane Sandy is going to affect voting in the days to come on CNN’s State of the Union. Read the full transcript here.
Rep. Peter King

Transcript: Peter King on CNN’s State of the Union

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., said he had some concerns with the timeline surrounding David Petraeus’ resignation as the director of the CIA. Read the full transcript here
Obama 2011 SOTU

5 Things Obama Tried to Say During His State of the Union Address -- But Didn't

Some words missing from tonight's State of the Union address: Iraq. Famine. Sudan. Moon. Mars. Assault rifles. Keystone XL. Videogames. Clinton. Fracking.
skutniks

What's a Skutnik and Why Is One Sitting Next to Michelle Obama at the State of the Union?

To the cynical, they’re stagecraft. To presidents, they’re the State of the Union Incarnate.
Rob Portman

Transcript: Rob Portman on CNN’s State of the Union

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said Mitt Romney has a good chance of still winning the Buckeye State by gaining ground among independent voters with just two days until Election Day on CNN’s State of the Union. Read the full transcript here.
Sen. Mark Warner

Transcript: Mark Warner on CNN’s State of the Union

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., recognized on Sunday that the path for President Obama in Virginia is difficult, but still said Democrats had the advantage in commonwealth on CNN’s State of the Union. Read the full transcript here.
Obama Issues

State of the Union Stakes: Guns, Debt, and Climate Change Give Obama Shot at Immortality

The only thing Obama could do worse than failing on the big issues is failing to try on a big way.
Robert Gibbs

Transcript: Robert Gibbs on CNN’s State of the Union

Obama campaign senior adviser Robert Gibbs said the president will be “more energetic” in the next presidential debate on CNN’s State of the Union. Read the full transcript here.
 presidential candidate Rick Santorum

Transcript: Santorum on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum added his name to the growing number of Republicans attacking Vice President Joe Biden for his "back in chains” comment last week. Read the full transcript here. 
Sen. John McCain endorses Mitt Romney for President In front of a sparse crowd in Manchester, N.H.

Transcript: John McCain on CNN's State of the Union

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said he did not expect the debates to provide a game-changing moment and said Mitt Romney is behind in the presidential race because "Americans see a glimmer of hope" on the economic horizon on CNN's State of the Union on Sunday. Read the full transcript here.
Mike Rogers

Transcript: Mike Rogers on CNN’s State of the Union

House Intelligence Chair Mike Rogers, R-Mich., on CNN's State of the Union, had some harsh words for the Obama administration over a TV ad airing in Pakistan. Read the full transcript here.
Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi

Transcript: Nancy Pelosi on CNN’s State of the Union

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., predicted on Sunday that Democrats would regain control of the House on CNN’s State of the Union. Read the full transcript here.
John Thune

Transcript: Thune, Gillespie, Axelrod on State of the Union

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., praised Mitt Romney's pick of Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., saying that Ryan will attract women voters who are concerned about job creation, CNN's State of the Union on Sunday. Read the full transcript here.
Newt Gingrich

Transcript: Newt Gingrich on CNN’s State of the Union

Former president candidate and Speaker Newt Gingrich said Bill Clinton diminished the level of President Obama on CNN’s State of the Union. Read the full transcript here.
Mitt Romney

Transcript: Mitt Romney on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, Mitt Romney said he doesn't believe the Federal Reserve should engage in another round of quantitative easing. Read the full transcript here.
Goodbye, Robert Gibbs: Hilarious Highlights of a Rocky Tenure

Transcript: Robert Gibbs on CNN’s State of the Union

Obama adviser Robert Gibbs discussed voter enthusiasm and “disappointment” in Obama on CNN’s State of the Union Sunday. Read the full transcript here.
Dick Durbin

Transcript: Sen. Dick Durbin on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., proposed dealing with the fiscal cliff after the election, and Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., attacked President Obama on foreign policy. Read the full transcript here.
Reince Priebus

Transcript: Reince Priebus on CNN’s State of the Union

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus discussed preparations going into the party’s convention after cancelling Monday events on CNN’s State of the Union. Read the full transcript here
David Axelrod

Transcript: David Axelrod on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, Obama campaign adviser David Axelrod accused Romney of using "every single conceivable tax shelter and loophole" to pay fewer taxes. Read the full transcript here.

Transcript: Ed Gillespie on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, Romney adviser Ed Gillespie said Romney would review all and repeal some of Obama's executive orders, and Carlos Gutierrez said that Obama's immigration policy indicates he's "played with Hispanics." Read the full transcript here.
Rick Santorum

Transcript: Rick Santorum on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, Rick Santorum said Obama's policy shift on immigration was "outrageous," and top lawmakers made it clear that neither party has a path forward on health care reform. Read the full transcript here.
David Axelrod

Transcript: David Axelrod on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, Obama campaign adviser David Axelrod defended Obama's handling of the economy and Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., defended the use of drone strikes. Read the full transcript here.
Gov. John Hickenlooper

Transcript: Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper said he was open to any options to preventing another massacre, but was at a loss for options. Read the full transcript here.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Transcript: Debbie Wasserman Schultz on CNN's 'State of the Union'

On CNN's State of the Union, Rudy Giuliani touted his "far superior" record to Romney's, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz downplayed the potential Democratic loss in the Wisconsin recall election. Read the full transcript here.
Mitch McConnell

Transcript: Mitch McConnell on CNN's State of the Union

  On CNN's State of the Union, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell tried out different ways to describe the tax levied under Obamacare on those who don't buy health insurance. Read the full transcript here.
David Axelrod

Transcript: David Axelrod on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, David Axelrod said Mormonism was "off the table" for the Obama campaign, and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen was optimistic about funding prospects for Afghan security forces. Read the full transcript here.
Dick Durbin speaks on Capitol Hill

Transcript: Sen. Dick Durbin on State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., discussed Obama's support of same-sex marriage. Read the full transcript here.
Newt Gingrich

Transcript: Newt Gingrich on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, Newt Gingrich said that Romney had worked hard to earn the Republican nomination, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said the Taliban is stronger despite the 2010 troop surge. Read the full transcript here.
U.S. House Chamber

Watch the State of the Union

You should be redirected to a live stream of the State of the Union and the GOP response. If you are not, you can find it here
John Boehner

Transcript: John Boehner on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, House Speaker John Boehner attacked Obama -- and then denied it. Read the full transcript here.

State of the Union Responses

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels joins a long list of governors and members of Congress who have given responses to presidents' addresses.
PRESIDENT OBAMA STATE OF THE UNION

Full Text: State of the Union

Below is the full text of tonight's State of the Union address released by the White House.

What is the State of the Union?

President Obama is expected to outline his national security and foreign policy achievements in Tuesday's State of the Union address. He recently told Time Magazine it's "pretty hard to argue" that his administration's strategy over the last three years "has put America in a stronger position than it was when we ... came into office." Do you agree? What have been this administration's biggest national security achievements? What needs work? What should be this administration's national security priorities for the coming year?
Rubio next america

Transcript: Sen. Marco Rubio on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, David Axelrod said West Virginia would be difficult for the president to win, and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., discussed his VP ambitions -- or lack thereof. Read the full transcript here.
Reince Priebus

Transcript: Reince Priebus on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, Reince Priebus said President Obama was distracting Americans from real issues with the Buffett Rule. Read the full transcript here.
Neil Katyal

Transcript: Neal Katyal on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, former Solicitor Generals Ken Starr and Neal Katyal agreed that part of the Arizona immigration law is likely to fall in the Supreme Court. Read the full transcript here.
Lindsey Graham

Transcript: Lindsay Graham on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN’s State of the Union, Florida Gov. Rick Scott talked about the ways his state is handling the Trayvon Martin shooting case. Also on the show were Obama senior advisor David Plouffe and Sen. Lindsay Graham, who talked about the general election and health care. Read the full transcript here.
President Barack Obama talks with Jon Favreau, Director of Speechwriting, in the Oval Office

Scenes from the State of the Union -- PICTURES

Transcript: Afghan Ambassador on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, Santorum attacked Obama's policy in Iran and Afghan Ambassador to the U.S. Eklil Hakimi reasserted Afghanistan's alliance with the U.S. Read the full transcript here.

The First Lady's Guests for the State of the Union

The first lady's box has gained some attention with the announcement that billionaire Warren Buffet's secretary would be joining Michelle Obama. Here's a list of the other guests joining the first lady during President Obama's State of the Union address.
Ron Paul

Transcript: Ron Paul on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union on Sunday, Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, slammed FEMA; Newt Gingrich dismissed the debate over Rush Limbaugh's "slut" accusation; and  former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk and former Undersecretary of State Nick Burns discussed national security. Read the full transcript here.
Mitch McConnell

Transcript: Sen. Mitch McConnell on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., sang Mitt Romney's praises and Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said he misspoke when he asserted that senior military leaders did not truly support the Pentagon’s budget request. Read the full transcript here.

Tech Industry Looks For Action After State of the Union

Several tech industry organizations cited Tuesday's State of the Union as they reminded President Obama that technology companies can play a unique role in an economic recovery.

Executive Actions That Might Follow State of the Union

President Obama is revealing his wish list in tonight’s State of the Union Address. Republican opposition will see that most of the president’s proposals never come to fruition, but here are a handful that might be enacted without Congressional approval. 

Obama to Host Buffett's Secretary at State of the Union

President Obama will have a visual aid when he argues for economic equality in Tuesday night's State of the Union address: Warren Buffett's secretary, Debbie Bosanek, who was made famous by her billionaire boss for paying a higher tax rate than he does. 

Obama Touts Economic Fairness In State Of The Union

President Obama waved the flag of economic fairness Tuesday evening, pledging in his State of the Union address to fight for the middle class, punish businesses that take American jobs overseas and reform the tax code to give “a fair shot” and a “fair share” to those who have suffered in the hard times that have dominated his presidency. He made no mention of any of the Republicans who are battling to oust him from office. But by talking so passionately about the inequities of a tax code that favors the wealthy – on the same day that Mitt Romney, his wealthiest rival, released his taxes – Obama did not really need to name names. Romney’s disclosures and the overall 2012 campaign hovered over the annual speech, as always happens in an election year. With the stakes raised and an audience expected to reach 50 million, the president used the occasion to build on the populist theme he first struck last month in a speech in Kansas. “Millions of Americans who work hard and play by the rules every day deserve a government and a financial system that does the same,” he said. “It’s time to apply the same rules from top to bottom:  No bailouts, no handouts, and no cop-outs.  An America built to last insists on responsibility from everybody.”
Tuesday State of the Union: Substance or Theatrics?

Obama's State of the Union to Set Out Campaign Agenda

Don’t be fooled into thinking that the lawmakers seated before him are President Obama’s target audience at his State of the Union address Tuesday evening. He understands political reality. This is an election year and the opposition party controls what will get through Congress in the next nine months.
George W. Bush

10 Most Pivotal State of the Union Addresses -- PICTURES

President Barack Obama delivers his State of the Union address

Obama Previews State of the Union Address to Supporters

President Obama on Saturday offered a preview of his upcoming State of the Union address, telling supporters in a campaign video that he plans to “lay out a blueprint for an American economy that’s built to last” when he speaks Tuesday evening. He promised to talk about programs that will bring what he will call “a return to American values.”

NRF Writes Obama Ahead of State of the Union

President Obama is set to deliver the State of the Union address on Jan. 24, and the National Retail Federation has some ideas for what he should talk about.In a letter sent to the president this week, NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay and NRF chairman Terry Lundgren ask Obama to advocate for polic...
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid speaks at the Capitol.

Transcript: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on CNN's State of the Union

On CNN's State of the Union, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said "Congress looks bad," and former House Majority Leader Dick Gephart had high hopes for Obama's reelection.  Read the full transcript here.

Obama's State of the Union: What Does It Mean for the Energy Agenda?

What's ahead for energy and environment issues in the wake of President Obama's State of the Union address last week?
Play of the Day Screen Shot 1/26/12

Did President Obama Channel Oprah During the State of the Union? -- VIDEO

President Obama was a tax-cutting Oprah during his State of the Union address, Jon Stewart said on Wednesday as he reviewed the president's annual address. He wasn't too impressed -- especially by the way the president chose to start his speech.

Breaking Down the Speech(es): State of the Union 2012 vs. 2011

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At State of the Union, Obama's 'Spilled Milk' Joke Flops -- VIDEO

President Obama's attempt at humor during the State of the Union address on Tuesday drew forced laughter and looks of amusement from the first lady and Vice President Joe Biden.

State of the Union: Watch the Moments That Brought Members to Their Feet -- VIDEO

President Obama on Tuesday called on Congress to work with him to advance his policy agenda. But were they with him? Several times the president brought members from both sides of the aisle to their feet to applaud his mission.

The State of the Union: What Obama Doesn't Get About America

The State of the Union address began and ended with President Obama extolling the U.S. military. Invoking all those who served in Iraq, and especially the American men and women who died there, he said that they "made the United States safer and more respected around the world," a strange assertion coming from a man who insists that fighting in Iraq made us less safe, campaigned on pulling out the troops, and knows that the war made us less well respected.
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Who Will Obama Go After in the State of the Union Address? -- VIDEO

As the president prepares to take the national stage once again, who is he planning to target?

White House: 12 Executive Actions Taken Before the State of the Union

In his State of the Union address, President Obama is expected to pitch himself as a job-creator, in direct contrast to Congress, which has stymied his attempts to boost employment. The White House has released a video outlining the different ways President Obama says he's doing more to help the middle class by going around Congress and intransigent Republicans.

QUICK TAKE: Mitch Daniels to Give GOP Response to State of the Union

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels will deliver the Republican response to the State of the Union, House Speaker John Boehner announced on Thursday. 

Should President Obama Address Health Care in State of the Union?

Believe it or not, we are just one week away from President Obama's fourth State of the Union address, scheduled for January 24. We want to know what you want to hear from the president when it comes to health policy.

QUICK TAKE: Obama to Deliver State Of The Union Speech Jan. 24

President Obama will deliver his annual State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress on Jan. 24, the White House said on Wednesday.
Obama State of the Union

State of the Union Trivia

How well do you know some of the more obscure facts about tonight's State of the Union? Test your skills with this quiz, powered by the Almanac of American Politics.
Obama Motercade In Snow

State of the Union is Snowy

Just two days after President Obama called for a five-year domestic spending freeze, a freeze in the most literal sense hit Washington: Snow up to 16 inches in areas blanketed the region Wednesday, leaving commuters stranded overnight for upwards of 13 hours on the George Washington Parkway and 650,000-some homes and businesses without power.

Highlights of the State of the Union 2011

Here is a roundup of National Journal coverage -- news, insight and analysis -- of Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday night: SETTING THE STAGE FOR 2012: Offering the tone of a statesman appropriately humbled by the ballot box, President Obama also seemed to have his eye on another Election Day. Analysis by Aamer Madhani. ECHOES OF JFK - AND REAGAN: It was a night of O-ceptionalism, a lesson in bootstrap learning. Analysis by Ron Fournier. RYAN'S RESPONSE: 'We face a crushing mountain of debt,' says the Wisconsin representative in a Republican response. UPSTAGING RYAN: Tea party heart-throb Michelle Bachmann completely upstaged Paul Ryan in reacting to Obama's speech. An analysis by Josh Kraushaar. THE NIGHT IN PHOTOS: More than 'date night,' the State of the Union offered an opportunity for Democrats and Republicans to sit and to share - a situation that may be ephemeral as the partisan maneuvering reignites. By Julia Edwards. BREAKING DOWN THE SPEECH: 8 Key Analyses EDUCATION: Race to the Top, on Steroids. By Fawn Johnson. DEFENSE: Our Two Wars Get Few Words. By Yochi Dreazen. HEALTH: Use a Scalpel, Not a Machete, on Reform. By Matthew DoBias. TRANSPORTATION: A Pitch For High-Speech Rail, To Little Avail? By Fawn Johnson. ECONOMY: Reassuring Workers and Business, With Lines That Could Come From the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. By Jim Tankersley. ENERGY: A Clean Break -- and an Electric Car Dream. By Coral Davenport. BUDGET: Simplify Taxes, Please; But Don't Make Deep Spending Cuts, GOP. By Tim Fernholz. TECH: Tough Promises to Keep. By David Hatch. FULL SOTU TEXT: 'Our generation's Sputnik moment.' Obama's speech. See updates and more, including the full text of the Republican response and reaction by two key figures in modern politics, at NationalJournal.com.
President Harry S. Truman making his State of the Union speech

The Curious History of the State of the Union

The non-stop ovations that we have come to expect today are a product of the Reagan era, but that was not the first time the annual tradition had undergone change.

Transcript: U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker on CNN's State of the Union

U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker appeared on CNN's State of the Union on Sunday to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan. Also on State of the Union were Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, and former Shell Oil CEO John Hofmeister. Read the full transcript.
State of the Union 2010 full room

State of the Union Viewers in Decline for Obama

President Obama’s poll numbers have been improving since the lame-duck session of Congress, but that didn’t translate to increased television viewership of Tuesday night’s State of the Union address.

N2K: State of the Union

State of the Union First Impressions: Yawn

State of the Union First Impressions: Yawn

"Winning the future" was the unofficial theme of the speech, but did President Obama's State of the Union address even win the evening? A handful of voices from around the Web offered up instant appraisals of the president's performance appraisals Too Safe? Obama struck a conciliatory tone with his...
SOTU speech

Live-Blogging the State of the Union

Watch here for minute-by-minute coverage as President Obama delivers his 2011 State of the Union address.
Tuesday State of the Union: Substance or Theatrics?

Tuesday State of the Union: Substance or Theatrics?

But what's the upshot in the show? Will it be more than mere theatrics? Here's what to expect, according to commentators from both left and right:
Video: Palin Says 'WTF' to State of the Union

Video: Palin Says 'WTF' to State of the Union

Say this for Greta Van Susteren: she was earnestly asking Sarah Palin if she had a serious alternative proposal to create jobs. But the former Alaska governor preferred to deliver her own script about the President's yawn-inducing State of the Union address. "His theme last night was wtf, winning...

What We Learned: State Of The Union Edition

Evolving wisdom from The Hotline staff: -- While everyone loves an instant poll, surveys of viewers conducted after a presidential address tend to be skewed; supporters of the president are more likely to watch than those who don't support him. What are better, if smaller (and sometimes partisan),...
President Barack Obama delivers his first State of the Union address January 27, 2010

Video: What to Expect From the State of the Union

How will President Obama balance his agenda against expectations from Congress? Managing Editor Terence Samuel on what he expects from Obama's State of the Union address.

State of the Union: Morning-After Highlights

Here are the National Journal's top stories on the State of the Union and its aftermath.  
graphic for SOTU graphic

Graphic: State of the Union Addresses Over Time

Article II of the Constitution requires the president to deliver an address to Congress on the current state of the country. With the exception of 1933, there has been at least one such address each year. Only two presidents—William Henry Harrison, who died of pneumonia, and James Garfield, who was assassinated—did not deliver a State of the Union address.

Ghost of State of the Union Past: 11 Memorable Moments

President Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday night is being called an opportunity for him to "pivot" to the center and embrace bipartisan causes like tax reform and deficit reduction. One pundit said the address "may turn out to be the most important speech of his presidency," because it...

Full Text: Michele Bachmann Response to the State of the Union

Good evening, my name is Congresswoman Michele Bachmann from Minnesota's 6th District.

Full Text: Republican Response to the State of the Union

Good evening.  I’m Congressman Paul Ryan from Janesville, Wisconsin – and Chairman here at the House Budget Committee.
President Barack Obama talks with Rep. Paul Ryan

Paul Ryan to Deliver GOP State of the Union Response

Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., will deliver his party's official response to President Obama's State of the Union address next week, a senior GOP source confirms. Ryan, one of his party's leading deficit hawks, has won praise from many -- including the president -- for his willingness to outline specific proposals for reducing the national debt.
Bobby Jindal

Who Will Give the Republican State of the Union Response?

The limelight will shine Tuesday on a GOP politician charged with rebutting Obama’s State of the Union speech. But who? We handicap a few choices, likely and not so. Hint: Sarah Palin's a long shot.
Speaker John Boehner With Speaker's Gavel

State of the Union Officially Set for January 25

House Speaker John Boehner has formally invited President Obama to deliver his State of the Union address on January 25, two weeks from tonight.
Obama Manitowoc Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, President Obama Reinforces His State of the Union Mission

President Obama jetted to Manitowoc, Wis., today on a mission to drive home the themes from Tuesday night's State of the Union address.

Video: National Journal/The Atlantic's State of the Union Congressional Debrief

Watch this event from Jan. 26, featuring Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., as well as Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas.
velmahart

'The Real Test Will Be Tomorrow': Jobless Obama Voter on the State of the Union

One of President Obama's most potent critics critiques his State of the Union address.
Sarah Palin Hunts Caribou

Don't Hunt for Sarah on State of the Union Night

On the same night that President Obama delivers his State of the Union address, Sarah Palin will be speaking to a group of hunters.
2010 State of the Union

Obama's State of the Union: Don't Measure Success by the Polls but by the 'Influentials'

Most analysts see the State of the Union address as a president's chance to reach a big national audience. Matthew Dowd believes the real measure of success will be how well President Obama connects with the people who are in the room.
2010 State of the Union

Obama's State of the Union: Don't Measure Success by the Polls but by the 'Influentials'

Most analysts see the State of the Union address as a president's chance to reach a big national audience. Matthew Dowd believes the real measure of success will be how well President Obama connects with the people who are in the room.

Date Night: Or Why the Best Part of the State of the Union Address Wasn’t the Speech

Seldom have I watched the President’s annual speech to the joint session of Congress with anticipation that had so little to do with the contents of the address itself.
Obama State of the Union

Udall Calls for Mixed Seating During State of the Union Speech

Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., is hoping for a literal demonstration of bipartisanship to combat a political dialogue that, he says, “has become more hateful and at times violent.” He wants members of Congress to tear down the invisible wall in the House of Representatives chamber and sit side by side, Democrats next to Republicans, during the State of the Union.

In Dem-Heavy States, Same-Sex Unions Move To Forefront

Though the November election results seemed to mean the gay-rights agenda would slow significantly this year, proponents of same-sex unions have scored several major wins during the last month despite setbacks in Indiana and Iowa, while New Hampshire produced mixed results. The Maryland state Senat...

Previewing the Sunday Shows

With the edge of the fiscal cliff in full view, President Obama will appear on Meet the Press Sunday. Obama hasn't been on Meet the Press, the highest rated of the Sunday shows, since September 20, 2009. The other Sunday shows will also focus on the fiscal cliff as well as look forward to 2013. Sen...

Lisa Jackson Stepping Down as EPA Head

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson will be stepping down after President Obama’s State of the Union address in January. Jackson, the first black head of the EPA and the fourth woman to hold the job, has spent much of her tenure at the center of the energy and environment debate in Washington and was often criticized for the agency’s controversial Clean Air Act regulations. The EPA during her tenure has undertaken several significant regulatory actions, including setting new standards to clean up mercury and other toxic emissions from coal power plants, establishing new fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for motor vehicles and setting new standards to limit fine particle soot in the air. The EPA also reversed course from the Bush administration's policies and declared that climate change posed a real threat to the environment. Critics have accused the EPA of overreach and of putting in place “job-killing” regulations at a time of economic weakness. In the last year, Jackson and her colleagues have been grilled by congressional committees on the agency’s environmental rules and their effects on energy industries and economic recovery. The GOP-led House has passed laws trying to block or delay EPA regulations. Jackson, 50, was born in Pennsylvania, but grew up in New Orleans. She spent 16 years at the EPA and six years at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection prior to becoming EPA administrator.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

The Sunday shows this week will be dedicated to the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut that left 28 dead, including 20 children. Many of the shows, which had originally planned to focus largely on U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice's decision to withdraw from consideration for secretary of state, as well as t...

Previewing the Sunday Shows

  In the election's home stretch, the Sunday shows largely keep the focus on the presidential race.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

The Sunday shows will focus heavily on the fiscal cliff and on the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre heads to Meet the Press, and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., Sen. Lindsey Graham, S.C., and Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, will be on the show analyzing the gun control debate. N...

Previewing the Sunday Shows

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner heads to the Sunday shows this weekend amid fiscal cliff talks. He'll be appearing on Meet the Press, Face the Nation, This Week, State of the Union, and Fox News Sunday.

Blunt Says Administration Misled on Benghazi

Sen. Roy Blunt on Sunday said the Obama administration mislead the public on the terrorist attack in Libya that killed four Americans in order to improve President Obama’s chances during the election.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

As the country teeters on the brink of the fiscal cliff, the Sunday shows will focus on the negotiations. With just three weeks to go before Congress hits the December 31 deadline, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin and House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy will discuss the ongoing negotiations and what...
Robert Menendez

Lawmakers: East Still Reeling After Sandy

Two weeks after Hurricane Sandy devastated parts of the East Coast, lawmakers in the region are calling for more federal assistance for the recovery effort.
Mark Warner

Warner Defends Obama's Event in Pa.

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., defended a campaign-style event President Obama held this week on the fiscal cliff, saying it was important for Americans outside of Washington to remain in the conversation.
Kelly Ayotte

Ayotte: Rice Went Beyond Benghazi Talking Points

Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., said U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice went beyond the talking points she was given on the terrorist attack in Libya when she appeared on Sunday talk shows shortly after the Sept. 11 attack.
Sen. Mark Warner

Dems Press Republicans For Specific Fiscal Plans

While Republican leaders have criticized President Obama’s proposal to avoid the fiscal cliff, Democrats on Sunday said the GOP needs to put forth specific plans to solve the problem.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

  With a little more than two weeks to go before Election Day, this week's Sunday Shows will analyze the impact of Tuesday's debate in New York while also previewing the upcoming third and final presidential debate, which is scheduled for Monday evening in Florida.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

  Sunday shows will address the fallout from the first presidential debate as well as the improved unemployment numbers.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

It's a holiday weekend, but the Sunday shows aren't taking any vacation time. Some of the most influential members of Congress will discuss foreign policy and preview the lame duck session on this weekend's programs.

Who Will Succeed Jackson as EPA Head?

After four years in office, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson said on Thursday that she will be stepping down after President Obama’s State of the Union address in January, inviting speculation about who will be named as her successor.

Lieberman: Fiscal Cliff Deal 'Not a Certainty'

Sen. Joe Lieberman, who is retiring this year, said he was hopeful that Congress could avoid the fiscal cliff, but that it was by no means a foregone conclusion.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

Benghazi hearings, the fiscal cliff and the investigation into General David Petraeus's conduct will be the focus of the Sunday shows this weekend.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

This week's Sunday shows will reflect on the election results and look to the looming fiscal cliff.  

Strickland, DeWine Debate Presidential Performance in Ohio

Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine debated Sunday which presidential candidate will have more momentum in the important swing state heading into the last 30 days before the election during a joint appearance on CNN’s State of the Union.

Priebus: Biden 'Put His Foot in His Mouth'

Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus sought to tamp down expectations for GOP candidate Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., in the upcoming vice presidential debate, during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday.

Portman Optimistic About Romney in Ohio

While Ohio remains a key element of President Obama’s reelection strategy, his consistent lead in polls there fueled in part by his role in the rescue of the auto industry, the state’s Republican Senator says Mitt Romney can still take Ohio.

Barbour: 'The Hurricane is What Broke Romney's Momentum'

Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour on Sunday joined the chorus of Republicans suggesting that Hurricane Sandy could help President Obama and hurt Mitt Romney politically.

Kyl Suggests Benghazi Cover Up

Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., suggested on Sunday that the administration covered up information about the terrorist attack in Libya that killed four Americans on Sept. 11.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

  Welcome to the final Sunday of the 2012 campaign.
Capitol

There Will Be a Fiscal-Cliff Deal But No Gun Deal Anytime Soon

There will be a fiscal-cliff deal.

Durbin Hears 'A Perceptible Change in Rhetoric'

If you pay attention, you can hear the sounds of negotiation on mammoth tax hikes and $1.2 trillion in automatic spending cuts looming over Congress, says Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

Even the Sunday shows that won't physically be in Charlotte will be there in spirit this weekend, as coverage turns to the Democratic Convention, which kicks off Tuesday.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

The weekend shows will focus on the latest jobs numbers and the 2012 campaign, and the winner of the Texas GOP Senate runoff will make an appearance.
Rep. Peter King

King Raises Questions Over Petraeus Resignation

Rep. Peter King, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, raised concerns over the timeline surrounding the resignation of David Petraeus as CIA director.
Jon Huntsman

Republicans Spar Over Future of the Party

Republicans sparred on Sunday over the future of the party, discussing what the formula might be to achieve more success at the ballot box in coming years.
John Kasich

Campaigns Battle Over Auto Rescue in Ohio

Surrogates for both presidential campaigns were eager to celebrate the rescue of the auto industry on Sunday, but disagreed over who should get the credit and on the extent of the job growth it created.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

This weekend, all of the cable news and broadcast networks will be updating audiences on the Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting.
Reince Priebus

Republicans Downplay Mourdock's Comments on Rape and Pregnancy

Republicans downplayed the significance of Indiana Republican Senate candidate Richard Mourdock’s controversial comments on rape and pregnancy, attempting on Sunday to draw attention to other issues.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

With the Republican National Convention just over a week away, the presidential campaigns will be front and center on the Sunday shows.

Budget Wonks: The Books Were Not Cooked

The books weren't cooked, according to two budget wonks who sifted through Friday’s surprising jobs report on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday, answering conspiracy theories about a report that may have helped President Obama’s case.
Tim Geithner

Geithner: Social Security Off the Table for Now

With just a few weeks remaining before the crucial “fiscal cliff” deadline, the White House’s chief negotiator, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, said Social Security was off the table.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

With just over two weeks to go before the Republican National Convention, two letters are dominating the political discussion: V.P.

Today's Influence Ads: Mars Underscores Jobs

Candy company Mars has a new ad today that highlights the firm's 25,500 employees and 54 facilities. "Behind our great brands are great American jobs," the headline reads.
Sen. Mark Warner

Democrats, Republicans: Virginia is Close

With just two weeks until Election Day, the race between President Obama and Mitt Romney continues to look close in key battleground states, including Virginia, which officials say is “close.”

Previewing the Sunday Shows

White House adviser David Plouffe will be a familiar face on television news programs this weekend. He'll appear on four Sunday shows: Meet the Press, This Week, Fox News Sunday and State of the Union.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

The Sunday shows will be dominated this week by the Supreme Court's decision to ruling uphold most of President Obama's health care law.
Barack Obama and Mitt Romney

Surrogates Clash Over Who Has Momentum

With polls continuing to show a tight race, campaign surrogates clashed on Sunday over which candidate has momentum as they head toward Election Day.

Clashing Over Presidential Performance in Florida

Al Cardenas, the former chairman of the Republican Party in Florida, said President Obama may have a tough time in the Sunshine State.

Blunt: Akin Can Win

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said that Rep. Todd Akin, who is struggling in Missouri’s Senate race after his comments about rape and pregnancy, could win the race.

Blunt Says Romney Would Eliminate Corporate Deductions, But Did Not Name Which

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said Mitt Romney would eliminate corporate tax deductions as president by simplifying the tax code, but did not detail which ones.

McCain: Debates Unlikely to Change the Race

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said it was unlikely that the upcoming presidential debates would provide a game-changing moment.

Gibbs: Obama Will Be 'More Energetic' in Next Debate

Disappointed by his performance in the first presidential debate, President Obama will be more energetic in Tuesday’s matchup, according to his campaign.

Obama Lays Out Second-Term Agenda in Booklet, Ad

After weeks of being challenged by Democrats and Republicans to lay out his second-term agenda, President Obama's campaign is releasing a 20-page booklet called "Blueprint for America's Future" on Tuesday and airing a new television ad to support it.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

Ohio Republican Gov. John Kasich and Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick will be talking jobs and the economy on Meet the Press while Moody's Mark Zandi and Virginia Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell will be tackling the same topics on CNN's State of the Union.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Lawmakers Clash Over Female Voters

Lawmakers supporting President Obama and Mitt Romney argued over each candidate's appeal to women on Sunday, as the president's once-substantial lead among women seems to have tightened in recent weeks.

Thune: Ryan Choice Will 'Make This Campaign About Big Things'

Sen. John Thune supported Mitt Romney’s choice of Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan as a decision that “shows his desire to make this campaign about big things” on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

  Updated at 7:42 p.m.
Brad Wenstrup

Ohio, 2nd House District

Ohio Republican Brad Wenstrup brings the perspectives of a physician and a soldier—and a political neophyte—to serving in Congress. A foot surgeon and Iraq War veteran, he scored a surprising upset over GOP 2nd District Rep. Jean Schmidt in a March 2012 primary, taking advantage of anti-incumbent sentiment in the heavily Republican district.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

  Just three days before President Obama and Mitt Romney meet face-to-face, Paul Ryan will sit down with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday to discuss debate expectations and whether the Republican ticket can recover from poor polling numbers in battleground states with just five weeks left before the election.
iphone apps

Union Targets Members with Smartphone Video Ads

A labor union with a young-skewing membership is using a mobile video ad campaign that targets members based on their location to influence and mobilize workers in five states.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

  With two debates down and two to go, the Sunday Shows are focusing almost-exclusively on the presidential race this weekend, with a bit of humor thrown in for good measure.

Union Targets Video Ads to Members on Smartphones

A labor union with a young-skewing membership is using a mobile video ad campaign that targets members based on their location to influence and mobilize workers in five states.

Friday Feature: Candy Crowley

Every Friday, The Hotline's Latest Edition features a profile of a media figure. From all walks of the industry, we ask questions varying from the personal to the absurd. Today, we thought readers would enjoy our latest Friday Feature, CNN's Candy Crowley.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

With both party conventions in the rear-view mirror, this weekend's shows will look forward to the final two months of the campaign.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

The Sunday shows will wrap up a long week dominated by foreign policy issues.

Nevada’s ‘None of the Above’ Option Back on Ballot

Nevada’s unusual ‘none of the above’ ballot option is alive again, thanks to an emergency order granted by a federal appeals court, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.
Rainy Charlotte

Campaigns Brace for Hurricane Sandy

Both President Obama and Mitt Romney have had to sideline campaigning in the critical swing state of Virginia due to major storms, including Hurricane Sandy.
Mike Rogers

House Intel Chair: U.S. TV Ad in Pakistan a ‘Horrible Idea’

The Chairman of the House Intelligence  Committee said Sunday that it was a “horrible idea” for the Obama administration to put out an ad in Pakistan denouncing the anti-Islamic video that has been blamed for sparking protests around the globe.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

  With under 50 days to go before Election Day, newly revealed videos and Univision forums are the highlights on the Sunday shows.
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus

Priebus: Tuesday at the Convention is '100 Percent'

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said on Sunday he is “100 percent” sure the convention will run on Tuesday, after being delayed from an impending tropical storm.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

This weekend the Sunday shows turn to the battle over immigration in the 2012 race and the contempt vote against Attorney General Eric Holder.
Robert Gibbs

Gibbs: Voters Aren’t Disappointed in Obama

A major theme of the just-concluded Republican convention was “disappointment” in President Obama – a soft-touch approach meant to woo disaffected independent voters. But on Sunday, a senior Obama campaign aide said that such disappointment does not exist.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

President Obama and Mitt Romney delivered dueling campaign speeches on the economy in Ohio this week while Obama announced a shift in immigration policy on Friday. Expect the Sunday shows to zero in on these events.
President Barack Obama arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington for his State of the Union address

Don't Expect A Bounce

The State of the Union is a free opportunity to articulate a president's own message and vision for the country, an annual chance to speak directly to the 30 million to 50 million Americans. So what kind of bump can President Obama expect from tonight's address? Historically speaking, not much. It...
Newt Gingrich

Gingrich: Jack Welch Conspiracy Theory on Jobs ‘Rings True' on Deeper Level

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said on Sunday that business tycoon Jack Welch’s assessment that Friday's jobs numbers were fabricated to give President Obama a boost just weeks ahead of the election "rings true at a deeper level” than whether or not it was a conspiracy. He said Welch’s distrust of the president is representative of many American businessmen.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

Expect to hear two words this weekend over and over and over again: Bain Capital.
Reince Priebus

Republicans Downplay Romney's Birth Certificate Joke

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus laughed off criticism of Mitt Romney’s joke over President Obama’s birth certificate, calling for more levity in politics.
Kay Bailey Hutchison

Hutchison: GOP Does Not Have Women Problem

Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison said the Republican Party does not have a problem with women, despite Rep. Todd Akin’s “legitimate rape” comments and recent polling that suggests otherwise.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

The Republican Convention kicks off next week, and the Sunday shows will focus on the GOP's big gathering.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Netanyahu: Iran is Dangerously Close to Nuclear Bomb

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Iran is just over six months away from having the uranium enrichment capabilities to build a nuclear weapon.

Santorum Attacks Biden's Comments

Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum added his name to the growing number of Republicans attacking Vice President Joe Biden for his "back in chains” comment last week.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

This Memorial Day weekend, the Sunday shows will focus on Bain Capital, Iran, Afghanistan and a host of other topics.
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