Posted
2:28 PM
by Gene
We would like to do away with most political speeches -- they're bad before they even come from the mouth. But
doing away with the State of the Union is a non-starter because it attracts a big TV audience, and for many this is the only chance to hear the president bloviate on public policy. Yes, the State of the Union has become a "political pep rally", and yes, we'd be happy to read it online, without the dramaturgy, but for better or worse it's the only commons the people have.