State of the Union 2020

President Trump is one to present a show rather than give a speech.  There are little acts set among the audience to be brought out like magic acts.  Let's introduce the parents of a slain aid worker and explain how the country didn't forget their daughter.  Now let's move to a woman whose husband is stationed overseas while she is left at home with two kids and, voila, your husband is here.  That was one grinning 3 year-old when his dad arrived.  And here's Rush Limbaugh with stage 4 lung cancer who, during the speech, is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  There were many more such emotional scenes that tugged heartstrings.  This is showmanship rather than a sober report on the state of the union.  Of course, people remember emotions longer than cold facts.  I was more impressed with the state of the economy but who will remember that tomorrow.  That grinning 3 year-old, the parents grateful that their daughter got justice, and the recognition of Rush will stick much longer.

On the downside, Trump offered a bunch of new legislation.  I would far prefer some repeals.  Family leave?  Really?  A national law to cover charter schools?  I thought Secretary De Vos was there to diminish the Federal role in education.

I had noted that Trump didn't shake Pelosi's hand when he stepped to the podium.  I had thought he hadn't noticed her offer her hand.  She shrugged.  One reviewer took that as Trump intentionally rebuffing her offer, unwilling to shake hands with Nancy on account of impeachment.  Yes, that is probably the case.  It is standard practice to shake hands and my impression was obviously wrong.  After the speech, Nancy made a show of ripping her copy of the speech in half.  No love lost here.

The speech was somewhat rambling but clearly effective.  The Democrats sat on their hands for most of it.  Sure, it makes sense that they wouldn't approve of Republican priorities but a good economy is a good economy  Lowest ever black unemployment should get approval regardless of who is president.  They did applaud when he called for bringing troops home and ending wars.  We are not the world's policeman.

The ending of the speech was a soaring paean to America, calling forth Washington, Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Annie Oakley, Neil Armstrong, and many others.  It touched on the greatness of America and said the best is yet to come.  Yeah, that's more my kind of speech.