It happened. Did you even watch it? America just endured the State of the Union address, our annual spectacle where politicians gather in a room to listen to one person talk for what feels like an eternity. Can we be honest, does anyone actually pay attention to this glorified Model UN skit anymore? In a world where we have access to news alerts non-stop online, the State of the Union address is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. It is time to pull the plug on this old custom.
First of all, let's talk about redundancy. We live in an age where we can get breaking news updates faster than you can say "fake news." With Twitter, Facebook, and a whole host of other social media platforms at our fingertips, who needs to sit through an hour-long speech just to find out what's going on in the country? We already are subjected to a 24/7 cable and online news cycle that covers and spins all of these info nuggets. I ended up watching extended clips after being alerted by online commentary.
The address itself is painful. Sure, it's supposed to be a comprehensive overview of the state of our nation, but let's face it – it's really just a glorified campaign promotional event. There is always the next election to construct narratives and push slogans. People tuned in this year to see if President Biden would remain standing through it. Politicians use it as an opportunity to pat themselves on the back and tout their supposed accomplishments, all while conveniently glossing over any inconvenient truths or failures. This year had the added anger at Trump and his merry band of insurrectionist supporters. It's like listening to a used car salesman try to convince you to buy a car you have already reviewed and filtered for on Autotrader.
Who needs substance when you've got spectacle? It is all a show with our frontmen and frontwomen politicians. The State of the Union address has become less about informing the American people and more about putting on a good show for the cameras. It's all about optics – the perfectly choreographed applause breaks, the strategically placed guests in the audience, and of course, the obligatory standing ovations. One upside is seeing who claps and nods for what lines to read as tea leaves for their thoughts.
For a brief moment, there was something different. Rep. Greene handed President Biden a pin of Lakan Riley and asked him to say he name. Biden took the bait and went off script. He mangled her name but also called her killer an illegal. That is the moment. Something that felt spontaneous and did note the state of our union. A young woman was killed by an illegal immigrant who had no business being here, and many in our nation shrug and do not care.
So, what's the solution to this antiquated charade? Simple – scrap it altogether. The State of the Union address is a relic of a bygone era, a time when the only way to communicate with the American people was through a formal speech delivered in person. Times have changed and made up customs and institutions should change with them. We live in a digital age where information is just a click away. Let's put an end to this outdated custom and embrace the power of technology to keep us informed.
Instead of wasting time and taxpayer dollars on a pointless speech, let's focus on more meaningful ways to engage with the public. Town hall meetings, online forums, social media Q&A sessions – these are the platforms of the future, where real dialogue can take place and meaningful change can be enacted. Let's leave the State of the Union address where it belongs – in the dustbin of history.
The State of the Union address is about as useful as an infomercial. Most are not buying it, and those who do, do not need an hour long sales pitch. It's redundant, it's self-serving, and it's just plain boring. It's time to pull the plug on this tired tradition and embrace new ways of engaging with the American people. Just send us a long tweet next year, Mr. President.
Any presidential candidate who campaigns on ending the SOTU and Daylight Savings Time gets my vote.
Last controlling graf of the ConstitutionGPT. "Foreign titles of nobility" is ripe for flouting