# 2016 State of the Union address tonight 01/12/16 **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [January 12, 2016, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971 "2016-01-12T22:17:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2016, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/61 "2016-01-13T20:09:35Z")
Don’t dig yourself deeper into a hole. Of all the Republican politicians out there, I’m sure it was totally random that you pick another Indian. Totally random, especially considering how many Indian Republicans there are. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Jayhawker\_Soule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/57b2e6/32.png) [@Jayhawker\_Soule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayhawker_Soule)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2016, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/62 "2016-01-13T21:16:54Z")
> [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](#): > > But obviously, there are lots of other similarities besides their ethnicity-being governors of Southern states, being on the hard-right of the Republican Establishment, being puffed up as token minorities, being low-energy losers etc. A “low-energy-loser?” 😃 Trumpisms are so predictably adolescent. ---
**Author:** ![Damuri\_Ajashi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/898d66/32.png) [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2016, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/63 "2016-01-13T21:22:18Z")
> [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](#): > > The Republicans were idiots not to have Donald TRUMP give the response to the State of the Union-ratings would have zoomed through the roof and certainly beat the President’s speech itself had they done so. Instead they pick some low-energy genderbent Bobby Jindal. I didn’t mind anything at all about her (except about 30% of what she was saying) but I was a bit bothered by the way she talked without ever separating her teeth. And Damn were those teeth white. They made the journalists’ teeth look coffee stain brown. ---
**Author:** ![Hank\_Beecher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hank_beecher/32/7275_2.png) [@Hank\_Beecher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hank_Beecher)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2016, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/64 "2016-01-13T21:59:19Z")
American Islamic Forum for Democracy: [RECLAIMING THE AMERICAN SPIRIT: WHAT OBAMA SHOULD HAVE SAID – DR. JASSER REWRITES #SOTU](http://aifdemocracy.org/reclaiming-the-american-spirit-what-obama-should-have-said-dr-jasser-rewrites-sotu/) > [@](#): > > … > “Let me be clear: Islam, as a personal faith practice, has been a part of the American fabric since our nation’s founding. We know that some of the very first hands to till American soil and to build our nation belonged to Muslims who were brought to this new land as slaves. Ultimately, these men and women became free, and some retained their faith. Over time, countless Muslims have come to our great country to seek a better life. They have fled dictators and theocrats, have started families, businesses and legacies here in this the United States. Many of these families felt the assault of 9/11 in a very specific way: they saw that what they fled in their ancestral homelands had followed them Westward, and now endangers the land they call home. > > Many of these Muslims – those who advocate for secular governance, who support full gender equality and don’t fail to address problematic individuals and strains of belief within their own community – are our number one allies in the fight against Islamism. My administration vows to support these Muslim heroes in the face of any and all hostility they may face. We know who their antagonizers are, and have taken steps to ensure that these individuals and organizations are no longer welcome at my administration’s functions. The FBI, DHS, and police departments around the country will be working to address Islamism head on, including purging their ranks of trainers and advisors who are associated with Islamist groups. > > Further: my administration has been briefed about the very real and rampant issues of honor-based violence, female genital mutilation, and forced marriage in our country. I will be introducing legislation to address these crimes specifically, and to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest and most severe extent possible under law. This legislation also provides funding for a network of safe houses, emergency response teams and services for individuals who are in fear of or who are fleeing from these crimes. > … ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2016, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/65 "2016-01-13T22:10:22Z")
> [@Jayhawker\_Soule](#): > > A “low-energy-loser?” 😃 Trumpisms are so predictably adolescent. Well, in his defense, I believe \*\*Qin \*\*is still an actual adolescent. (or I’ve been hanging out here way too long) ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2016, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/66 "2016-01-13T22:45:58Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Well, in his defense, I believe \*\*Qin \*\*is still an actual adolescent. (or I’ve been hanging out here way too long) He’s in his second year of college. That may or may not be worse than being an adolescent. ---
**Author:** ![Jayhawker\_Soule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/57b2e6/32.png) [@Jayhawker\_Soule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayhawker_Soule)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2016, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/67 "2016-01-13T22:59:46Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Well, in his defense, I believe \*\*Qin \*\*is still an actual adolescent. (or I’ve been hanging out here way too long) 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2016, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/68 "2016-01-13T23:09:19Z")
> [@Frank](#): > > He’s in his second year of college. That may or may not be worse than being an adolescent. By most definitions, I think, he can be both. ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2016, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/69 "2016-01-13T23:22:57Z")
So supposedly the designer of Michelle’s dress sold out before the SOTU was over. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/70 "2016-01-14T02:03:58Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > So supposedly the designer of Michelle’s dress sold out before the SOTU was over. Everyone thinks she is a lottery winner! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/f04885/32.png) [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/71 "2016-01-14T07:02:35Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > This is a great point to say, “On second thought, you’re right–that was an unnecessary and kind of gross comparison that relied on lazy ethnic grouping rather than on cogent political analysis, and I shouldn’t have made it.” > > Or, y’know, you can double down and expect everyone to believe that ethnicity was purely coincidental to your grouping. Up to you. Note that I didn’t deny that their shared ethnicities was a factor in my comparison-my point is that such a shared linkage alone would have made my comparison fall flat. It was literally meant to be a not at all serious mild ribbing comparable to saying “Ben Carson is this year’s Herman Cain” or “Chris Christie is a fatter Rudy Giuliani”. > [@Frank](#): > > He’s in his second year of college. That may or may not be worse than being an adolescent. I’m glad someone’s keeping tabs. ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/72 "2016-01-14T20:01:26Z")
My tv was still turned to FOX from the playoffs, so I watched it there. I was really struck by the glaring vapidity of the commentators after the speech. First they reduced the whole thing to an exercise in belle lettres- he knows how to speak well, he is smooth, that kind of thing. From there, they couldn’t bring themselves to even mention any content of the speech. They said over and over again that there were two sides and that people did not agree with Obama, but no mention of what they disagreed with, let alone why. I know it is FOX, but geez, people actually watch this channel for news analysis? Oy vey! ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/73 "2016-01-14T20:32:52Z")
> [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](#): > > My tv was still turned to FOX from the playoffs, so I watched it there. I was really struck by the glaring vapidity of the commentators after the speech. First they reduced the whole thing to an exercise in belle lettres- he knows how to speak well, he is smooth, that kind of thing. From there, they couldn’t bring themselves to even mention any content of the speech. They said over and over again that there were two sides and that people did not agree with Obama, but no mention of what they disagreed with, let alone why. > > I know it is FOX, but geez, people actually watch this channel for news analysis? Oy vey! Sounds like they wrote their analysis before the speech. ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2016, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/74 "2016-01-14T20:46:53Z")
> [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](#): > > … low-energy losers etc. Is that not one of the Donald’s phrases? **Qin** , we had such high hopes for you. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/75 "2016-01-15T00:54:18Z")
Since when did it become protocol for the opposite-Party Speaker to sit on his hands throughout the SotU speech, clapping a little only at the very end, and even then only after a deliberate hesitation? Just to check my sanity I typed “state of the union 2007” into Youtube, fast-forwarded randomly and observed the next applause. There was Nancy Pelosi clapping along with Dick Cheney. Were the other Republicans also acting like assholes? Was Ryan an asshole at earlier Obama SotUs or was his asshole performance here just a requirement for his new job? ---
**Author:** ![Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/f04885/32.png) [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/76 "2016-01-15T01:35:42Z")
> [@septimus](#): > > Is that not one of the Donald’s phrases? **Qin** , we had such high hopes for you. ☹ Haven’t you been saying the same things about me as TRUMP? Either way, considering you non irono-strategically support the Thai monarchy and the military junta… ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/77 "2016-01-15T01:50:12Z")
> [@septimus](#): > > Since when did it become protocol for the opposite-Party Speaker to sit on his hands throughout the SotU speech, clapping a little only at the very end, and even then only after a deliberate hesitation? > > Just to check my sanity I typed “state of the union 2007” into Youtube, fast-forwarded randomly and observed the next applause. There was Nancy Pelosi clapping along with Dick Cheney. > > Were the other Republicans also acting like assholes? Was Ryan an asshole at earlier Obama SotUs or was his asshole performance here just a requirement for his new job? Too bad everyone doesn’t follow his example. The SotU has become more political theater than anything else, and clapping is a big part of that-- it’s usually just a way of sticking it to the other side. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/78 "2016-01-15T02:34:28Z")
Let’s keep the comments impersonal, please. Debate the debate, not the opponent. ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/79 "2016-01-15T05:29:11Z")
> [@jsc1953](#): > > Sounds like they wrote their analysis before the speech. That has to be it. The blond guy announcer even said at one point, “all this is scripted and timed”. I was genuinely curious what they’d say about (how they’d attack) Obama’s take on his record. Unemployment slashed, deficit cut, Bin Laden dead, Guantanamo shrunk, Iran heeled… and news announcers have _nothing_? Lame. ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2016, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971/80 "2016-01-15T05:30:26Z")
> [@Jonathan\_Chance](#): > > Let’s keep the comments impersonal, please. Debate the debate, not the opponent. Ha ha. I nominate you to moderate the GOP. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-state-of-the-union-address-tonight-01-12-16/742971.md?page=5)