The first State of the Union Address was delivered by George Washington in New York City on January 8, 1790. He spoke about improvements to roads as one item that needed attention.
Let’s start there. The opposition that will remain seated has argued states should decide what gets fixed. President Biden needs to look at them and say “I agree and that’s what’s taking place right now.” He needs to show a moment of “us in the US.” This means if a road or bridge doesn’t receive funding, the finger-pointers need to look locally, not nationally, for the 3W’s (What Went Wrong).
The national debt went past $30 trillion a few days ago. This means the government has borrowed that amount to stay afloat. President Biden should say to those in the House chamber on March 1:”Stop pointing fingers about what we owe. Each of you needs to begin saying what should be cut. Specifics. Deal with the ‘oh-no-you-don’ts” and talk about a solution.”
Speaking of talking, hold fewer news conferences about what’s wrong and talk to each other about how to fix it. Then hold a news conference. Anyone see a trend taking place here?
We will see the Democrats applaud and the Republicans sit and yawn. The same thing happened when other presidents delivered their SOU addresses. It’s theater. When it happens on March 1, Biden needs to stop, look to those sitting and say “I expect to read your plan to fix it tomorrow. or, have the opposing viewpoint that follows me to answer for you.”
It’s an address but it’s also an opportunity to do more than sit.