I have mixed feelings about America’s custom of State of the Union speeches. The Constitution specifies that the president “shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” From Thomas Jefferson to Woodrow Wilson, presidents reported to Congress by written letter.
Modern presidents do not. Instead, the president speaks to Congress and the nation in a lengthy speech that is attended by ceremony, and where being seen in proximity to important individuals is the order of the day.
It all seems … monarchical, as if the president is not the first citizen of this country, but rather its monarch, insulated from the people who chose him to govern them. It’s a little disquieting.
Moreover, the nature of the speech is inevitably overtly political. Last year, Chief Justice John Roberts called the speech “a partisan pep rally.” In an atmosphere where party members cheer or boo in accordance with red or blue, the good Chief Justice has a point.
As I watch President Obama gladhand his way down the congressional aisle this evening, I somehow doubt that this is what some of our Founders had in mind when they penned the Constitution.