SOTU Live Blog

State of the UnionThe White House has released a partial transcript.

I understand Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell will give the Republican response. If anyone wants to stay put and comment on that, feel free. Here’s the release of McDonnell’s text. I’m still looking for the official SOTU text.

Here’s a question — isn’t it a bit weird for Supreme Court justices to wear their robes when they aren’t on the bench? I guess they do, but seems strange to me. It’s not like a priest’s robe or military uniform.

These are the times that try men’s souls. Answer history’s call. Yes, let’s.

Why is Washington unable or unwilling to solve our problems? And what’s up with the shouting, pettiness, etc.?

“Numbing weight of our politics” — good phrase. Now what are we going to do about it?

So far this speech is not working for me. I think the American people are getting tired of being told how decent and hard working they are.

We are unified! We all hate bankers!

Message: Everything sucks, but if it weren’t for me everything would suck worse. I think this is true, but I’m not feeling warm and fuzzy about it.

Stick it to bankers!

Republicans only applaud Republican tax cuts. Democratic tax cuts don’t count.

Small business loans — should be popular.

Sorry — dozed off. Jobs. OK.

Financial reform. OK, MSNBC cameras went to Senator Dodd as soon as Obama mentioned financial reform. Ouch.

Hey, the Republicans like nuclear power plants! Even better than tax cuts! Oil and gas development!

Disagree with “overwhelming scientific evidence on climate change.” Nice dig.

Finally, here’s the complete text.

“To make college more affordable, this bill will finally end the unwarranted taxpayer-subsidies that go to banks for student loans.”

Yes! Steps to reduce the student loan debt on the young folks. Very good.

Health insurance reform. Sigh.

“Still, this is a complex issue, and the longer it was debated, the more skeptical people became. I take my share of the blame for not explaining it more clearly to the American people. And I know that with all the lobbying and horse-trading, this process left most Americans wondering what’s in it for them.”

Partly your fault, Mr. President.

He added a line to the paragraph above about taking his share of the blame.

I will not walk away from these Americans, and neither should the people in this chamber.

I hope this signals he is going to get more engaged in pushing this.

We’re past the halfway point in the text, btw.

Am I hearing some boos?

We cannot continue tax cuts for oil companies, investment fund managers, and those making more than $250,000 a year. We just can’t afford it. Works for me.

I’m still leery of the spending freeze and “bipartisan fiscal commission.”

Mention of Citizens United. Yeah, with some of the bums sitting right there in front of him.

Well I don’t think American elections should be bankrolled by America’s most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign entities. They should be decided by the American people, and that’s why I’m urging Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps to right this wrong.

Oh, they’re all against those awful earmarks. I guess the earmark devil makes them do it.

I’m going to guess the pundits will grade this speech in the C+ to B – range, except on Fox News, where it will of course have completely failed.

Just saying no to everything may be good short-term politics, but it’s not leadership.

In other news, I see that Peg is whining that I was mean to her. Poor baby.

He deviated from the text a bit about bringing troops home from Afghanistan. I’m not sure I caught exactly what he said.

We’re on the next to the last page, folks.

Hey, he’s repealing don’t ask, don’t tell? That’s a plus.

I campaigned on the promise of change – change we can believe in, the slogan went. And right now, I know there are many Americans who aren’t sure if they still believe we can change – or at least, that I can deliver it.

But remember this – I never suggested that change would be easy, or that I can do it alone. Democracy in a nation of three hundred million people can be noisy and messy and complicated. And when you try to do big things and make big changes, it stirs passions and controversy. That’s just how it is.

OK, but dude, you’ve got to be more visible, more engaged with what’s going on in Congress.

Anyone else want to grade this? I don’t think the speech itself will have much impact on current political momentum.

I am really, really tired and am going to tune out now, but keep talking among yourselves.