Live Blog: SOTU 2012
Posted: January 24, 2012 Filed under: 2012 presidential campaign, Barack Obama, U.S. Economy, U.S. Military, U.S. Politics | Tags: 2012 State of the Union Speech, Economic Fairness 179 Comments
Here’s your SOTU Bingo Card! Print it out and play along. As soon as one square has been said once, you have to take a drink for every mention after that! Those are the House Rules!
I decided against plugging in the “THEME” of the night. Obama is still channeling Teddy Roosevelt with the idea of Economic Fairness.
President Barack Obama will call economic fairness “the defining issue of our time” in his State of the Union address Tuesday night as he vows to keep fighting for working Americans.
“It’s time to apply the same rules from top to bottom: No bailouts, no handouts, and no copouts. An America built to last insists on responsibility from everybody,” Obama will say, according to excerpts released by the White House ahead of his speech in the House chamber to a joint session of Congress. “Let’s never forget: Millions of Americans who work hard and play by the rules every day deserve a government and a financial system that does the same.”
The election-year address gives Obama a high-profile platform to counter the GOP presidential candidates who have been pummeling him, virtually unanswered, for months. He will expand on the vision he described in a pivotal December speech in Osawatomie, Kan., that channeled Teddy Roosevelt’s square deal slogan of economic equality.
Obama will lay down markers Tuesday night aimed at making that vision a reality.
That’s always been the deal, hasn’t it? Obama is very good at stealing another leader’s vision and making it seem like he owns it. The problem is that he negotiates it away to the right wing and his words never come out as detailed plans. Will this be the billion dollar fund raising speech it needs to be? The SOTU will be lived simulcast via the White House Home Page.
EVENT ACTION Obama says “Folks” Poke a hole in the bottom of a can of PBR, put it up to your mouth, open the tab and chug Obama says he created 3.2 million jobs Take 3.2 sips Obama mentions the 8.5% unemployment rate Drink 8.5% of a bottle of Jack Daniels (no more, you’re probably unemployed and Jack ain’t cheap) Only Republicans applaud Obama must have tripped or something. Consolation shot for Barry Only Democrats applaud Have a glass of water. This will happen a lot and you need to hydrate. Camera pans to Michelle Obama Drink, but then eat something organic Obama mentions “Occupy” or the 99% Do one shot and tweet something @ellenbarkin Obama mentions “Wall Street” or the 1% Pour yourself a glass of 50-year old single malt scotch, throw the glass out, then pour another glass. You have plenty
So, what are some of the Villager’s tweeting?
Instructions on how to get to Beltway Bob’s SOTUS (the cheerleader edition) here:
ezraklein Ezra Klein
You can follow Wonkblog’s liveblogging/tweeting of SOTU here: wapo.st/Ai7QpE
The anti-Beltway Bob antidote (or is that anecdote?)will be here:
YourAnonNews Anonymous
Four things that will not be brought up at #SOTU: #SOPA, #PIPA, #ACTA and #NDAA. Google and read about them all!
Our hero:
SenatorSanders Bernie Sanders
The wealthiest 400 people in America now own more wealth than the bottom 150 million Americans. #SOTU
Looks like somebody got an advanced copy:
KeithOlbermann Keith Olbermann
POTUS SOTU Conclusion: “An America built to last insists on responsibility from everybody.”Keith Olbermann
KeithOlbermann Keith Olbermann
POTUS SOTU: It’s time to apply the same rules from top to bottom: No bailouts, no handouts, and no copouts…
A suggestion only Bobby Brady Jindal (The governor/exorcist) would love.
mattyglesias mattyglesias
Texas Governor Rick Perry whose state leads the nation in job creation would be an ideal SOTU responder were he not a national joke.
This goes down at 9 p.m. EST.
peej
Carissa
bostonboomer
dakinikat
ecocatwoman
grayslady
mablue2
JJ Lopez aka Minkoff Minx
peggysue22
skydancingguestblogger
Mona (aka Wonk the Vote)
Sky Dancing 
Politico has some excerpts:
http://www.politico.com/politico44/2012/01/state-of-the-union-excerpts-no-bailouts-no-handouts-112135.html
They’ve only released parts of the SOTU speech to the Press.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/24/state-of-the-union-speech-text_n_1228462.html?ref=politics
What exactly is “enhanced” broadcast on the White House link? Does it let you know when to take a drink? Does it spell out the double-speak? ;0
I think Obama sings AL Green’s greatest hits in the background.
DAK,
Too funny of a line that one.
Gabby Giffords was given some special recognition by the press. The Cabinet is coming in right now. Supremes are already seated as is FLOTUS.
I see it is her last day in Congress…
The House and Senate chanted Gabby and now SOS Clinton is giving her a hug and peck. They’re having a bit of a conversation.
Yeah, lock the barn after all the animals escaped
I’d laugh, but that’s the kind of laugh that tends to hurt.
johnboehner John Boehner
#KXL pipeline is a shovel-ready project that’s been through every approval process here in Washington. Let’s get it built #4jobs.
from me:
@johnboehner My seafood already has oil in it/ Does my bread and steak really need that too? #OILLEAKSDESTROYLIVLIHOODS
At least it doesn’t have fetuses in it. Or does it?
Of course, KXL as of now has no plan for how it’s going to avoid the Ogalalla acquifer.
Is that considered “shovel ready”? Or does that apply to your BS, Boner?
Okay, here comes POTUS
They’ve opened the excerpts of the text on the actual speech now.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/01/24/what-president-obama-will-say-tonight
Eric Cantor comes in behind the President. I wonder if Obama has a knife proof backplate?
Only 5 Justices?
The hyperRepublican ones stay home and wear their opus dei hairshirts and whip themselves.
ROFL!!!!
AH. BINGO card already!!! TROOPS home!!!! Honorable Men & Women …
and OSAMA BIN LADEN is a winner!!!!
damn that is to freaking funny!
yup! and at the perfect moment too…09:11
Ugh….9:11pm and I can’t take any more…will read the transcript.
Osama! Drink!
yup, on to financial regulation and the MIDDLE class …
He’s blaming Wall Street so there’s another one down. and he just said jobs.
Obama: Folks at the top saw their incomes rise like never before, but most hardworking Americans struggled with costs that were growing
He said energy independence awhile back….
“Think about the America within our reach: A country that leads the world in educating its people. An America that attracts a new generation of high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs. A future where we’re in control of our own energy, and our security and prosperity aren’t so tied to unstable parts of the world. An economy built to last, where hard work pays off, and responsibility is rewarded. “
He’s talking about the auto industry bail outs now.
“As long as I’m President, I will work with anyone in this chamber to build on this momentum. But I intend to fight obstruction with action, and I will oppose any effort to return to the very same policies that brought on this economic crisis in the first place.
No, we will not go back to an economy weakened by outsourcing, bad debt, and phony financial profits. Tonight, I want to speak about how we move forward, and lay out a blueprint for an economy that’s built to last – an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values.”
“We bet on American workers. We bet on American ingenuity. And tonight, the American auto industry is back.”
Yeah, every town and city should be as fortunate as Detroit!
“The state of our union is getting stronger”
Who punched Kerry?
He broke his nose playing hockey…
Ouch (is it bad that I laughed first?)
He’s talking corporate Tax Loopholes now.
First, if you’re a business that wants to outsource jobs, you shouldn’t get a tax deduction for doing it.
“It’s time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America.”
He’s starting a Trade Enforcement Union to police unfair trade practices.
We’ve brought trade cases against China at nearly twice the rate as the last administration – and it’s made a difference.
That was kind of a JFK paraphrase.
“Ask what you can do to bring jobs to your country, and your country will do everything it can to help you.”
Doesn’t have the same ring to it tho.
That’s the karma from beer pong and cardboard HIllary fondling. Paraphrase Dysfunction.
He says all these wonderful things as if he was going to press for legislation on any of them.
Rocky to Bullwinkle: Not that trick again.
Does Matty not know that Gov. Goodhair’s great job creation numbers had a huge amount of Federal stimulus money behind them?
Sheeh, Matty.
Uh oh, here’s the SOPA workaround.
Yeah, I heard that.
ESQPolitics Charles P. Pierce
Master Lock’s UNIONIZED plant in Milwaukee…low bridge for Gov. Walker.
3 minutes ago
ESQPolitics Charles P. Pierce
I think Rand Paul believes that, if he stands up, a TSA agent is going to leap out and grab his dick.
3 minutes ago
BorowitzReport Andy Borowitz
Obama’s reference to people “hitting bottom” a veiled reference to Boehner’s drinking. #SOTU
14 seconds ago
I’m noticing similarities between Obama’s and Romney’s lowering of volume to indicate sincerity.
I get the same felling of lack thereof from both.
Who decides who the best teachers are and what are the criteria?
He wants to ban dropping out of high school? How is this possible…imprison the parents?
How will Newt send those kids to work as janitors if they’re still in school?
Do you suppose every one will stop Bashing Teachers now since he asked? … but he didn’t say pretty please?
I’m glad he’s mentioning higher education but I have no idea what he can do about it if your governor is set on running a plantation and keeping folks in trade schools instead.
whoa … he mentioned equal pay for equal work
I know. Who is this guy?
Obama 2012
Obama: We should be working on comprehensive immigration. If not, “let’s at least agree to stop expelling responsible young people.
Okeee dokeee … he’s opening the offshore drilling resources
and his new buzzword is “responsible” energy
Because no one can afford to drive.
yup, i love my bicycle and the closeness of the french quarter
I love my bike too! Wish I was close to the french quarter 🙂 Miss it much.
gawd, they just panned to Mitch McConnell … he always looks like he’s been eating prunes and small children
“American oil production is the highest it’s been in 8 years. That’s right– 8 years.”
okay, CLEAN Energy just got the hit!
Oh boy, more fracking. I’d better add that quake coverage to my homeowners’ insurance.
Sounds like he’s opening up public lands for all kinds of things … I hope the bears and elk have their share of it too.
Congress hasn’t acted, so I will: will allow development of clean energy on enough public land to power 3 million homes.
Scary. It’s probably going to be in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. That’s Obama’s tribute to Teddy the conservationist.
Clean energy? Fracking is not clean…yes…fuck the fracking!
Every SOTU he says that he’s going to stop subsidizing oil companies, and yet, it continues. Go check your archives–I’m certain I complained about this very thing last year!
I’m sure you’re right.
Is it just me, or does Obama sound a lot more fired up than usual?
Yes, and he does not have that MLK/Jesse Jackson tune in his voice either.
They must have brought in a speech coach.
Yes, he’s in the Zone.
Yes. If he were female, he’d be criticized for being strident. Of course, he’ll be praised for sounding strong.
I wouldn’t go that far. He doesn’t sound strong, just enthusiastic.
It’s just stump speech Obama (imho)
Yup, I agree…
In fact, our largest export right now is . . . fuel. More gasoline, diesel and jet fuel than any other export. So when the Keystone Pipeline comes up? That was already contracted for South America and Europe. Ugh.
He’s getting all the buzzwords in. Yes, end the oil companies’ subsidies. Only you have to act on the words. New program with the Dept of the Defense to develop green energy to 3 million homes? Not sure if I got the number right.
Executive order for infrastructure jobs. GOP will hate that!
Yes, but it will mean tearing up the national parks. Repubs will love that.
When Obama was talking about housing, Geithner looked like he’d been gut punched!
Really? Could it be that Geithner is getting cut out of some meetings?
Yep, fees on big bank transactions to pay for mortgage relief/refinancing.
Gee, I thought it was me, as he isn’t my favorite person, but glad you noticed too.
Urges Congress to fund infrastucture projects using money no longer needed for war in Iraq.
And infrastructure comes off the card!
I don’t even know what to say about that spilled milk comment. Hope his post presidency plants don’t include Vegas.
lol!
you mean plans, right?
markknoller Mark Knoller
Pres serves notice on banks & other financial orgs: “the rest of us aren’t bailing you out ever again.”
Warren Buffet’s secretary….
OMG! “serious about paying down our debt.”
Code for cutting social security and medicare…
Oh yes, you are so right BB.
Prez has already warned the new budget is ‘not going to be pleasant.’ Get ready for the shock waves.
Lawd help us…I think you are correct, while saving his Wall Street Greedo base.
Obama: Do we want to keep these tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans? Or do we want to keep our investments in everything else?
Now, we’ve got tax reform and the Buffett Rule … I think that takes care of about three of our bingo items
“a quarter of all millionaires pay lower taxes than most American households”
‘asking a billionaire to pay at least as much as his secretary”
Gratuitous Romney Slap:
“Tax reform should follow the Buffett rule: If you make more than $1 million a year, you should not pay less than 30 percent in taxes.”
I thought he said “bucket rule.” I was wondering what that meant.
“What you call class warfare, regular Americans call common sense.”
Now we’re talking about the deficit and the deficit of trust
BorowitzReport Andy Borowitz
“I am proud to report that in addition to bin Laden, I just killed the dude who wrote that milk joke.” #SOTU
8 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply
Deficit of trust between Main Street and Wall Street?
Pretty words, pretty words…
He’s asking for a ban for insider trading by members of congress
If only!
Oh brother. Bipartisanship. Give it up, Barack. It’s never going to happen.
He doesn’t even want bipartisanship, he just wants his Obamacan vote to turn out in ’12 again.
“I’m a Democrat.” So says POTUS.
Really? Could’ve fooled me.
he’s “a Democrat but….” just like “I’m a feminist but…”
That’s a good one Peggy.
Think we scored a black out on the bingo card!
we’re back on ending the Iraq war and scrambling Al Quaeda let overs
Did we mention Osama bin Laden is dead now?
Troops home … second mentions so bottom up!!!
Men and women fighting for us…drink up again!
I think you’re right. He’s hit most of the squares.
Touting his education reform ? Totally pitching to the “Obamacan” (Repub/libertarian) vote.
Yea. He did that with the energy thing too and also immigration.
What about that Lincoln quote about not doing things for citizens that they can do for themselves?
BB, ayup. That Lincoln quote was an Obamacan vote pitch too.
Nukes are on the table!
Just got a mental picture of McCain, in the Slim Pickens role, riding the bomb down on Iran. It wasn’t pretty,
Ha, Goldy…did you just say wing attack plan R?
We got a shot of Joe Lieberman as he was saying that. McCain’s bomb buddy.
That’s what brought up the image. Need brain bleach.
conor64 Conor Friedersdorf
“We’ll stand for the rights and dignity of all human beings…” except the ones I detain without charges or trial. #SOTU
2 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply
Retweeted by kirstenpowers10
Is this “Barack is back 2012” stump speech done yet? I could have been making marzipan scones all this time. Sheesh.
blue state red state, mom jeans dad jeans
gay or straight….rich or poor…
I’d rather listen to MJ’s “it doesn’t matter if you’re black or white”
Ain’t that the truth! I guess channeling MJ is better than channeling Pokemon?
LOL
Was listening to Hard Knock Radio on the way home tonight … Several African-Americans interviewed about SOTU. None of them were very happy with POTUS. One of them called Obama “the greatest trick ever.” Wanted to hear about immigration reform, solutions to the student-debt problem, undoing Citizens United, but not hopeful. Wide-spread pessimism — err, realism.
NW Luna…good to see you.
Thanks to all the live bloggers watching so I don’t have to. No TV here, and if I had one not sure I could stand to listen to him.
They didn’t hear about any of that. The brag on more folks guarding the border than ever before and don’t send kids with advanced degrees back home was the immigration tome tonight.
yay barack thanks for wrapping up.
It’s all over and we filled the card, I’d say!
Teddy Roosevelt’s words, from his own Kansas speech:
“I stand for the square deal. But when I say that I am for the square deal, I mean not merely that I stand for fair play under the present rules of the games, but that I stand for having those rules changed so as to work for a more substantial equality of opportunity and of reward for equally good service.”
“The object of government is the welfare of the people.”
Sorry, Barack, you can’t channel Teddy.
Ah….had to get that in there…
Grading this as a political speech only, I gotta say it was a damned good one. Yes, I broke my vow and actually watched one of them. What comes out of it will probably be squat.
That’s the problem. All Hat. No Cattle.
Da Very Serious David Gergen “very politically shrewd speech” bring home Dems, bring some Independents, yarda yarda. If speech had been 30% shorter, would have been that much more powerful, but Bill Clinton gave long SOTUs that were popular
HotlineJosh Josh Kraushaar
“that was the best speech” HRC tells Obama on his way out #hotmicmoment
Hillary must have been talking about the one she was giving in her head. (LOL!)
“….of your SOTUs. Which isn’t saying much.”
I don’t think I can handle listening to Mitch Daniels.
I can’t imagine who would want to try 🙂
Mitch D. looks like a gnome. Just sayin’.
“Trickle down gov’t” –Gnome Daniels
Are you f’n shitting me? Trickle off my screen, fool.
It’s Republicans who want stuff to trickle down.
(And, y’all know I won’t defend Dems if I don’t have to!)
Oh yeah and I forgot to say… Eric Cantor even looked more zombie-like than usual
where did everybody go? Lol
I was watching Daniels squeak his pip.
He didn’t scream about any culture war issues. How odd.
the GOP needs to stop with the social issues… well if they want to win, which I’m not convinced they do.
Are we sure he can find his pip?
with tweezers and a microscope
Lol, it probably got lost in all the santorum.
I don’t see how he can justify saying things are worse now than when Obama took over. I mean it’s not a lot better, but worse?
Replies to SOTUs are usually pretty lame.
Especially when the SOTU was lame to begin with.
yeah… it’s like watching Obama sing after watching Bill Clinton play the sax 🙂
Oh, did you have to remind me? I was reading that recent Esquire interview with the Big Dawg. A POTUS who can quote meaningful statistics off the top of his head, come up with 4 different policy changes to increase employment for living wages in 3 minutes, ….. etc.
When will we have a real adult again as POTUS?
when Chelsea runs/wins?
I’m all for a Clinton dynasty! Bring it.
I had to take the dogs out…
ooh, you did something much more constructive with your time 🙂
My husband’s just made a wonderful dinner, and we have a fine bottle of red, red, local wine. I’m going to forget about tricksters and banksters for a while.
🙂 Enjoy!
Alright, this owl is out. Thanks for the liveblogging Sky Dancers! *muah*
Interesting. The Mortgage Crisis Unit he announced may be worth something after all. Schneiderman is the real thing.
hmm… well at least there’s a baby tooth to his speech.
now I’m really out! Lol. Night.
Night! I’m about to go climb under the blankets to read some fiction. I am sorely lacking in energy still.
Damn, I forgot tomorrow is Wednesday…guess I got a post to write…
Huh. Maybe Campaign Obama 2012 realizes they need to perp-walk some banksters, not just talk. Be nice while it lasts.
Buenos noches, todo.
I’m hoping something will really happen with insider trading in Congress.
‘nite all!
Nite all. It’s been swell!