State of the Union Address

[Alex]

I believe it is James Webb giving the response (I heard the person being interviewed on NPR this morning -- "I don't intend to give a partisan response...I will highlight the Democrats' disagreement with is Iraq policy" is what I remember and think it was Webb but now I'm doubting myself.

Oh, and I don't plan to watch. I generally read the transcripts because watching is too focused on how well he says it (particularly in the analysis) and not enough on what is said).

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by Alex Stroup

Oh, and I don't plan to watch. I generally read the transcripts

The one thing I watch for is the reactions. For example, I know now that Bush's plan to give families a 15k tax break for health care is DOA. The republicans applauded while the dems sat stone faced. You won't get that from the transcripts.

[Alex]

You needed to see the reaction to know that?

The applause and silence is just part of the staging. They all know who they are supposed to watch to see what the reaction is supposed to be.