Op-ed: State of the (Diss)Union

  • By Bob Franken
  • Wednesday, January 31, 2018 12:42pm
  • Opinion

It’s not a Donald Trump thing for me. I have always believed that State of the Union speeches were dopey. It’s fair to say, though, that it’s particularly ludicrous with this guy as president.

We really should replace “State of the Union” with “Tweet of the Union.” That’s how TWICTUS (Twitterer in Chief of the United States) normally stretches his attention span to communicate to citizens his complete thoughts in superficial bursts. Why do we need 45 minutes to an hour of his nastiness? Ah, yes, you respond, but it’s a way to display our democracy in action. Actually, it’s hypocrisy in action. With the boisterous applause and the platitudes, like the scripted intro by the House speaker — “Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the president of the United States” — the entire show is totally phony. Whoever the president is, it’s a pompous regurgitation of his ideas, ones that have been splattered on us ad nauseam. The remarks really are delivered to the folks at home watching on television, using the delirious members of Congress as a studio audience and with the party in power looking similar to those who have been revved up for a game show, like “Let’s Make a Deal.”

The spectacle also extends to the “gallery,” which is the pretentious Washington name for the bleachers. They’re filled with human props, the people, sympathy figures and others, whom the White House selects to reinforce whatever ringing declaration the leader wants to make. The president can bring 24 guests to sit with the first lady, assuming she shows up, and the speaker of the House can add 24 others. Each member of Congress can invite one person, and oftentimes that’s where they do a little mischief.

There was some talk of a Democrat bringing in Stormy Daniels, but that was considered too tacky even for this bunch. Besides, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel has booked her for his show that night. Millions who might have been bored to sleep by the president’s speech will have to figure out some way to stay awake, way past bedtime, for Kimmel. Even if she doesn’t strip. For those of you who are susceptible to floozie flu, Stormy Daniels is Donald Trump’s Gennifer Flowers. If you don’t know who Gennifer is, you’re either too young, or so prefer substance to titillation that you wouldn’t be reading this idiot column anyway.

The mind wanders. The point is: Is this all necessary? The answer is a resounding “No way.” The State of the Union address is not legally required of the president. All the Constitution says is that, “He shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” Before Woodrow Wilson, most of our presidents didn’t even bother making a speech. They’d merely send a written report to the Capitol. We call those times the “good old days.”

Now we have the overhyped TV extravaganza, complete with shameless members of the House trying to get on camera fleetingly as POTUS walks down the aisle, and cutaway shots as the network directors look for anyone who might be the slightest bit relevant to whatever Mr. President says — and those who are unfortunate enough to doze off. Afterward, we get the opposition response. This year, the Democrats offered up Rep. Joe Kennedy of Massachusetts. He’s the grandson of Robert Kennedy. Who said the party is mired in the past?

Then it’s on to the really big finish, where we get the spin and endless commentary from us pundits about what it all means. Spoiler alert: Not much.

Bob Franken is a longtime broadcast journalist, including 20 years at CNN.

More in Opinion

A silver salmon is weighed at Three Bears in Kenai, Alaska. Evelyn McCoy, customer service PIC at Three Bears, looks on. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Will coho salmon be the next to disappear in the Kenai River?

Did we not learn anything from the disappearance of the kings from the Kenai River?

Jonathan Flora is a lifelong commercial fisherman and dockworker from Homer, Alaska.
Point of View: Not fishing for favors — Alaskans need basic health care access

We ask our elected officials to oppose this bill that puts our health and livelihoods in danger.

Alex Koplin. (courtesy photo)
Opinion: Public schools do much more than just teach the three Rs

Isn’t it worth spending the money to provide a quality education for each student that enters our schools?

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Letter to the Editor: Law enforcement officers helped ensure smooth, secure energy conference

Their visible commitment to public safety allowed attendees to focus fully on collaboration, learning, and the important conversations shaping our path forward.

Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire file photo
The present-day KTOO public broadcasting building, built in 1959 for the U.S. Army’s Alaska Communications System Signal Corps, is located on filled tidelands near Juneau’s subport. Today vehicles on Egan Drive pass by the concrete structure with satellite dishes on the roof that receive signals from NPR, PBS and other sources.
My Turn: Stand for the community radio, not culture war optics

Alaskans are different and we pride ourselves on that. If my vehicle… Continue reading

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) delivers his annual speech to the Alaska Legislature on Thursday, March 20, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Sullivan, Trump and the rule of lawlessness

In September 2023, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan established his own Alaska Federal… Continue reading

UAA Provost Denise Runge photographed outside the Administration and Humanities Building at the University of Alaskas Anchorage. (courtesy photo)
Opinion: UAA’s College of Health — Empowering Alaska’s future, one nurse at a time

At the University of Alaska Anchorage, we understand the health of our… Continue reading

U.S. Rep. Nick Begich III, R-Alaska, address a joint session of the Alaska Legislature on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: A noncongressman for Alaska?

It’s right to ask whether Nick Begich is a noncongressman for Alaska.… Continue reading

Boats return to the Homer Harbor at the end of the fishing period for the 30th annual Winter King Salmon Tournament on Saturday, March 23, 2024 in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Opinion: Funding sustainable fisheries

Spring is always a busy season for Alaska’s fishermen and fishing communities.… Continue reading

Gov. Mike Dunleavy holds a press conference on Monday, May 19, 2025, to discuss his decision to veto an education bill. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: On fiscal policy, Dunleavy is a governor in name only

His fiscal credibility is so close to zero that lawmakers have no reason to take him seriously.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks in support overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of House Bill 69 at the Alaska Capitol in Juneau, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire)
Capitol Corner: Finishing a session that will make a lasting impact

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman reports back from Juneau.