Posted on 02/24/2009 6:54:53 PM PST by allmost
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama, following a tradition dating to at least Franklin D. Roosevelt, is calling his first address to Congress simply a speech, not a State of the Union address.
Since 1930, the only presidents to deliver a State of the Union speech immediately after taking office were Dwight Eisenhower in 1953, John F. Kennedy in 1961 and Lyndon B. Johnson in 1963. Others have chosen to focus on more narrow topics, such as energy in Jimmy Carter's first speech and the economy shortly after Ronald Reagan took office.
Obama is appearing before a joint session of Congress, not a joint meeting. Congress holds joint sessions for more formal events such as presidential addresses and counting electoral votes. Joint meetings take place when foreign dignitaries or prominent Americans talk to senators and representatives.
The Constitution only says that the president "shall from time to time give to the Congress information regarding the state of the union." Between John Adams in 1800 and Woodrow Wilson in 1913 no president actually appeared before Congress to deliver an address.
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Show dogs aren’t taken out for a walk as often as BO parades his ego.
Moron Republicans just stood up and applauded Obama’s lie about taxes. What a bunch of gutless good-for-nuthins.
Reminded me of some black and white footage of Saddam’s speeches. You know they didn’t agree with him, or even like him. They just clapped.
Can we get to Jindal already? Tired of listening to an al-Qaeda sympathizer lecturing America on torture.
Tom Clancy is missing an opportunity here.....
Rhetoric, and a whole lot of spending.
Pitiful.
Did I miss something...or was Hail To The Chief not played?
He was too busy with the adulation to get distracted by such minor details. I’ve clicked through professional wrestling intros and you could substitute our ‘president’ with any one of them.
Given the fact that D.C. is a city of hypocrites, the standing and applause of the Pubs held little value. Except for respect for the office of President, which I also will honor. Not agree with..just honor.
If Barry is in some distant land and some kook decides to throw shoes at him, I will not cheer.
I am pretty sure that the Pubs will fight him in the correct manner. Now, I might add that I am a cynic..it maybe for personal gain.
Good point!!
And the analogy gave me a good laugh.
Looks like a President, but he's not.
At least it's consistent!
Yep, where’s an airliner when you need it.
He’ll call it a speech... and let everyone else call it a “State of the Union” address.
Obama will always be the “President-elect” to me.
I second that thought........
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