We should ban “State of the Union” addresses — including pseudo “State of the Union” addresses — to Congress.
They are a complete waste of time, and offer nothing of any value to the American people.
Firstly, they are mind-numbingly long. Biden’s first address to Congress on Wednesday night lasted one hour and four minutes. Former President Donald Trump’s addresses were one hour (2017), one hour and twenty minutes (2018), one hour and twenty-two minutes (2019), and one hour and eighteen minutes (2020). Former President Barack Obama’s addresses were a little shorter, ranging from fifty-one minutes (2009) to one hour and nine minutes (2010).
Former President George W. Bush’s addresses were all under an hour, and some were even under fifty minutes. Former President Bill Clinton lasted one hour and twenty-eight minutes during his 2000 “State of the Union” address, and one hour and twenty-four minutes in 1995.
As we scroll back through the list, the average length noticeably shrinks, with Richard Nixon’s 1972 address lasting just over twenty-eight minutes.
Much of the reason for the increased speaking time is the bloviated nature of the content, with addresses of recent years increasingly dedicated to an exhaustive list of “accomplishments.” What makes matters worse is that nearly every “accomplishment” triggers rambunctious applause from the president’s party, while their ideological opponents remain seated, scowling with theatrical rage.
However, the fundamental problem with such addresses is that they offer nothing of value that couldn’t be provided in a lengthy Twitter thread. After all, Thomas Jefferson discontinued the practice of delivering the “State of the Union” address in person in 1801, regarding it as too monarchical. Until 1913, the address was handwritten, sent to Congress, and read by a clerk. It was Woodrow Wilson, one of the worst presidents in American history, who reintroduced it. In fact, Jimmy Carter was the last president to give a written message instead of a spoken address, in 1981.
What makes matters worse — beyond the propagandizing and self-congratulatory nature of the speech itself — is the cynical games that are played by both sides every year. Who did and didn’t clap is suddenly breaking news. The color of clothing, and the political message portrayed as a consequence, dominates conversation. Outrageous — and often false — statements are either applauded as brave proclamations or indicative of totalitarianism, depending on political affiliation.
Here’s an idea: let’s embrace Jefferson’s theory and go back to written “State of the Union” addresses, and we can all take back a few hours of our lives.
It appears that many Americans agree, given that “President Joe Biden’s first address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night fared relatively poorly online,” with reactions to the speech on social media appearing to be overwhelmingly negative. Not only that, Biden’s viewership was lower than that of Trump.
Let’s follow a general rule. If hour-long political speeches add nothing to the political conversation, then let’s banish them from our screens.
To tell the truth, this might affect more than just the “State of the Union,” but we have to start somewhere.
Ian Haworth is an Editor and Writer for The Daily Wire. Follow him on Twitter at @ighaworth.
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.