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What the professionals had to say about last night's State of the Union address: Aaron Blake: "While Russia’s invasion has fueled some bipartisanship, there remain some divides on precisely what to do or what should have been done — particularly about our energy supply and related sanctions on things like the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. But Biden opted not to dwell on the specifics and instead focused on our sudden and rare unity of cause." The Economist: "Although never regarded as a gifted orator, Mr...

As I did in 2020, this year I live-posted SOTU on Facebook. Here are my posts, in the order I made them: OK, here we go with the SOTU. Last time (2020) I needed two martinis and watched with the sound off. This time, I see no need for alcohol and I'm happy to listen. What changed, I wonder? Ukrainian ambassador gets an extended standing ovation from the entire government of the United States. She might prefer fighter jets and ammunition, but it was a nice gesture We're putting troops along the Russian...

I'm under the weather today, which has helped me catch up on all these stories that I haven't gotten to yet: The Chicago Tribune announced their critics choice dining awards for 2018. Yum. Megan Garber explains why female Democratic representatives wore white to the State of the Union address. Matt Ford says the actual speech was a waste. Chicago History Today compares North Michigan Avenue today with 1931. Josh Marshall says the president is scared—and should be. Jeff Bezos calls the National...

WaPo reports that Speaker Pelosi has just invited the president to give the State of the Union Address in the House chamber next Tuesday evening. I have watched most SOTUs since I was a kid. This one, I'm not sure I want to watch. I'm torn. But I suppose it's my civic duty. It's just too bad they don't have TVs at the Duke of Perth.

...a report from the Executive to the Legislature required by Article II, section 3. Everyone is following along, yes? 9:11pm: First applause line: "I'm going to try to make it a little shorter." 9:15pm: My companion: "Fear!" Me: "No, that's Feinstein." 9:18pm: Oh, dear. Third "fear" of the speech. Might not make it... 9:21pm: "Anyone who says America's economy is in decline is peddling fiction." 9:29pm: "There is red tape that can be cut." Bi-partisan applause, for different reasons. 9:32pm: "When the...