When did the SOTU become a high school pep rally?

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

Devoid of content or import. Applause lines delivered so that the faithful in the stands could jump up and down and show their appropriation. Contrast this speech to the Al Gore speech which was a TRUE State of the union.

[Cocoa]

1. when a cheerleader became president

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

2. good point. nt.

[Nikki Stone 1]

5. Great comeback

And I agree

[Anita Garcia]

6. yes

[NYC Liberal]

3. Maybe we should go back to the tradition that existed

all the way up until Wilson (I believe), which is that presidents never spoke before Congress but just sent their remarks in a letter which was read by the House and Senate clerks to each chamber.

[Nevernose]

4. When they invented the television

n/t