FEBRUARY
5, 2006 --
LPR
suggests that the party out of presidential power end the practice
of a short formal speech after the State of the Union.
At present, as indicated by the remarks of Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, speaking
for the Democrats, the solemn grandeur of the occasion of the State of the
Union address is just a long lead-in to sharp, if relatively brief, partisan
attack.
This is not to say a State of the Union address should go without immediate
criticism, but a forum for such criticism
is available right next to the TV anchor's chair.
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Ken
Duberstein, who served as chief of staff to President Reagan, has
noted that Mr. Reagan was unconcerned about the Democratic response,
joking that most people will not stay to see it.
For this writer, expressions of sharp partisanship in a setting that cannot rise
to the level of a State of the Union address are not indications of good
political timing, or taste.
Has there ever been memorable opposition response to the State of the
Union address?
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