Time flies or what? President Trump will present his 2nd State of the Union speech in a few weeks.
Who remembers a State of the Union speech? I've heard most of them since Nixon. Like the World Series, they used to be in the afternoon but now it's a prime time speech.
What moments do I remember?
I remember President Ford saying that the "state of the union is not good" in the middle of the '75 recession.
I recall President Reagan carrying a stack of papers and dumping them on the table. Pres. Reagan was complaining about amendments and resolutions.
President Clinton's speeches were too long, despite the fact that they were brilliantly delivered. President GW Bush had the great "axis of evil" line in '03.
Overall, the state of the union speech is unimportant. However, it does set the tone for the partisans. In '81, President Reagan used the speech to launch his tax cuts and enjoyed high polls until the recession hit us in '82.
Perhaps the strangest moment was President Clinton delivering a speech in the middle of the Senate impeachment trial.
So let me suggest the following ideas to President Trump. Stick to a couple of things and fight for them.
On the domestic side, the US economy is doing fine. Go to the next level of calling for health care reform.
On education, go for school choice. US public schools are failing inner city kids. Give the parents a voucher and let them choose a school.
By the way, school choice and traditional marriage are issues that will connect with blacks and Hispanics.
On foreign policy, continue to talk about "the killers" a.k.a. terrorists. We are in a war with evil people and they must destroyed or they will destroy us.
On Iran, support the protests.
On the Middle East, the US will not support a nuclear Iran or anyone who threatens Israel. Make it clear that the military option is on the table but the US prefers a diplomatic resolution.
Be simple, clear and forceful. Frankly, no one remembers these speeches a week after delivery.
