The Hitchhiker’s Guide to President Trump’s speech to Congress tonight

The State of the Union: A Tradition Shaped by History and Evolution

Tonight’s speech, while significant, is technically not labeled a "State of the Union" address. This is because the President has only been in office for a few weeks, and the title is often reserved for later in the term. However, this evening’s address is still a crucial moment for the new administration to set the tone and outline its vision for the future. The idea of a State of the Union address is deeply rooted in American history, though it has evolved significantly over time.

The Constitutional Roots and Early History of the State of the Union

The concept of the State of the Union address is outlined in Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, which states that the President "shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union." This mandate does not explicitly require a speech; it simply obliges the President to provide updates on the nation’s condition. The first State of the Union address was delivered by President George Washington in New York in 1790. However, President Thomas Jefferson later discontinued the practice, believing it resembled the British monarch’s annual speech to Parliament. For over a century, the State of the Union remained a written document rather than a spoken address.

The Revival and Evolution of the State of the Union

The tradition of delivering the State of the Union as a speech was revived in the early 20th century by President Woodrow Wilson, who sought to reconnect the presidency with Congress and the American people. Since then, the State of the Union has become a cornerstone of American political life. The address has also adapted to advancements in technology. President Calvin Coolidge was the first to deliver the speech over the radio in 1923, while President Harry Truman made history by broadcasting it on television in 1947. President Lyndon B. Johnson further shifted the tradition by scheduling the speech during prime time to reach a wider audience. In the 1990s, President Bill Clinton took the practice into the digital age by streaming the address on the internet.

Beyond the Speech: Memorable Moments and Extracurriculars

While the content of the State of the Union address is always closely watched, the event itself has sometimes been overshadowed by the extracurriculars surrounding it. One of the most famous examples occurred in 1982, when President Ronald Reagan invited Lenny Skutnik, a Congressional Budget Office employee who had heroically rescued a passenger from the freezing Potomac River after a plane crash, to attend the address. This gesture marked the beginning of a tradition where presidents invite special guests to highlight key themes or honor extraordinary individuals.

In more recent years, the State of the Union has become a platform for both unity and division. In 2009, Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) famously heckled President Barack Obama during a speech to a joint session of Congress, shouting "You lie!" in response to Obama’s comments on healthcare. Similarly, in 2020, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) made headlines by ripping up a copy of President Donald Trump’s speech after he finished delivering it. These moments underscore the polarized nature of modern American politics.

A Tradition of Resilience and Relevance in Modern Times

Despite its contentious moments, the State of the Union address remains a vital part of American democracy. It serves as a rare opportunity for the President to speak directly to Congress and the nation, outlining priorities, celebrating achievements, and addressing challenges. The address has also become a platform for the public to engage with the political process, whether through live television broadcasts, social media, or grassroots discussions. As the nation continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the State of the Union address remains a testament to the enduring importance of communication and accountability in leadership.