2026 State of the Union discussion thread

MrMoe said:

Ilhan Omar and the Democrats embarrassing themselves as usual.

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That's NOT news.

Full transcript: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivers Democratic response to State of the Union address​

[excerpts]

The United States was founded on the idea that ordinary people could reject the unacceptable excesses of poor leadership, band together to demand better of their government, and create a nation that would be an example for the world.

And this year, as we celebrate 250 years since America declared our independence from tyranny, I can think of no better place [the House of Burgesses Chambers in historic Williamsburg] to speak to you as we reflect on the current state of our union.

So, let’s speak plainly and honestly, and let me ask you three questions:

Is the President working to make life more affordable for you and your family?

Is the President working to keep Americans safe — both at home and abroad?

Is the President working for YOU?

And even though the Supreme Court struck these tariffs down four days ago, the damage to us, the American people, has already been done.

Meanwhile, the President is planning for new tariffs. Another massive tax hike on you and your family.

Rural health clinics in Virginia are already closing their doors thanks to the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” championed by the President and Republicans in Congress. [which also cut] food programs for hungry kids.

[Trump said he had 'lifted' millions off food stamps, when in fact they were cut off.]

our President has sent poorly trained federal agents into our cities, where they have arrested and detained American citizens and people who aspire to be Americans — and they have done it without a warrant.

They have ripped nursing mothers away from their babies, they have sent children — a little boy in a blue bunny hat — to far-off detention centers, and they have killed American citizens on our streets.

Our broken immigration system is something to be fixed — not an excuse for unaccountable agents to terrorize our communities.

In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned us about the possibility of “cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men” rising to power.

But he also encouraged us — all Americans — to unite in “a common cause” to move this nation forward.

That is our charge once more.

Because “We the people” have the power to make change, the power to stand up for what is right, and the power to demand more of our nation.

May God bless the Commonwealth of Virginia, and may God bless the United States of America.

essentialsaltes said:

People with medals. People awarded medals. I deserve a medal. Medals appeared to be the biggest theme of the speech.

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I guess he got to borrow some valor.

Standing up for the truth is never embarrassing.
Seeing Congressmen and Senators clap and laugh at a man who, if they were walking with their children on the street and saw him and his antics, would quickly whisk them away the way my Mom used to whisk me away from crazy people on the subway, now that's embarrassing.

Read the complete transcript of Trump’s 2026 State of the Union (AP)​

Headline is an imperative, but I wouldn't take it that way.

essentialsaltes said:

New in 2026 domestic policy, some kind of 401K for everybody that We The People will kick in $1,000 for everybody.

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I’m announcing that next year my administration will give these oft-forgotten American workers, great people, the people that built our country, access to the same type of retirement plan offered to every federal worker. We will match your contribution with up to $1,000 each year, as we ensure that all Americans can profit from a rising stock market.

Got applause from Sen Warren and others on the Democratic side. He seemed surprised to get it, but I don't see why. Of course, we'll have to see how he pays for it (or if he just doesn't).

Now there's some counterprogramming for you.

The SOTU boiled down to two themes. How wonderful Donald Trump is. How horrible Democrats are. I don't believe any government can survive this type of leadership. I hope I'm wrong.

NxNW said:

If only you could support that opinion with facts.

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Ok, how about the Biden was so bad, an absolute failure, that Donald J. Trump won.

essentialsaltes said:

People with medals. People awarded medals. I deserve a medal. Medals appeared to be the biggest theme of the speech.

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Vambram said:

Biden was the very worst president in modern American history.

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Your post is the MAGA oath

Maine Progressive said:

The SOTU boiled down to two themes. How wonderful Donald Trump is. How horrible Democrats are. I don't believe any government can survive this type of leadership. I hope I'm wrong.

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I don't see why not.

Yes, there people have died in MN and elsewhere. In the past, many died in Vietnam, in Iraq and on the border and even were murdered in the cities in other administrations.

Republicans COULD and probably will agree to some limit on ICE to abandon the tactics of the crazies. The Republicans COULD agree to some manner of relief to the poor who need health care. Direct subsidies would work, as will the continuing of the reductions in the cost of prescriptions.
Republican leaders throughout the country are stopping Trump's prison camps for the undocumented.

Since Democrats are unlikely to agree to anything, the republicans could pass another reconciliation bill as they did last year. That would only take a very few Democrat votes (if any).
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We will survive.
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The very worst of Trump's legacy will be the attack on the CDC, science and specifically on vaccination policy. So many will die, now and for the foreseeable future.
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Not that Trump cares, but Tlaib 'came from' America and Omar is American.

Aldebaran said:

It was more of a demonstration of such. When the democrats can't even show support (or even agreement) that military members who were present should be given recognition for the services and sacrifices they've made for this country, or show support for a grieving mother and father whose daughter was murdered by an illegal alien, it's their way of demonstrating their values and what they support/oppose. Good info. to know for the mid-terms.

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Maybe, or maybe, like me, your mind is already made up. Looks that way.

mark46 said:

I don't see why not.

Yes, there people have died in MN and elsewhere. In the past, many died in Vietnam, in Iraq and on the border and even were murdered in the cities in other administrations.

Republicans COULD and probably will agree to some limit on ICE to abandon the tactics of the crazies. The Republicans COULD agree to some manner of relief to the poor who need health care. Direct subsidies would work, as will the continuing of the reductions in the cost of prescriptions.
Republican leaders throughout the country are stopping Trump's prison camps for the undocumented.

Since Democrats are unlikely to agree to anything, the republicans could pass another reconciliation bill as they did last year. That would only take a very few Democrat votes (if any).
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We will survive.
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The very worst of Trump's legacy will be the attack on the CDC, science and specifically on vaccination policy. So many will die, now and for the foreseeable future.
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Well, I don't share your optimism. I don't see the slightest indication of even touching on ICE reform. Nor do I have any confidence that Trump's economic promises will be kept nor work. Trump's agenda has always been big on bullying and lies. But, again, I'm glad for your confidence and hope you are right.

At the 2:00 mark, you can see Sen Mark Kelly and other Democrats standing and applauding the 100-year-old Medal of Honor awardee.

Well, as I said, both our minds are made up. You interpret what you saw as you choose to see it. I saw a bully trying to shame a party which opposed the brutality of ICE, which opposed cutting poor people off from food assistance, which opposed locking the poor out of health insurance. In short I saw a bully whose only interest was making sure everybody understood what a wonderful leader he is. I'm sure you're a good person. Do you go around telling everyone how good you are and how lucky they are to have you? I'm sure you disagree with some people. Would you like it if they shamed you and debased you in front of a crowd just because they don't agree with you? Wouldn't it be better if such a person worked with you to resolve the difference. Do you see Trump doing that? Never. And then blames Democrats for it.