Written by Michael Palomba
On Tuesday, President Trump gave his historic State of the Union speech, and it definitely was not one to miss. Trump began his speech by touting “the great American comeback” that his administration launched three years ago.
He continued, “Tonight, I stand before you to share the incredible results. Jobs are booming, incomes are soaring, poverty is plummeting, crime is falling, confidence is surging, and our country is thriving and highly respected again. America’s enemies are on the run, America’s fortunes are on the rise, and America’s future is blazing bright.”
He discussed how the years of economic decay are over, the country is no longer being taken advantage of, and the depletion of American wealth, power, and prestige is over. It was a very patriotic, pro-America speech, which apparently bothered many Democrats.
In total, 10 Democrats boycotted the speech and several walked out while the president was speaking.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), the infamous “squad” leader, tweeted that she would not attend:
After much deliberation, I have decided that I will not use my presence at a state ceremony to normalize Trump’s lawless conduct & subversion of the Constitution.
None of this is normal, and I will not legitimize it.
Consequently, I will not be attending the State of the Union.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 4, 2020
I found her statement odd considering this is her first term. The majority of career politicians from both sides of the aisle attended the speech, so for a freshman congresswoman to proclaim that “none of this is normal” is extremely ignorant.
Another “squad” member, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), walked out during the address and tweeted this:
I walked out of that speech. The lies, the bigotry, and the shameless bragging about taking away food stamps that people depend on to live—it was all beneath the dignity of the office he occupies. Shame on this forever impeached president.
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) February 5, 2020
However, while an irrelevant few tried to make the SOTU about them, President Trump kept it about America.
He touted that “the unemployment rate for African-Americans, Hispanic Americans and Asian-Americans has reached the lowest levels in history. African-American youth unemployment has reached an all-time low. African-American poverty has declined to the lowest rate ever recorded.”
“The unemployment rate for women reached the lowest level in almost 70 years. And, last year, women filled 72 percent of all new jobs added,” he continued.
President Trump also mentioned that “seven million people have come off food stamps, and 10 million people have been lifted off welfare.”
During the address, the president orchestrated the reunion of a military service member and his wife, awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Rush Limbaugh, and surprised a fourth grade African-American girl with a scholarship for a better school.
Most Democrats did not clap at any point during the address, including these touching moments.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) broke protocol when announcing President Trump, saying, “Members of Congress, the President of the United States.” The traditional announcement is “Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the President of the United States.” She also made headlines for ripping President Trump’s speech as he concluded.
While Democrats tried to make the night about them with boycotts, white outfits, and refusing to applaud for Americans living improved lives, President Trump delivered a speech of unity, promoting the ideals and success of America. The conclusion of his address exemplifies exactly that:
“This Nation is our canvas, and this country is our masterpiece. We look at tomorrow and see unlimited frontiers just waiting to be explored. Our brightest discoveries are not yet known. Our most thrilling stories are not yet told. Our grandest journeys are not yet made. The American Age, the American Epic, the American Adventure, has only just begun. Our spirit is still young; the sun is still rising; God’s grace is still shining; and my fellow Americans, the best is yet to come. Thank you. God Bless You. God Bless America.”
