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Trump’s State-of-the-Union Variety Show

Were you not entertained?🥱💤

The longest #SOTU in history is now over. #Trump …said little of substance, but substance wasn’t the point. This year, he intended to put on a show, with an array of guest stars & special appearances. He was happy, because he was playing the roles he clearly loves∶ game-show host, ringmaster, MC, beneficent granter of wishes—&,where Democrats were concerned, a self-righteous inquisitor.

theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/02/

#Trump did his usual rote #lying about the #economy — pity the fact-checkers who tried to keep up even in the first 10 minutes or so of the speech — along with some of his other greatest hits, including the many #wars he stopped [🙄] & the magic of #tariffs. (He referred to the “unfortunate involvement” of #SCOTUS on the tariff issue, as if the justices barged into his office like interlopers.)

#SOTU

Reagan, the “Great Communicator”, once managed to do the entire #SOTU address in 31 mins; that’s because he could say important things efficiently & well. Tonight, however, was not about communication, it was about showmanship. Almost every line was a cue for applause from obedient #Republicans; they even gave #JaredKushner a standing ovation [seriously?]. Every few minutes, #Trump told a story, & reached out into the audience like the host of The Price Is Right, telling people to come on down.

@Nonilex I do miss that time when Nancy Pelos ripped up the speech transcript at the end.

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@ktneely

So did Trump.

His base has been milking that to score political points every since, and it really helped rally support for the guy.

In fact, I heard conservatives bring that up just yesterday as a reason to support Trump.

@Nonilex

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