Michael Giberson
From ushistory.org on Thomas Jefferson: “Jefferson also found the State of the Union address to be too magisterial when delivered in person. He performed one and afterwards delivered them, as required by the constitution, only in writing.” (link to usconstitution.net added.)
Jefferson was right, the pomp and ceremony surrounding the State of the Union address contributes to a veneration of political leaders. Instead we should cultivate an attitude of caution toward our most successful politicians.
Don’t watch the State of the Union address, it only encourages them.