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Preaching to choirs, playing it safe and not saying much at the State of the Union

Feb 6, 2019

2 min

Stephen Farnsworth



One Tuesday evening – pretty much everything seemed to go to plan.  President Trump stuck to script, Republicans stood and clapped on cue, Democrats scoffed and scowled when required and we all listened closely for a total of one hour and twenty minutes – the second longest SOTU ever given.


President Trump called for unity, touted the economy, acknowledged the white-wave of females on Congress and how there are now more women employed in America.

He played to his base on topics like immigration and abortion and then oddly let everyone know that the only thing holding America back were expensive wars and pointless investigations.


He also thanked veterans for defeating the Nazis.


Left out was any mention of climate change or Russia.


Of course, afterwards the Democrats responded, politicians flocked to reporters and pundits weighed in.


President Trump played it safe and kept to the prompter, and according to CBS Evening News an overwhelming 76 percent of Americans liked what they heard.  But the day after … there are still a few questions to be asked:


  • Did President Trump deliver the speech e needed to deliver?
  • Outside of the beltway, how was this received by voters?
  • Does this point out a pathway for either Democrats or Republicans for 2020?
  • And by not saying much, did Trump say everything he needed to?

If you are covering, let an expert from the University of Mary Washington help.

Dr. Stephen Farnsworth is professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington. A published author and a media ‘go-to’ on U.S. politics, he is available to speak with media regarding this issue. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.



Connect with:
Stephen Farnsworth

Stephen Farnsworth

Professor of Political Science and International Affairs

Director of UMW Center for Leadership and Media Studies. Author/co-author of books on the presidency, mass media, public opinion, journalism

JournalismAmerican ElectionsAmerican GovernmentThe American PresidencyInternet Politics

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