State of the Union = Party Time!

First things first. After reading this article on yahoo about Kim and Snooki’s courtside meet-up at Saturday night’s Nets game, I am extremely proud of my reporting skills. Even the Ugg-wearing girls in the front row seats are pictured. So if anyone had their doubts about yours truly, you now have proof that I am an honest blogger through and through ☺

Tonight, one of my all time favorite annual broadcastings will take place. Being the nerd I am proud to be, I have not missed a State of the Union address in years. I plan my schedule around it, pop the popcorn, warm up my vocal chords for the cheers and boos that will inevitably come out and prepare the people that may be forced to sit in the room with me as we listen to our President speak about the state of our country and what the future holds. I treat it like a sporting event and an awards show at the same time. When I see Michele Obama’s gorgeous dress, I ooo and ahh and comment on the color and style; I start naming politicians as they enter the room (C-Span has great coverage), and I get a surge of excitement when I hear the Sergeant-at-Arms state, “Mister Speaker (wow, it's been Madam for so long), The President of the United States!”

And apparently, I’m not alone. The majority of the politicians in the audience act as if they are spectators at a hockey game as well. It’s always fun to watch the people directly behind the President, and it's even more amusing during a year like this when the Vice President and Speaker of the House are members of two different parties. One person stands and applauds while the other sits with a sour puss on their face. Wait till you hear the election of this past November mentioned. The roars will be deafening from the Right side of the room. I just hope John Boehner doesn’t start crying again. I must say, I’m going to miss watching Nancy Pelosi leap out of her chair during every slight mention of “distribution of wealth,” “national healthcare,” and “right to choose.” She’s always amusing no matter who the Vice President is. Speaking of, exactly who is the Vice President again? (Just kidding Joe, you know I find you endearing).

It is my personal belief that everyone in this country should watch the State of the Union address. I also feel every student should be required to take a civics class at some point during their high school years but I digress. It doesn’t matter how you lean politically – I find myself in the odd position of being fiscally conservative and socially liberal (a libertarian/independent of sorts) – but it’s very important to understand how your Government works since they are making all of the decisions. As the President addresses congress (the 435 members of the House of Representatives and the 100 members of the Senate) tonight, he will discuss the problems, successes and noteworthy events that have occurred in the past year and what needs to continue/discontinue in the future (note: This is where the fun begins. What one party considers a huge success another party will consider a dismal failure. Stimulus packages and healthcare anyone?) The economy, healthcare, the shooting tragedy in Tucson and continued terror attacks across the world will no doubt all be addressed tonight.

I know everyone does not place politics as #1 on their top favorite things list as I do, so I try my hardest not to get too crazy. Note the term “try.” In previous years, I have given myself a three strike rule when watching the address with my roommates, meaning I get three outbursts before I have to leave the room. As they will tell you very quickly with an annoyed tone, three strikes quickly turns into five, six, and seven when a President starts saying things that prompt the Joe Wilsons of the world to shout “You lie!” I just can’t help it. Do you watch your favorite sports team receive a bad call by the Refs and not get into a tizzy? I didn’t think so. Well tonight, my new roommate H will be watching the State of the Union with me for the first time. I bet my roommates in Columbus are facebook messaging her warnings as I type. Thank God, she is not as into politics as I am, but I will try my hardest to be reserved, respectful and not throw my popcorn at the TV. And to anyone within ear shot of my apartment, I will applaud loudly when President Obama mentions the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t tell. Equality is always something to celebrate.

Happy State of the Union watching!