OnPolitics Today: Your SOTU viewing guide

Posted by Anonymous on January 31, 2018

with Jessica Estepa

In this Feb. 28, 2017, file photo, President Trump

If you're reading this newsletter, we're assuming you're the kind of person who is going to tune in to President Trump's very first State of the Union tonight (and maybe even considered paying $35 to see your name scroll by during the live stream).

So we here at OP have your back (with a lot of help from USA TODAY's Paul Singer).

What time does it start?

9 p.m. ET (but nerds can tune in a little earlier to watch the "red carpet" arrivals of Cabinet members, military officials, Supreme Court justices and the like).

How long will it be?

About an hour, give or take.

What will Trump talk about?

Trump will likely stick to the formula of State of the Union addresses from years past: Discussing his accomplishments (hello, tax overhaul and the booming market) and looking to the future (hopes for immigration and infrastructure deals).

Will he talk about the Russia investigation, which he has consistently called a "witch hunt" and "fake news"? Probably not. But if he does, we have a task for you*.

Who's giving the Democratic response?

The opposing party has traditionally responded to the address since the 1960s. This year, the honor goes to Rep. Joe Kennedy III. Others giving non-official responses: Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Maxine Waters (and, you know, everyone who is interviewed in Statuary Hall after the speech).

Who will be there?

Trump's own guest list includes a child who has organized the placement of flags and flowers on soldiers' graves, the parents of children killed by MS-13 gang members and the man who founded the Cajun Navy.

You also might catch a glimpse of Bill Nye the Science Guy, several DREAMers and #MeToo survivors. You also will see some lawmakers wearing black for the #MeToo movement, and others wearing red, white and blue for the troops.

Who won't be there? A number of lawmakers boycotting the speech and some Supreme Court justices.

*Drink!

If you aren't working, then tonight is as good a night as any to enjoy a beverage or three. Take a drink whenever the president does any of the following:

•	Talks with his hands
•	Says the tax overhaul is the biggest in U.S. history
•	Calls for a border wall
•	Uses the word "beautiful"
•	Says, "Believe me"

And finish your drink if he mentions the Russia investigation or utters the phrase "witch hunt."

PSA: Please drink responsibly!

Elsewhere in politics

•	Todd Ricketts to assume top fundraising post at the RNC
•	Gymnasts call congressional action to prevent abuse a turning point in history
•	EPA's Pruitt says challenge to endangerment finding still on the table
•	House Speaker Paul Ryan supports releasing controversial GOP intelligence memo
•	Ohio medical board investigating former Cleveland Clinic surgeon over rape allegations