Wednesday, Jan. 31 2018
President Trump delivers his first State of the Union address. Guest host Michael Bitzer gets morning-after analysis from political watchers and lawmakers.
The unconventional president takes the path of tradition – a rarity for the Trump presidency – with his first State of the Union address.
The White House says it will be an optimistic speech recapping what it views as accomplishments of the president’s freshman year, and an opportunity for the president to outline an immigration plan that has already been condemned by both sides.
Getting any proposal through Congress could be difficult for the president, who heads into Tuesday’s speech with historically-low poll numbers. The beginning of the second year in office was marred by the president’s “s***hole” comment and reports he sought the firing of Russia special counsel Robert Mueller.
Did the president stick to the script? Will it be enough to get his agenda on track?
GUEST HOST
Michael Bitzer, professor of political science, Catawba College (@bowtiepolitics)
GUESTS
Scott Huffmon, professor of political science, Winthrop University (@HuffmonPolitics)
Susan Roberts, associate professor of political science, Davidson College (@profsuroberts)
Highlights from today's show:
Susan Roberts on how the speech went over with the Democrats:
Scott Huffmon on the President's economic claims:
Congressman Robert Pittenger on how he thought President Trump's speech went:
Congresswoman Alma Adams on President Trump's appeal to Democrats: