What were your thoughts on the 2016 State of the Union Address?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 22:22:11 -0500

The President just finished his last State of the Union Address and I want to know what RP's thoughts were. Did you find the President sincere in his optimism? Did you agree with he said about the military and foreign policy?

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jan 12 at 2016 10:23 PM

SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 22:23:39 -0500

Is it over?

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 10:30 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 22:30:39 -0500

I didn't see it, but I'll bet I can sum it up in a few words.... I, I, I, me, me, me, my, my, my. Good night!

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jan 12 at 2016 10:31 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 22:31:25 -0500

Nothing unexpected: Bi-Partisan ovations, pandering to the special interests, Joint Chiefs looking to the Chairman for approval to applaud, Justices sitting stoically. Yawn. Personally, I was wondering how many times the Honorable Mr. Biden dropped the F-bomb to the Speaker.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jan 12 at 2016 10:46 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 22:46:20 -0500

Not groundbreaking, but a stat just released by PBS: 157 breaks for applause in SOTU 2010. 64 breaks for applause in SOTU 2016. Also grabbed a couple screenshots of the topics covered by timeline. I was hoping to hear more about military and veteran issues...
Specifically:
- VA Healthcare update
- Posture against Iran, Russia & NK
- Military pay, retirement, & total force plans

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 10:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 22:55:32 -0500

I watch all State of the Union speeches if I can. It was a great speech.

Response by SSG Michael Hartsfield made Jan 12 at 2016 11:09 PM

SSG Michael Hartsfield — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 23:09:18 -0500

I look at the State of the Union Address like voting. If you didn't watch it, you really can't comment on it. I thought he made some very valid points, although I'll admit some of it was pie-in-the-sky aspirations. Nevertheless, if you don't like the President, you wouldn't have heard it nor would have cared to have heard it anyway

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 12 at 2016 11:22 PM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 23:22:48 -0500

Sorry, I did not watch it. I am not really interested in what he has to say. He was suppose to bring hope and change, and be the president that broke down barriers. On the contrary, we elected the most divisive president in my lifetime. I am just looking forward to actual hope and change, and a president that cares about you, I, and America. SSgt Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 11:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 23:28:00 -0500

He's simply a liar.

Response by SGT Jay Ehrenfeld made Jan 12 at 2016 11:35 PM

SGT Jay Ehrenfeld — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 23:35:50 -0500

didn't watch it

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 13 at 2016 12:21 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 00:21:55 -0500

I watched it. I wish it wasn't so one sided political vs. "Presidential" but that was hoping for too much. The cameras must be "pool" because they pretty much stayed on the left side and rarely caught the right side not standing, not clapping, etc. The aisle was packed with the usual suspects but that happens every time. About 2/3rds the way through, it was clear many of the people in the audience looked like bored Sunday School kids. That's what happens when you hear a speech composed of fragments. You get tired of trying to figure out where the speaker is going, hence you tune out. Nothing like reading off a 100 item shopping list. The Republican counter was much more coherent and focused in presentation. First big lie was "reduced the Deficit by 3/4ths". That was early, hence poisoned the well for me. It would have been more accurate to say "3/4ths of the Deficit was created on my watch". Bottom line, very disappointing to me.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jan 13 at 2016 1:19 AM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 01:19:00 -0500

I did not watch. But I caught some of it when l wanted to see Niki Haley response. And he did all he could to say ISIS was not Islamic. When he had two of the co conspirators from C.A.I.R. . Who support Hamas.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jan 13 at 2016 3:56 AM

Maj Kim Patterson — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 03:56:46 -0500

I was frantically watching episodes of "Dance Moms" but was unable to decrease my IQ in time to fully appreciate the address. Didn't watch it.

But here are a few transitional phrases frequently used: First, I (blah blah blah) Second, and I want to make this very clear, (insert 3 dime sentences here). And an education in every pot (in exchange for all your weapons: I added that part myself.) Unaffordable Healthcare for all (Obama care for those living under a rock) Finally, we have added more jobs, and I personally signed x bills into law. I'll be spending the remainder of the year traveling to thank you personally for your support as I finish my list of greatest golf courses of America.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jan 13 at 2016 4:15 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 04:15:30 -0500

He is a great president.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jan 13 at 2016 6:02 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 06:02:30 -0500

I normally watch the SOTU speech. I did not this year as I knew what type of speech it would be. The president trying to do his own cheerleading and trying to set up the democrat party for the next election. I need some honest reflection not political posturing which is what the SOTU speech has turned into.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Jan 13 at 2016 6:31 AM

PO2 Mark Saffell — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 06:31:21 -0500

And he didn't say one word about Iran holding American Sailors. I guess that's OK with him as long as he gets his Nuke deal.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 6:56 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 06:56:05 -0500

I'm took some notes as he spoke, mostly about my thoughts.

There's no denying that old Barack was gifted with a silver tongue.

Some really unprofessional stuff going on in the audience. That's disappointing.

He had some great bi-partisan statements which is surprising from him.

I think he just said to change the voting system so our elected leaders actually represent us! That's good.

Very very bipartisan speech. I think this is the first one I've heard from him. I wish his presidency was as bipartisan as this speech.

There was some politically charged comments in there but it mostly targeted the problems I have with the republican candidates as well.

Overall, well crafted speech. Let's see how he handles this Iran hostage deal in the next few days.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 7:14 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 07:14:02 -0500

Is there an SOTU !?!?!? oh my! I was having a good night sleep yesterday ... :) lol

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 7:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 07:47:34 -0500

Meh.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jan 13 at 2016 7:56 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 07:56:32 -0500

Some of the pre-speech analysis pointed out how Obama is the only post WWII president except Eisenhower whose second term didn't totally blow up. Johnson, Nixon, Reagan, Clinton, Bush 43 - all were hobbled by scandal, gross incompetence, or in Johnson's case, war.

Walt

Response by LTC David Brown made Jan 13 at 2016 8:11 AM

LTC David Brown — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 08:11:06 -0500

I can't stand to listen to Obama. Never know the truth from the lies. I am glad to hear he caught the one person responsible for Bengazhi and is punishing him. It is amazing one individual managed to inflict that much damage over 8 hours. Must be super man huh?

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Jan 13 at 2016 8:41 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 08:41:53 -0500

I honestly didn't watch it.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jan 13 at 2016 9:06 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 09:06:30 -0500

I was looking for it on the comedy channel but couldn't find it. Oh well, I am sure it was still laughable. I have heard previous Sate of the Union addresses from him and just couldn't stomach another one full of how great he and his democrat cronies have been (and by the way, up till now I been nonpartisan with politics) when he has done nothing but be the most divisive president we have ever had. He has nothing to say that I want to hear other than goodbye next January!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 9:13 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 09:13:29 -0500

It wasn't surprising. We all knew he was going to tout his record while in office and proclaim how great our country is. He didn't back ant candidate because he knows all about how the front runner is never the clear cut favorite

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 9:55 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 09:55:08 -0500

I think that if nothing else President Obama will go down in history as one of Americas greatest orators. Per the speech the only thing I really disliked was the sugarcoating of TPP, but everything else seemed on point. I liked how there seemed to be an actual gasp or point of surprise when he outright said that terrorists like ISIL do not pose an existential threat to us. It's a true statement, and I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to hear President Obama say something like that. With nothing to lose, no more elections to win, his increased level of candor was apparent and it was refreshing.

Also, I really liked how one reddit user summarized things.

"In summation:
Fuck terrorists
Fuck Trump
Fuck oil
Fuck cancer
Suck it
Peace"

Response by LTC David Brown made Jan 13 at 2016 10:10 AM

LTC David Brown — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 10:10:28 -0500

Here is what Obama said during the State of the Union Address. Obama defended American might in the face of attacks from critics who say the United States has become a weak player on the national stage.
"We spend more on our military than the next eight nations combined," Obama said.
We found Obama’s claim is in the ballpark. So it rates Mostly True. As Rated by political fact check.
Well here is Leon Penetta, Democrat and form Secretary of Defense on what military spending cuts under Obama is doing to our military. but former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta raised the specter on Sunday.
America’s military “readiness has been badly damaged” by sequester cuts, he said, on “Meet the Press” on NBC
While Navy SEALs and special forces are still prepared to take on critical missions, the military in general, and in “broader crises, such as the Middle East,” is facing dire consequences.
“We are going to be impacting on our readiness and our ability to respond to a crisis in that part of the world,” he said, United Press International reported.
Here is former Army Chief of staff Ray Odierno on Obama’s defense cuts. The Army, moreover, will probably be not only smaller but also less well-trained and -equipped. General Ray Odierno, the Army chief of staff, warned Congress last fall that as a result of sequestration, only two BCTs were fully ready to deploy. “So we have a huge readiness issue between 2014 and 2017 that…frankly will significantly impact our ability to respond in the way we expect to respond,” Odierno told the Senate Armed Services Committee, noting that if undertrained troops were sent into harm’s way, as has happened often in the past, they could face “potentially higher casualties.” That is from Commentary Magazine May 2014.
So once again Obama seems to be less than truthful. Obama also said during the debate with Romney that sequestration would not happen. Just another of a long list of lies or half-truths or obfuscation of the real issue, and of course ISIS is the JV team!

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jan 13 at 2016 11:40 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 11:40:19 -0500

For some reason, the term Narcissism comes to mind.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jan 13 at 2016 11:52 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 11:52:32 -0500

Hmmmm....

"Obama kept tossing out easy lines for Republicans to applaud to show that they aren’t bigots—stuff like denouncing mosque burnings or saying that we are all American first—but it has gotten to the point where even banal denunciations of bigotry appear to create real fear of turning off the conservative base.

And if the ugly vibe coming off Republicans in the House chambers wasn’t enough, Nikki Haley’s official rebuttal speech really made Obama’s point for him. Yes, Haley was clearly using the speech to campaign against Trump on behalf of, well, anyone else in the race.

However, her speech made it clear that the objection to Trump is almost entirely aesthetic, with her jab about “the loudest voice in the room”. But on the substantive issues, Haley made sure the conservative base knew that the Republican Party fully supports this vortex of bigotry and paranoia they’ve been sucked into. And in doing so, she proved Obama right.

For instance, Obama’s point about how it’s irresponsible to exaggerate the dangers of terrorism or to imply that he’s secretly working for the other side? Haley did just that: “Even worse, we are facing the most dangerous terrorist threat our nation has seen since 9/11, and this president appears either unwilling or unable to deal with it.”

Or Obama’s warning about exploiting anti-Muslim bigotry to pander to bigots? Oh yeah, Haley did that, too: “And in this age of terrorism, we must not let in refugees whose intentions cannot be determined.” (Her implication that we do so is a flat-out lie. Refugees have a lengthy process, of an average of 18-24 months, of vetting to get into this country.)

Perhaps the worst part of her speech, however, was when Haley exploited the hate crime committed in her state — a mass shooting at a black church that took the lives of nine people — to pander to racists who want to believe the Black Lives Matter movement is deliberately instigating riots: “We didn’t have violence, we had vigils. We didn’t have riots, we had hugs.”"

http://www.salon.com/2016/01/13/denial_paranoia_and_bigotry_obama_warns_against_republican_ugliness_and_they_immediately_prove_him_right/

Denial, paranoia and bigotry: Obama warns against Republican ugliness and they immediately prove...

Obama denounced pandering to bigots in his State of the Union speech and Republicans quickly validated his warning

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 13 at 2016 12:56 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 12:56:42 -0500

It is difficult to avoid joining others in this discussion thread by saying how I feel about this President. The question was "What were your thoughts on the 2016 State of the Union Address?" Basically, two things stand out. (1) He challenged Congress: "Catch me if you can!" knowing full well that Congress hasn't the will to accept. (2) He is the first President to use the State of the Union Address as an opportunity to assault a candidate for his replacement. It makes me wonder if he will excuse himself from the inauguration if that candidate actually replaces him. Other than that, all was predictable and wasted rhetoric. A waste of time and energy. (And, no, he isn't a great orator. Sadly, the young don't have the experience of listening to truly great orators for comparison. It's a dying art.)

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 1:51 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 13:51:05 -0500

It must have been a repeat of a past speech. John Boehner is still in the Driver's Seat!!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 2:12 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:12:09 -0500

The POTUS had eight years to accomplish what he is now saying needs to be accomplished. I can't believe that he said ISIS is not a threat to National security, but then turns around and wants Congress to declare war (as should have happened when the first hostage had his head cut off) on them now. He and all the other candidates want a strong military, but don't want to pay the piper. I have to give the POTUS some credit for improvements in the Country, but in my opinion, there were more negatives than positives, i.e.; Fast and Furious, Benghazi, the Iran deal, Obama Care. Illegal Immigration. Let's just hope the next guy has bigger balls and puts this Country back at the top.

Response by PFC Al Sethre made Jan 13 at 2016 2:36 PM

PFC Al Sethre — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:36:29 -0500

I heard lots of words and some clapping.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 2:50 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:50:27 -0500

It's no secret I'm not the CIC's biggest fan...But I try to remember that no one man determines the course of the Ship of State.

Not what I expected in many ways, and I'll even go so far as to say he probably "means" a lot of it. Much of his commentary on the nature of innovation being as much a part of growth, if not more so than "less red tape" actually made a heck of a lot of sense.

That said, he's trying to sound like staying out of a new war means we've won the current one, that declaring a challenge to cure cancer (a great aim by the way) will cement the ties he and his supporters like to think they have to JFK, and that calling his political opponents to avoid insulting Muslims around the globe negates the fact that his party is waging an all out ideological war against Judeo-Christian values here at home.

Long and short, we've got just a short time remaining for this Administration, and then those of us who are sick to the heart with the entire Progressive movement will get our chance to show out in droves at the polls and vote. I wish we had another "TR", "JFK", or "Ike" to run, but at this point, I'll vote for anyone whose committed to focusing on growing-not re-distributing the economy, allowing our military to secure our interest here and abroad-not using it for a political "laboratory", and for Pete's sake...inspiring Americans to take a good look around the globe and be thankful for how good we actually have it-not sitting around looking for more ways to insult, blame or fight each other.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jan 13 at 2016 5:08 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 17:08:04 -0500

Sisyphus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In Greek mythology Sisyphus (/ˈsɪsɨfəs/;[2] Greek: Σίσυφος, Sísuphos) was the king of Ephyra (now known as Corinth). He was punished for his self-aggrandizing craftiness and deceitfulness by being forced to roll an immense boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down, repeating this action for eternity.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 13 at 2016 8:39 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 20:39:53 -0500

Many words were spoken, nothing was said. Same old crap

Response by Sgt Joe LaBranche made Jan 13 at 2016 10:33 PM

Sgt Joe LaBranche — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 22:33:56 -0500

All I can say is he doesn't need anyone to pat him on the back; he did a fine job of doing that himself! I can only imagine all the B.S. that flies when he and Hillary talk...lie after lie.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jan 14 at 2016 1:09 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 01:09:35 -0500

I was in class at the time so I did not get a chance to tune in. I personally don't pay attention to any State of Unions and would rather read the information I need on my news sites.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jan 14 at 2016 6:42 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 06:42:32 -0500

I thought it was a re-run of the Walking Dead!

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jan 14 at 2016 8:21 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 08:21:41 -0500

Response by Rosalee Boyle made Jan 14 at 2016 11:48 AM

Rosalee Boyle — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 11:48:54 -0500

Did not Watch Live! but watched later Felt He was saying the same old Garbage!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 2:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 14:52:06 -0500

According to few reporters: "I mean in a way Obama’s standing above the country, above – above the world, he’s sort of God."

According to Oprah: "He's the ONE"

Some have even feeling a "tingle" over their legs when they hear him speaking.

Since I have issues hearing, I was more like "meh", if I have one word to describe it, that is it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 4:24 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 16:24:27 -0500

Honestly, I saw it on, and immediately turned it back off. I genuinely respect the office that my Commander in Chief holds, but as a man, I do not respect him. His false promises and frequent visits form the Good Idea Fairy have plagued our country for near 8 years, and I cannot listen to him address us as though he were one of us. He is not. He has elevated himself above the bounds of regular citizenship, and supplanted a vast majority of what we as Americans have bled, fought and died to earn for well over 200 years. What do I think of his SOTU? I honestly don't care. Let the next one come along and talk. NEXT!! BATTER UP!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 12:04 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 12:04:49 -0500

Hopefully everyone quits talking about this. I am tired of seeing that picture on my phone.....

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 1:41 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 13:41:22 -0500

Blah, blah and more blah

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 15 at 2016 3:32 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 15:32:34 -0500

Heard on the radio driving home from work. A lot of how great I am, how great my party is, how evil the Republicans are, and damn I did a good job didn't I?

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jan 16 at 2016 9:06 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 09:06:27 -0500

Expected to see newly promoted MSG Bowie Berghdal in the first lady's box waving to the crowd in his newly anointed capacity as a national hero wearing his Medal of Freedom.

Response by Cindy Gonzalez made Jan 16 at 2016 12:05 PM

Cindy Gonzalez — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 12:05:19 -0500

I thought I was watching a late night comedy. We are in serious times with the deficit, ISIS, healthcare, growing staged racial riots, illegal aliens (that's the legal federal term and should be used), our military being reduced beyond logic, and worse, the man didn't even ask for a prayer for our sailors. Nope instead he made jokes, snickered, stuck his tongue out at the right and a growing majority of the country. He has never stopped campaigning; he has never picked up the baton of true leadership - that of servant leader; and he has never sincerely Pledged his Allegiance to the Flag or to uphold the Constitution. So glad it was the last one.

Response by PFC Carl Willmon made Jan 16 at 2016 9:15 PM

PFC Carl Willmon — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 21:15:49 -0500

only real thought is he and Hillary must be masters at liars poker

Response by SGM Earl Richburg made Jan 17 at 2016 12:21 AM

SGM Earl Richburg — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 00:21:15 -0500

I lost my respect when he traveled around the world apologizing for America. Releasing the 5 Gitmo detainees convinced me that degrading America is intentional. So no I did not watch.