Ah, the State of the Union Address. It’s a time for hope. A time for reflection. A time to play drinking games with your friends based on the number of Applause Pauses and Standing Ovations.
I like to watch the SOTU (that’s State of the Union, for the not-trendy-acronym-inclined) because I like to know what the forerunners in the President’s policies are after he’s had some time in office. I’ve also watched a lot of action movies centered around killing the President so every time all the important people in the national government pile into a room with him, I like to watch just in case one of the Congressmen is actually John Malkovich and he’s there to assassinate people.
But as much as I like to consider myself both politically invested and an action film fan, I have to admit that the main reason I watch the State of the Union is because it’s one of the most deliciously awkward things you can watch in the comfort of your home.
I don’t ever tune in until 10 minutes after it’s supposed to start because that’s how long it takes for the President to make it to the podium. But if you want some extra time milking the awkward, you can tune in right on the hour and watch people try to shake his hand that aren’t on his list to stop and shake hands with. Or you can take careful note of the folks that pull him aside and point to all their friends so that the President has to do an obligatory wave. You can let your stomach twist as you imagine how these people are trying to ration their hand-clapping power because it’s going to be a long hour and a half, but they can’t possibly stop applauding when the President is still in the middle of his ten-minute-long entrance.
Instead of spending a lot of time discussing the variety of awkward experiences that take place in less than 90 minutes, I decided to take some screenshots for you of the live broadcast I watched online so you could see for yourself where to look for these treasures the next time we’re due for a dose of SOTU. Enjoy.
This one wasn't so much awkward as it just made me want to tear the tie off his neck. He kept adjusting it throughout the President's speech, which made the lines go all willy nilly and made me want to scoop out my eyeballs with a spoon.
I don't know about you but I always feel awkward being the only one sitting while everyone else is giving the ol' Standing O. The SOTU is full of strongwilled half-souls, though, and you can always find people who will ignore every single idea that is offered up that evening.
After about 20 minutes, you can start to locate the sleepers. It's a bold move, sleeping during the President's speech. Bold indeed.
Ever have to sit by the boss during a company meeting? I can't imagine how much more awkward it is to have to sit here.
By far my favorite awkward moment of the night was when Obama made a terrible, terrible joke about crying over spilled milk. It was the most tweeted moment of the speech. After it received no love from the audience and an eye roll from the First Lady, even Obama had a look that made one wonder who he just fired. Here’s a look at the audience reactions.
So there you have it, folks: the State of the Union in awkward pictures. Now you won’t ever have to watch a Presidential Address again without taking time to appreciate the subtleties.
After all, that’s where all the fun is. ♣
The Jackie Blog 
Instead of Pretending It Didn’t Happen, I think Eric Cantor (that’s him, right?) is saying “OK. I hate you but I gotta give you props for the lame joke with a half-smile groan.”
LikeLike
Look at you knowing who those people are. That’s super impressive.
LikeLike
I thought it was funny.
*Obama used cheezy joke — it’s super effective!*
Honestly though, that dude sang to my heart last night. He took this non-polarized stance on what’s been going on, really hit the mark for some big, yet under the radar issues, and made all the petty squabbles of late seem, well… petty. He might have secured my vote again. I just hope he really can stop congressional insider trading, I’m just not sure how that’s possible without a congressional ban on playing the markets.
LikeLike
+1 for Pokemon reference
LikeLike
I thought he was fab. I wish he would talk about why he signed the defense act when he said he wouldn’t… but he’s done a lot of great things during his term and I’m trying to not let one thing that I find to be a glaring fault overshadow all the good things I like about him.
Also, the GOP is a mess right now so he’ll likely be the only sane choice. 🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Emotfit's Blog and commented:
HOW TO STAY SANE DURING LONG MEETINGS AND SPEECHES. Thank you Jackie. I miissed the bad joke, will now go look for it.
LikeLike
Even if you don’t, late night comedians gave it several rebirths.
And I stay awake through many a workplace meeting with fun games such as this 😉
LikeLike
Thank YOU for mentioning the tie! I thought I was having a flashback the whole time I was watching (trying to hear) the SOTU!
LikeLike
I don’t know his assistant didn’t catch that. When my boss is going to be filmed, I always give her a reminder. Maybe I can be asst. to the VPOTUS?
LikeLike