Liberal

Dunay: State of the Union reinstates political debate in the Capitol

When President Barack Obama campaigned across America in 2007 and 2008, many citizens, pundits and colleagues took note of his youthfulness — his swagger, if you will. As “Yes We Can” signs were plastered across the country, Obama seemingly inspired people wherever he went.  After eight years of war, terrorism and an economic roller coaster under the Bush Administration, many Americans genuinely believed in Obama’s willingness to lead and do what would be best for the country.

Six years later, things have changed. The White House has taken its toll on the president.  His administration — aside from much success — has been riddled by scandal, criticism, media intrusion and an impatient America. Many thought he would never get back to the Obama we once believed in. That appeared to have changed last Tuesday night.

The State of the Union often has its moments of emotion, jubilation and partisanship, but rarely humor. However, with one simple comment on Tuesday, Obama got his groove back and pointed to Congress to do the same.

“I have no more campaigns to run,” said Obama being met with thunderous Republican applause. “I know, ‘cause I won both of them,” he retorted.

The Democrats responded with their own applause, audiences at home guffawed at his interjection and Americans took to Twitter immediately. Suddenly, the remark became a hit among edited Vines, Twitter memes and Facebook comments.



Considering how light-hearted the comment was, it’s hard for anyone to be offended by it. It’s equally as hard to make anything more of the remark; but that’s exactly what we should do.

Between his sly smile, his hand gestures and the cock of his neck, it was easy to tell — the Barack Obama of 2008 was back.

Although it is common for lame duck presidents to stop caring about public opinion, Obama has realized early that he has nothing left to lose. Obama knows he has a tall mountain ahead of him. With much of his agenda still unaccomplished and a stubborn Congress, he faces a tough battle. But, as he often stated on the campaign trail, this is why he chose to run.

Now, to be fair, the State of the Union was not just a coming out party for the old Barack.

Although Republicans lack of clapping or standing up made them seem unfazed, there was a certain cause for hope in the atmosphere. The State of the Union certainly did not solve partisanship nor separate ideologies from realities, but it seemed to energize the room. And Obama’s crack may just be the root.

It almost seems as if the room as a whole realized how fun and fulfilling true politics and debate can be. In the days following the address, debate has picked up in Congress. Our leaders are excited to discuss, lobby and do their jobs — with debate, continuing well after midnight on Thursday, discussing several amendments to the Keystone Pipeline proposal.

Attendance in Congress is often laughable and I don’t expect that to change in the long run. But while lawmakers remain excited, we will continue to see debate rage late into the Capitol Hill weeknight.

I think it can all be attributed to Tuesday night’s State Address. One that has taken Obama back to his 2008 roots of true hope and change. Although his time is ticking, he has found himself again.

Hopefully this helps the president and Congress elucidate change across an America that has lost some hope in its leaders.

Eric Dunay is a freshman in the School of Architecture. His column appears weekly. He can be contacted at [email protected]





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