Not a State of the Union, But Close Enough

We’re transforming your reading experience by removing all ads and focusing on high-quality, in-depth geopolitical analysis. Enjoy a cleaner, more enjoyable news experience, free from distractions. Help us continue to provide exceptional content by donating today. Your support ensures we remain independent and reader-funded. Visit linktapgo.com/thedumshow to contribute. Thank you for making The DUM News better than ever! – Matt

Barack Obama's 2010 State of the Union Address: President Obama delivering his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, discussing policies amidst the backdrop of economic recovery efforts.​

Harry S. Truman's First Televised Address, 1947: President Truman delivering the first televised presidential address from the White House, marking a significant moment in broadcasting history.​

George Washington's First State of the Union Address, 1790: An artist's depiction of President George Washington delivering the inaugural State of the Union address to Congress in New York City, setting the precedent for this annual tradition.​

Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty Declaration, 1964: President Johnson signing the Economic Opportunity Act, a cornerstone of his "War on Poverty" initiative, aiming to eliminate poverty and racial injustice in the United States.​

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight on The DUM Show at 7pm, we’re diving into one of the most anticipated events in American politics—the State of the Union address. Or, more accurately, what it’s called when a president delivers it in their first year. Because fun fact: it’s not actually called a “State of the Union” during a president’s first year in office. Instead, it’s referred to as an “Address to a Joint Session of Congress.” Why? The reasoning is that a new president hasn’t been in office long enough to report on the full state of the country. It’s a technicality, sure, but an interesting one that sets the stage for a conversation about how this tradition started, evolved, and occasionally disappeared before coming back stronger than ever.

The State of the Union is about as old as the country itself, dating back to none other than George Washington. In 1790, Washington delivered the first-ever annual message to Congress, setting the precedent for presidents to update the legislative branch on how things were going. It was a simple report, not the grand production we see today, and it was delivered in person, much like a royal decree. But then came Thomas Jefferson, who decided he wasn’t interested in all that pageantry. He sent his message in writing instead, kicking off a tradition that stuck for over a century.

For more than 100 years, presidents mailed it in—literally. From Jefferson’s administration onward, the annual message to Congress was just that: a written document, read by a clerk. This kept things efficient but certainly less engaging for the public. Then, in 1913, Woodrow Wilson decided to bring back the in-person delivery, believing it would make for better engagement between the president and Congress. That decision effectively set the stage for the modern State of the Union as we know it.

The speech itself has changed over time, but the general idea remains the same. Presidents use it to highlight achievements, push legislative priorities, and, depending on their mood, either rally the country or take a few swipes at their opponents. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first to use the phrase “State of the Union” in 1934, making it the official title from then on. He also moved it from the traditional December timing to early in the year, giving us the late January or early February slot that we’re familiar with today.

Technology played a massive role in transforming the address into a national spectacle. Calvin Coolidge’s 1923 address was the first to be broadcast on radio. Harry Truman’s 1947 speech made history as the first to be televised. Then, in 1965, Lyndon B. Johnson decided to shift the timing to prime time, ensuring more Americans could tune in. From that point on, the State of the Union wasn’t just a speech for Congress—it became must-watch TV, an opportunity for presidents to communicate directly with the American people.

On average, these speeches run about an hour, though some have stretched much longer. Bill Clinton had the longest, clocking in at an hour and 28 minutes in 2000. On the flip side, Washington’s first address was under ten minutes. If only modern politicians could take a cue from that.

While the tradition has been consistent, some years have seen notable breaks. Jimmy Carter, for example, delivered his final State of the Union in writing rather than in person. And, of course, there have been interruptions due to war, illness, and impeachment proceedings that sometimes overshadow the event. But even with these disruptions, the State of the Union has remained a cornerstone of American political life.

Which brings us to tonight, where President Trump will address Congress. Given the stakes and the political landscape, this one is bound to be electric. We’ll be covering it live, breaking down the key moments, fact-checking in real-time, and cutting through the political spin. This isn’t just another speech—it’s a chance to gauge the direction of the country, to see how Trump positions his administration’s next steps, and to watch how the opposition reacts.

Join us on The DUM Show as we unpack it all tonight. Expect sharp analysis, no-nonsense discussion, and maybe even a few laughs along the way. Because if history has taught us anything, it’s that the State of the Union—whatever you call it—is never just about policy. It’s about power, performance, and setting the stage for what comes next. See you there.