Live-Blogging POTUS State of the Union Address

Megan, the half-pints, and I are watching President Obama and thought we'd live-blog as he goes. We're independent political hacks at best, so take it all with a grain of salt.

8:05: "Madame Speaker, the President of the United States of America."

8:13: First blame of former administration: "One year ago, I took office amid two wars, an economy rocked by severe recession, a financial system on the verge of collapse, and a government deeply in debt."

8:17: "In this new decade, it's time the American people get a government that matches their decency." Haven't we (unfortunately) got that already?

8:21: To Republicans: "I thought I'd get some applause on that one (tax cuts)." This statement seems out of place for a State of the Union address. Is this just a show?

8:24: Jobs replaces health care as lead issue.

8:26: Three phone calls in the last five minutes. Are we the only ones watching the speech?

8:30: TV signal lost due to passing train here in the 'hood. Hang with us (now you know why we only watch 24 and Lost on DVD).

8:34: Innovation and energy now taking the stage. Everyone's for "safe, clean nuclear power plants in this country," but nobody wants them in their backyards.

8:36: Why does the multiple use of the word "comprehensive" scare me?

8:40: Government - Democrat or Republican - is so lost on the topic of education. You can't build values into a society without teaching virtues.

8:42: Our 11-year-old: "Is he saying you don't have to pay for college?" Hmmm.

8:43: Now to health insurance reform (not health care anymore). Why the stand-up routine?

8:47: The problem is not that the government is walking away from the people on health care; it's that the people are walking away (or wanting to) from the government on health care. Can't believe the President is still pushing the exact same health care plan nobody wants.

8:50: Second blame of former administration before justifying own enormous increase of deficit.

8:51: Another train. Sigh.

8:56: "We have a deficit of trust of Washington...and we have to address it on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue." True on both accounts.

9:00: Like the calling out of political partisanship.

9:03: Security is the topic; Janet Napolitano is the enforcer. Personally, I wouldn't mess with her.

9:06: Attention, terrorists: We're leaving Iraq in August. Why broadcast for all the world to hear?

9:08: Invoking Kennedy and Reagan on topic of nuclear weapons. Works for me.

9:10: Sounds like we're doing everything for everyone in the world. Noble, but realistic?

9:13: Total non-response from all military generals during applause of gays in the military.

9:15: Institutions of America include "our corporations, our media, and, yes, our government," but not the Church. No surprise there.

9:20: "Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America." Always wonder what God thinks of that benediction, regardless of who gives it.