The Divided State(s) of America

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/06/opinion/biden-state-of-the-union.html?searchResultPosition=2

("The Night of 1000 Eye Rolls")

It never has been about the SOTU (the State of the Union) but rather the DSOTU (the divided state of the union). For this has also been about a couple in need of a good marriage counselor. Only now it feels like we are watching "War of the Roses". Like tuning in to see two parties who should be retaining really expensive divorce lawyers.

Tonight's speech, like the others that have come before, is but theater. Half the audience in rapt attention, applauding everything  but a clearing of the throat to salute the myriad great accomplishments of a leader unrivalled since George Washington or even George Santos. The other half looking like they just ate their last meal and it's not sitting very well.

However, there has never been this level of seething animosity, one for the other. Ok, maybe there has always been, but it used to be hidden beneath the veneer of grudging respect, or at least a court mandated order not to speak ill of the other parent. Now, with the invention of Donald Trump, with the elevation of those like Mr. Gaetz and Ms. Taylor Greene, ugly is cool. And uglier, even better.

So reading the tea leaves of disrespect may be the central theme of the evening. The state of disunion of full display. The divided state(s) of America in prime time coverage. And to the Republic for which we repeatedly stand. Or rather, sit. And glare.