Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance shares his thoughts on Tuesday’s State of the Union Address

Ken Vance, editor
Clark County Today

Tuesday night’s State of the Union Address was the most egregious example of partisan politics I can remember witnessing in my lifetime.

Don’t get me wrong, I find it kind of silly that the Republicans bounced up and down throughout the address as if they were doing calisthenics and President Trump was their fitness trainer. I could do with less of that in the future, as well as the constant applause. I’m not attempting to diminish the many significant accomplishments the president was detailing but I find it all to be somewhat distracting from the message. Let’s save the applause, whether standing or not, for the truly deserving moments.

As excessive as I might concede the Republicans’ celebratory behavior was, the Democrats’ conduct was much, much more unacceptable. In fact, it was downright disgusting and offensive. Perhaps the best example of this came when President Trump challenged the lawmakers to show support for the need of the government to protect its own citizens over illegal aliens.

“So, tonight, I’m inviting every legislator to join with my administration in reaffirming a fundamental principle,’’ the president said. “If you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support. The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.’’

The Democrats just sat in their seats. Some looked embarrassed and ashamed, in my opinion, but many had arrogant, defiant smirks on their faces. It was a long awkward moment as Republicans stood and clapped exuberantly and President Trump allowed the moment to breathe for all to witness.

“Isn’t that a shame? You should be ashamed of yourself, not standing up. You should be ashamed of yourself,’’ the president finally stated.

How any elected official in this country can refuse to take this pledge is mind boggling to me. 

As remarkable a spectacle as that moment was, another lasting memory of the evening for me was when Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib aggressively screamed loudly at the president, who was unfazed by the boorish behavior. The lawmakers were asked by their own party leadership to not attend the State of the Union rather than behave in this manner.

The list of things President Trump claimed as “wins’’ during the first year of his second term – which he referred to as the beginning of a “golden age” – included the following: 

• The border is now secure – illegal entries have dropped to zero for nine months

• Fentanyl flows are down 56 percent

• Murder rate posted the largest single-year decline on record

• Inflation is falling, incomes are rising, gas prices are below $2.30 in most states, mortgage costs are down, and markets have hit repeated record highs

• DEI policies have been ended

• Energy production has been expanded (“drill baby drill”)

• Tariffs have brought in “hundreds of billions” and spurred massive new investment commitments

• The “Great Big, Beautiful Bill” removed taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits, plus created tax-deductible auto-loan interest for American-made cars

• Condemning efforts to socially transition minors without parental consent

• “Trump Accounts” were created as tax-free investment accounts for children

• Eight wars have ended and a ceasefire led to the return of all Gaza hostages “living and dead”

The Democrats weren’t impressed enough to applaud any of those accomplishments. I promise you, with my hand on the Holy Bible, had it been a Democrat up there taking credit for those accomplishments I would have applauded. I would have been pleased and I would give him or her credit for doing so. It’s disgusting that partisan politics prevented these lawmakers from doing that.

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