The State Of The Union In Bulletpoints
By: Kayla Pasacreta
If you missed Cheeto's nearly 90-minute speech tonight, we don't blame you! No worries, we endured the torture for you. Trump focused on the key points of the economy, immigration, infrastructure, employment, homeland security, and the military. We've compiled the major points from his address and the Democratic response below:
TRUMP'S FIRST #SOTU IN BULLET POINTS:
members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) being hilariously unimpressed, photo via MSNBC
Got in an early brag about historically low African-American unemployment (thanks, Obama). Even though Republicans gave him a standing ovation, Congressional Black Caucus members remained in their seats and gave no reaction.
Proposed a huge $1.5 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill
Framed reducing prescription costs as a "top priority" without offering any idea of how he would do this.
Talked about criminal justice reform, "helping inmates get a second chance at life". This is one of the few policies Democrats would likely be willing to work with him on.
Talked about the poor having a chance to rise in the country and vowed to protect citizens of "every background, color, and creed"
Cited the violent MS-13 gang as reasoning for needing a wall and stricter border control.
Implored Congress to invest more in the military
Cheered about keeping Guantanamo Bay open
Didn't speak about any social issues, like #MeToo, Black Lives Matter...we aren't surprised doe.
His speech was one of the longest State of the Union addresses ever.
Words are cool and all, but who really believes sh**t Trump says?
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE:
Rep. Joe Kennedy certainly speaks like a politician ready for their big moment - almost reminiscent of Obama circa 2004 at the Democratic National Convention
Gave a compelling shout out to a poster from the recent Women's March that says, "Build a wall and my generation will tear it down.
Scored some #progressivepoints by acknowledging Black Lives Matter and the Me Too movement.
Did not mention working with Trump - his words served as more of a Democratic rallying call than a pledge to work with Republicans.
Vowed to not give up on fighting for DACA, "You [Dreamers] are a part of our story and we will not walk away."
Ended by saying the state of our union is hopeful.