Ronald Reagan on the State of the Union

President Ronald Reagan

By Craig R. Smith

As we to Ronald Reagan's 100th birthday celebrate and respond to the State of the Union address, it is appropriate to note that Reagan was the consummate performer from first to last. I lived status of the Union addresses in Washington, D.C., during all Reagan. Delivered its first 26 Jan. 1982 was, and what followed was a terrible tragedy in Washington. On Dec. 13 had a Jet air Florida too much ice on the wings of the icy Potomac River popped onto 14th Street. A hero, Lenny Skutnik pigeon in these icy waters and more rescued survivors.

During his speech's praising Ronald Reagan Skutnik heroism. If Skutnik rose from his seat next to the first lady, to confirm the applause, the House was no longer split and Americans could all stand proudly in the virtue of a man for us. Ronald Reagan made that happen, and a new tradition was founded.

Reagan's last State of the Union address was impressive. At that time had built to see many of us collect our own tradition in homes around the city to the event. However, January 1988 intervened something strange that night. We decided to see the CBS evening news as Vice President George H. W. Bush wanted to be interviewed live during the cocktail hour. As I drank my Martini, the Bush news segment began with a long history of Bush's involvement with Iran Contra. After a commercial break, rather the live interview and it was quickly testy. If still rather said Vice President Bush about the Iran Contra, derision, rather "like you if everyone was alerted when you went from this set in Miami?" Quite rudely cut Vice President of Bush's attack, went to a commercial unawares Our dinner party was buzzing with the effects of what had just happened.

At 9 am was the President of the House Chamber more than the usual Huzzahs and cheers. Reagan gave a copy of his last State of the Union address of the speaker of the House, tip O'Neal and other Bush, who sat behind Reagan as if nothing had happened.

Humbly, Reagan began his own legacy to ignore: "let the story: we're not done yet." The railway brought the House down; Reagan was on his game. His famous sense of humour was soon: "Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, said," to govern a great nation would like you, a small fish cooking; don't overdo it. ""

Reagan announced that his speech would "four basic targets" organized and went with his address. Then came a unconventional moment. Reagan claimed that "last year 13 appropriations bills by October 1st, neither of you made it due...." And then came this giant. Suddenly stacks of paper that sits close to presidential attention was everyone's high. He pulled over and one lifted up and carried it back to his lectern: "This is the Conference report - a 1,053 weighing page 14 books." He smacked down the stack, much laugh and another. "Then this is..." "1186 Pages long, weighing 15 pounds." He had it and took another thread, again on the continuation, laughing and cheering. "[T] pages he long term still resolution - 1057 long, 14 pounds weighing." He smacked it down and then continue to much laugh "that was a total of 43 kilos of paper and ink." Congress should not one of these send.... "If you do, I signed it." Congress broke with applause and cheers. Was the signature Reagan: the use of a litany of statistics, illustrated by the mountains of paper and with an effective Pointe closed.

Won over the audience, Reagan could help Vice President Bush now. As he moved into Iran Contra politics, was his audience all ears. "Because the freedom fighter... have the Sandinistas, forced to extend some democratic rights, negotiate with church authorities and release a few political prisoners." We had Nicaragua been for what foreigners as "Lafayette Pulaki and Stuben" were the American Revolution. There was no excuse for all the actions that took over he or his Vice President.

It was not for nothing that he was the great Communicator in memory. Let's hope future Presidents take note.

Craig R. Smith, Professor of communication studies at Cal State long beach is a former presidential speech writer for President Ford and author of "silencing the opposition: the Government suppressed freedom of expression" (2011).