Around 40 million Americans tuned into Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday night to hear what our leader had to say about the country at this stage in his presidency.
Trump’s speech did not disappoint his supporters. They ate up his glowing words and positivity, cheering and applauding any time he mentioned measures of economic progress made possible by his administration. He casually glossed over his anti-immigration agenda and even manipulated aspects of his health care policies. At one point during the 80-minute speech, he said “There has never been a better time to start living the American Dream.” One year later and Trump is still making use of his “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan. This time, he thinks America is great, but only as a result of his actions.
For those on the other side of the aisle, the night also held significance. It was a moment for Democrats to step up, speak out and stand in solidarity with those who have been hurt by Trump’s policies. They held their breath for what the leader of the free world had to say. Recent political activity has embittered many Democratic leaders, especially while they look at hammering out details on Trump’s proposed DACA deal, which would grant Dreamers immunity but provide funding for the construction of a wall on the country’s southern border. This deal would also add restrictions for immigrants trying to enter this country.
Following the SOTU address, many Democratic leaders poured their faith into Joe Kennedy, who was appointed to deliver the Democratic response to the president’s address. And deliver he did. Many elements in Kennedy response speech — held here in Massachusetts at a vocational high school in Fall River — were strategic and purposeful.
Kennedy’s rhetoric and targeted messages worked together to address concerns with Trump’s attitude as well as establish the mindset of the Democratic Party. He was able to accomplish this, all while avoiding using an overly hateful, bashful tone towards Trump. In fact, he never used Trump’s name once, only referring to the other side as the “administration.” After all, while it is tempting to blame a singular man for all of our country’s problems, in reality, Congress is also responsible for the implementation of Trump’s policies. Thus, refraining from using Trump’s name avoided finger pointing, while also deterring Republican and GOP leaders to come after the Democratic Party for constantly using Trump’s name in a negative light.
Moreover, Kennedy inspired and connected with people from all walks of life, using examples of coal miners and single moms. He pointed out that Trump has put people who aren’t white or privileged in jeopardy. More specifically, these individuals aren’t being valued or even acknowledged right now. These remarks, as well as others, diluted initial concerns about Kennedy’s own bubble of privilege. The Brookline millionaire was still able to successfully place emphasis and validate the struggles of our fellow Americans’ lives. In many ways, these anecdotes served as a reality check to Trump’s message of America being a great place to live. The media has been broadcasting Trump’s economic successes, specifically in the job market and the stock market. Unemployment rates have been the lowest the country has seen in a while. But it’s important not to take what Trump says at face value, and to instead realize he’s intentional with the information he chooses to share on Twitter. The media seems to be ignoring the fact that this does not pardon his other anti-American, and arguably unconstitutional, measures.
Democrats should continue embracing an attitude not of contempt, but of unity and inspiration. Kennedy held the administration responsible, while also enunciating the platform of the Democratic Party. He summed up his party’s values, espousing on its principles of inclusion, equality and equity. The democratic legislators present at the SOTU address also embraced this tone in their own gestures of solidarity during Trump’s speech.
Addressing her fellow Democratic legislators, House minority leader Nancy Pelosi warned House and Senate members to not interrupt Trump’s speech. This was a message for those opposed to Trump to be mindful about their actions during his address. The party would have the opportunity to address Trump’s remarks in the response speech and in their jobs as lawmakers. Democrats were respectful and made meaningful decisions, with many members wearing black in solidarity of the #MeToo movement and inviting Dreamers as their guests. Others, though, abstained from making any sort of statement.
A more concerted and unified effort from the Democrats could have been a more useful strategy in garnering voter empathy for the upcoming midterm elections. Going forward, Democrats should continue to make it clear they represent the interests of those who stand for American values — equality and justice, and most importantly, that everyone has the opportunity to live the American dream.
