Watch? Don't Watch? Discuss. (Ith)

On Inauguration Day, I wrote a post on how I always watch inaugurations no matter if the person being sworn in was the one I voted for or not. To me, it represents what makes our form of government, and our way of life, so special. Tomorrow is the State of the Union address, and I always watch those too -- even when I want to throw things at the TV screen! How about the rest of you? Watch? Don't watch? Depends? Do you shout at the TV? (me? shout? uhhhh...)

Comments

[Retread]

I watch. And sometimes talk back to the TV.

After watching the Iraqis Sunday viewership of the SOTU ought to have better than usual ratings.

[Persnickety]

Don't watch. I usually try to find a text of the speech later, though.

I cannot bear the inevitable commentary, in which persons composed primarily of plastic advertise their inability to comprehend what the speeches are said. It wouldn't be so bad if only they weren't getting paid so much more than I.

I could stomach Katie Couric (or equivalent) if I knew she was making minimum wage. But when someone that brain dead makes that much money!!

grrrrrr.

[Kevlord]

I have never watched but I think I will watch this one, (or at least TiVo it). I am getting more political as I get older and I want to see what is said about the Iraqi elections.

[Andy]

Watch whomever and talk back, sometimes yell back. Then watch the opposing party's counterpoints as well as the talking heads and do more of the same. Afterwards, go find the transcript. I find the one-side interaction cathartic ;)

[Rosemary the Queen of All Evil]

I always watch. I always talk, groan or cheer back at the T.V., like with basketball or hockey.

I get into the game, ya know? Now, I need a nap. :-)

[The Anchoress]

I watch, even though I usually don't want to, no matter who is president. I don't trust the press to report to me straight, so I watch and make my own judgements.

[Marty]

I watch it on C-SPAN, so I don't have to be told what to think.

[DarkStar]

I don't watch. It's a waste of time.

[Meep]

I read transcripts later. I hate the long lists of people who get pointed out at the beginning, I can't stand the shopping list nature of the SotU addresses. I'd rather read a transcript at my leisure, skipping over the twaddle.

And I hate all the pauses for applause.

[Iron Mike]

My wife watches.
I like my wife.
We only have one TV.
I watch.

All of the above can be summed up:
I am happily married, thus I watch.

[triticale]

I can't imagine watching it on TV. I might listen to it on the radio, I'll certainly hear the highpoints replaid. What I will do is read the text online and then read commentaries. Has to do with my learning style, I suppose.

[Alnot]

I do not watch much TV but will listen on the radio and read about it. I am allergic to most Lie-berals and end up muttering to myself if I have to listen to one for long.I like the fact checking and "real" information I find on the web. Unlike MSM if someone is full of crap they get exposed and derided, then ignored. Tell Baldy this lurker misses her but any friend of hers is good for me as a guest here.

[DJ Drummond]

Yes indeed, I watch. And I take notes (which my wife finds strange), and prepare my own commentary and observations.

[Jenna]

Watch, if I have power. (Yes, the power goes out often enough that I have to make this caveat.) Talk back to the screen. Get bored, change the channel. Come back. Yell some more. Change the channel again.

Read the transcript on-line the next day, and realize I changed the channel too soon.

[caltechgirl]

I watch. If I don't like what I hear, I own a Nerf dart gun and about 30 little darts with the suction cup ends. It's quite amusing. It's also good for sports. You'd be surprised at how good my aim is.

But, I always watch on C-SPAN from the very beginning, since they carry the WHOLE thing without commnetary. I like the pageantry part too.

[GMRoper]

Always watch or listen on the radio, every year since 1960, it's one of the things that we are PRIVILEGED to do if we enjoy the freedoms of our way of life and a responsibility of our citizenship.

[Jay]

I like to watch, and indeed, preferred candidate or not. I seem to miss it, one way or another, at least half the time.

The inauguration is just an amazing event. When you think about it, whatever it has become, the whole concept of the SOTU is rather cool. There's one of those finer Constitutional details we tend not to ponder much, as far as the thinking behind it. No doubt there's info about it out there if I were to look; it just never entered my mind, any more than it entered my mind to doubt keeping and bearing arms was an individual right like all the rest the founders felt they had to enumerate rather than risk leaving as the everything else that is allowed by not being expressly forbidden or made a domain of the government. But I digress.

[Britt]

I watch no matter who it is too. But, it definitely makes it more exciting when it's someone you support... which is why last night was awesome for me :)

[BeckyJ]

Watch. Talk, yell, groan. Watch "response". Talk, yell, groan. Pull transcripts and dissect later.

[Grim]

I always watch if I didn't vote for the rascal. I want to know what the fellow is up to.

The other rascals, I usually wait and read the transcripts.

[liz]

Let me think. SOTUS: I watched in high school (had to), thereafter read transcripts. The pause for applause always annoys me--spoils my concentration, I suppose.

Inaugurals--always watch. I love a parade, and it is one of the glories of our country.

[Dave Glaspell]

Usually watch either way. CSPAN preferred, less opionated 'overtalk'.
Missed most of this one, watched reruns. Sure it has turned into a show, but is illuminating, especially in these days. Folks more often showing their real feelings...which is actually somewhat refreshing.
Dave
Honolulu

[Chevy Rose]

I always watch and I believe this one was revealing. First, I don't think I can remember the 'other' side contesting what a president says like the Democrates did with their "no". I think that was rude. I also was really touched by the slain Marine's mother who bent down and hugged the Iraq lady. I don't think that was 'staged'. Being married to a Texan for over a quarter of century, I don't misinterpret facial expressions of our president. I can remember when the 'other' party began giving their little follow-up speechs also, and this year's was asinine to say the least. I wonder what our enemies think?