I am convinced there should be a time limit on State of the Union speeches. I didn't watch last night's speech. However, I tuned in for the local news at 11:00. Donald Trump had just completed his speech, and I couldn't help noticing that the chamber emptied very quickly. I have no doubt that after two hours, many members of Congress had to make a mad dash to the bathroom.
Concerning a time limit for State of the Union Speeches, I don't think it is unreasonable for the House Speaker to impose a 45-minute time limit.
When I was in college, I took a public speaking course. As part of my theological studies in graduate school, I took a preaching course. Both courses emphasized content over length. In the preaching course, the professor held up a stop watch after ten minutes. The rationale was that if you were unable to stress your important points in the allotted time, the sermon/homily was not worth delivering. The same rule should apply to presidents giving the State of the Union speech. I think a 30-45 minute time slot is reasonable for the speech.
Donald Trump loves to hear himself talk. I wonder if he ever stops to think that if he delivered shorter speeches with more substance, both supporters and detractors might take the time to listen. When he is present at an occasion and another speaker gives a long speech, he falls asleep.
I have no doubt that Trump will falsely boast that last night's speech had the highest ratings ever. I will wait and see what the official ratings are.
No comments:
Post a Comment