We continue our series on the first State of the Union addresses with a look at Obama's first official SOTU in January 2010.  It was just over a year after the financial crisis and Obama already faced a divided Congress.  The unity we saw in Bush's speech from 2002 was now nearly a decade behind us—and Obama made it clear that he missed it.  

In this episode of Polilogue, we compare Obama's approach to Bush's.  Clearly, these were different times that called for a different kind of speech.  But was it effective?  We debate these and other issues—and ultimately arrive at very different conclusions.  We also look ahead towards Donald Trump's first State of the Union.  

Don't forget to tune into Trump's speech on Tuesday.  We will be recording a special episode Tuesday night—the last in this State of the Union series.  So stay tuned!  

And remember—our regular episode of Polilogue covering the Sunday morning political shows will be released on its usual schedule—on Tuesday morning. 

***

To see Obama's first State of the Union, watch here. 

To listen to our special episode of Polilogue on Bush's first State of the Union, click here.

To learn how and when to catch Trump's speech live on Tuesday, click here.

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

The government shut down for less than 72 hours, but the Washington blame game was thriving on the Sunday talk shows. Half of Washington called the shutdown the Schumer shutdown, and other half called it the Trump shutdown. We take a step back and explain why the blame game is important to analyze and how it could still jeopardize DACA negotiations in the weeks to come.

We also bid adieu to a Sunday morning staple as John Dickerson hosted his last Face the Nation episode. Dickerson is moving over to the CBS This Morning to replace Charlie Rose. His contribution to the Sunday talk shoes cannot be overstated. Dickerson demanded civility and rigor week after week— and Polilogue grew wiser following his show for the last six months. Whoever replaces Dickerson will have big shoes to fill, but we’re hopeful that the Face the Nation spirit will remain steadfast even with the new host.

• Introduction
• Highlight / Lowlight
• Can Trump govern?
• Senate Dems hold the line
• Adieu to John Dickerson
• Rankings 
• Closing 

The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

• This Week
• Face the Nation
• Meet the Press
• State of the Union

Fierce little ladies at Women's Marches

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

The first of a 3 part series.

This special Polilogue series explores the State of the Union speeches of three presidents. To start, we look at George W. Bush's speech in 2002-- a mere four months after the 9/11 attacks. 

You can watch the speech in its entirety here.

You can read more about the book Brendan mentions in today's episode here. 

Stay tuned for coverage of President Obama's speech in 2010 next week, and another episode of President Trump's first State of the Union address on Feb. 1.

The Sunday talk shows focused on two major stories that could have, and probably should have, been avoided. First, President Trump’s derogatory comments about Haiti and African countries derailed the immigration negotiations and led senators to accuse each other of lying and deception. And, of course, the White House is backpedaling the president’s insulting comments. 

The second avoidable story was the nuclear message that was mistakenly sent to all Hawaiians that a nuclear missile was coming towards them. It stressed that the message was not a drill; the message was not true — and it took about 40 minutes for the state to rectify. This left families and Hawaiians petrified, reeling, and running for safety for more than half an hour. The anecdotes we hear on the Sunday talk shows about Hawaii’s horror are haunting and frustrating. 

This week on Polilogue we look at both of the stories and ask ourselves, who approached each story with the weight and conversation they deserve? And who will push the dialogue forward?  

• Introduction
• Highlight / Lowlight
• DACA Politics 
• DACA Policy Implications 
• Nuclear threat in Hawaii
• Rankings 
• Closing 

Before we go— a quick request— we’d love if you would give Polilogue some love in Buzzfeed’s Underappreciated Podcast inquiry. You can do so as a comment or email in this Buzzfeed story. 

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

Michael Wolff’s book Fire and Fury Inside the White House has DC and the political media sphere in turmoil. The book recounts the chaotic first year of the Trump administration—full of vicious infighting and an unstable president. But Wolff’s book does not meet rigorous journalistic standards.

How does the White House resist something they see as inherently false? And how seriously do journalists use Wolff's book as an accurate White House portrayal? How do readers? 

These were all questions that the Sunday talk shows grappled with. The most explosive interview was with White House strategist Stephen Miller on State of the Union. Never in Polilogue’s run or in any of the 2016 campaign, have we seen a more hostile and aggressive interview. Stephen Miller clearly came on the shows to fight—and Jake Tapper tolerated none of it. 

This week, we also discuss another important story from Sunday: Oprah Winfrey’s speech at the Golden Globes. It connected the current #MeToo moment with past discrimination and looked towards the future of gender equality. But without saying a name or evening mentioning the year 2020, Oprah Winfrey has triggered chatter (and screams!) for her to run in 2020. She accomplished this all with a single 9 minute speech. We talk about why her speech matters—and why whatever Oprah does next will likely influence American society.

• Introduction
• Editor's Note
• Oprah dominates Sunday evening
• Highlight / Lowlight
• Michael Wolf's Fire and Fury
• Stephen Miller responds to Fire and Fury
• Rankings 
• Closing 

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

The last political media hurrah of 2017— was not all fireworks. The Sunday talk shows on New Year’s eve each put in varying amounts of energy to produce a quality episode. Three out of the four shows had substitute hosts to continue the reflective conversations from the previous week. And many shows failed to mention the few timely news stories of the week. 

This week on Polilogue we focus on the shows’ range on three distinct ways: the political climate going into the midterm elections (and the opportunity of constituents and media consumers to demand more); Congress’s legislative to do list; and the media coverage of the Russia investigation— or lack thereof. We also expand our rankings to identify the best show of the year! 

A packed show full of insight, frustration, and hope— we can’t wait to see what’s next for Polilogue in 2018. Happy New Year! 

• Introduction
• Highlight / Lowlight
• Political Climate for 2018 Midterms
• Framing the Legislative Agenda
• Upcoming Congressional Votes
• Hosts Talk Russia Investigation
• Rankings of the Week
• Rankings of the Year
• Polilogue Resolutions
• Closing 

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

Happy Holidays!  In this episode, we look at how the Sunday morning political shows wrapped up the year in politics.  Most of the shows decided to have extended panel discussions—but a few chose to interview guests.  From Sen. Bernie Sanders to Sen. Jeff Flake to a panel on the role of journalism, we dive deep and ask: who handled the wrap up with the greatest insight and the most grace. 

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

• This Week
• Face the Nation
• Meet the Press
• State of the Union

Some people watch the news and see only the news content. But so much of what you hear and what you learn is defined by the show and journalist delivering you the content. 

This week on Polilogue, we switch our attention from the topics, guests, and panelists to other crucial voices on the Sunday talk shows: the journalists themselves. While the Sunday political shows are very similar in their format and often the content, hosts determine which topics get discussed, the tone of each interaction, and the depth of every interview. 

Sometimes, hosts permit guests to weasel their way out of important questions. At other times, weak questions invite disappointing answers. Some hosts excel by demanding answers and deploying smart follow up questions to achieve the impossible. Hosts cannot predict what guests will say or what news will break out 12 hours before, but they can determine their show’s journalistic goals and create a program that attempts to reach them. 

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

• This Week
• Face the Nation
• Meet the Press
• State of the Union

They say journalism is the first draft of history. Well this week, we look back at that first draft and try to understand our current president.

In 1999, then-host Tim Russert interviewed Donald Trip on Meet the Press about his possible candidacy for the 2000 presidential election on a third party ticket. It’s an interesting look back into the personality, values, and political stances of Trump before he was Trump. Some things are sadly familiar like his blatant sexualized view of women. But other issues stand out— like his thoughts about gay marriage and abortion. 

It’s a new interview with a familiar man on a familiar show. But an entirely different take on the Sunday talk shows— and of Polilogue itself. 

You can see the interview in its entirety here.

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times… It was last Friday, Dec. 1. 

Early last Friday morning, former National Security Advisor General Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. Flynn is the highest official so far in Trump’s administration to be indicted and plead guilty in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. Many are speculating that General Flynn may have information that could implicate other senior White House officials.

Additionally, less than 24 hours later, the Senate passed a broad tax reform bill that will lower the corporate tax rates permanently. Temporary tax cuts to the middle class are more uncertain. And the whole thing could add $1.5 trillion in the deficit. But finally after almost a year of failed attempts, a major legislative accomplishment for the GOP (once it passes out conference). 

So what does President Trump do in the midst of such disappointment and relief? He shares legally problematic tweets, of course. We discuss this all and more in this week’s Polilogue.

• Introduction
• Highlight/Lowlight
• Russia Drama Explodes
• Senate Passes Taxes
• Show Rankings
• Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

• This Week
• Face the Nation
• Meet the Press
• State of the Union 

Next week’s episode, we’ll be talking about this Meet the Press interview with Donald Trump from 1999.

America is having a profound educational moment as the flurry of sexual harassment allegations affect both parties. It’s no surprise, abusive men in power are falling in many industries. But apparently, disappointing responses and shoddy defenses are also a bipartisan issue. 

Leader Nancy Pelosi received significant backlash for her recent performance on Meet the Press, where she was lenient on Representative John Conyers and hesitant to believe his accusers. In this episode of Polilogue, we dive deep into this interview and show each misstep. We demonstrate that each statement parallels the verbal acrobatics of the White House these last few weeks.  

Later, we analyze the evolving narrative of Republican responses to Roy Moore — beginning with the President, who finally spoke out. Sort of. Then, we highlight some sage voices on what to expect next from this story, both in politics and beyond. 

• Introduction
• Highlight/Lowlight
• Pelosi fails
• Trumps warms to Moore
• Shifting ground on harassment 
• Show Rankings
• Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

The Sunday political shows and news articles discussed this week:  

• This Week
• Face the Nation
• Meet the Press
• State of the Union 
• Furious Republicans Split with Trump on Moore
• Anita Hill and Congresswomen Remember the Confirmation Hearings
• Nancy Pelosi First Statement after MTP Interview
• Nancy Pelosi Second Statement after MTP Interview

The sexual harassment allegations keep growing— and the reputation of men in Hollywood, media, and politics continues to shatter. The Sunday talk shows explore this watershed moment through a variety of lenses. Most prominently, the shows probed into the Roy Moore molestation scandal and Senator Al Franken’s insulting “humor and jokes.” Hosts and guests ask why President Trump can comment on the later while not taking a clear stand on the former. 

The Sunday talk shows also had on several thought leaders and female politicians to discuss workplace safety more broadly. Victims are kept silent and abusers continue their behavior, because too many systems in this country allow it. We also look at excellent interviews with White House administration officials that push leaders and demand transparency in both the Roy Moore harassment story and their tax cut promises. 

• Introduction
• Highlight/Lowlight
• The Dam Breaks
• Tax Bill Senate Blues
• Show Rankings
• Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

• This Week
• Face the Nation
• Meet the Press
• State of the Union 
• To learn more about budget reconciliation, check out this episode of vox.com's The Weeds podcast: https://overcast.fm/+FOOR0-7hM

Republicans were front and center on the Sunday talk shows, but their support for Roy Moore was not. Moore, the Republican candidate for the Alabama Senate special election has been accused of sexual misconduct by several women. According to the Washington Post, when Moore  was in his 30s, he had inappropriate relationships with teenage girls—one as young as 14 years old old. Since the Post story broke, many prominent Republicans have rescinded their support for Moore. But by the taping of the Sunday talk shows, few had demanded that Moore step down from the ticket. Is keeping the Senate majority worth it if seats are held by such problematic individuals? 

Should the party do more? Should the president?  

We also discuss the Democratic state wins. People wonder if the Trump presidency has ignited the the Democratic base— and if it has— can it last until next November? Also, Trump back pedals his latest Putin comments. 

• Introduction
• Highlight/Lowlight
• Roy Moore Controversy 
• Democrats Strike Back 
• Trump trips on Russia
• Show Rankings
• Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

• This Week
• Face the Nation
• Meet the Press
• State of the Union

This week on the Sunday talk shows, the parties confront challenges and issues that could derail them from their goals. We find that some leaders address the issues head-on— and others seek the closest pile of dirt to hide their heads.

First, the indictment charges on Paul Manafort, Robert Gates, and George Papadopoulos had the White House and Republican leaders rethinking, reimagining, and rescinding the campaign roles of the people in question. Congressional Republicans finally announced the much awaited tax reform bill: the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Some Republicans stand by the ambitious growth projections; while others want to protect the deficit. 

On the Democratic side, Donna Brazile’s new book spotlights the disfunction she found in the party last year when she had to take over as Interim Chair. We see that not everyone in the party is excited to look back to the 2016 election— nor do they agree with her depiction. 

Sometimes dialogue can seem impossible in the midst of such disagreement. But for us— for Polilogue— it’s where we start. 

• Introduction
• Highlight/Lowlight
• Mueller Indictments
• GOP Tax Plan
• DNC Disarray 
• Show Rankings
• Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

• This Week
• Face the Nation
• Meet the Press
• State of the Union

The impending Mueller indictment had all the Sunday talk shows scrambling. Some of the shows scrapped all preparation they must have done earlier in the week and focused entirely on the investigation. Other shows managed to talk about other issues like tax reform, Senator Jeff Flake’s retirement, and the opioid crisis… in addition to the indictment speculation and predictions. 

Similarly, the Mueller indictment had the Polilogue team scrambling as well! We chose to get this episode out a day earlier, because while the media coverage of the Mueller investigation will quickly change once the charges and suspects are announced— we think it’s still important to review the media’s ability to analyze and cover an ever-evolving story. 

We also discuss the depiction of the opioid crisis by politicians trying to address the issue and from local heroes trying to save lives in their own communities. If you would like to listen to a specific segment from today’s episode, you can jump straight to that chapter: 

• Introduction
• Highlight/Lowlight
• Mueller Indictment
• Opioid Crisis 
• Show Rankings
• Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

• This Week
• Face the Nation
• Meet the Press
• State of the Union

This week, the political shows welcomed a new face—Mitch McConnell!  Yes, the man who has been described as “master of his own silence” actually spoke.  And answered questions.  Sort of.  On this Week’s Polilogue, we look at the interview with Mitch, as well as the other topics tackled this week, including: tax reform, sexual assault, and the controversy surrounding US operations in Niger.  

It was a week of stand-out episodes and segments.  Some good, some not so good.  Guests ranged from the solemn (Gold Star father Khizr Khan) to the showy (actor Michael Kelly); and topics ranged from nuclear war to the war within the Republican Party.  

If you would like to listen to a specific segment from today’s episode, you can jump straight to that chapter: 

• Introduction
• Highlight/Lowlight
• The Battle in Niger
• The Mitch MicConnell Interview
• Show Rankings
• Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

• This Week
• Face the Nation
• Meet the Press
• State of the Union

Last week President Trump announced he would not certify the Iran Nuclear Agreement. He wants Congress to improve the conditions of the deal and to certify the deal themselves— and if they can’t or they won’t— he is willing to pull America from the multilateral agreement, much to the dismay of many international partners. 

This latest announcement had two people scrambling to defend the president: Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Tillerson went on State of the Union and Face the Nation, and Haley went on Meet the Press and This Week. The message across the shows, however, were not consistent. In fact, you would think they each had a different boss and objective. On this week’s episode of Polilogue, we explore the differences between Tillerson and Haley and ask— who was more effective? 

If you would like to see a specific segment from today’s episode, you can jump straight to that chapter:

• Introduction
• Highlight/Lowlight
• Tillerson vs. Haley 
• Panel Review
• Rankings
• Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

This week, the political shows really buckle down to tackle a single issue in detail: guns.  After the deadliest shooting in modern American history, the Sunday political shows dive in—and we dive after them.  We examine the story from all angles: how do the hosts frame the political issue?  How do politicians from every spectrum articulate their positions on guns?  What special guests are invited on—and are their insights worth considering?  It was a Sunday worth watching—because it showcased the best of what the political shows can be. 

If you would like to listen to a specific segment from today’s episode, you can jump straight to that chapter: 

• Introduction
• Highlight/Lowlight
• Framing the Gun Issue
• The Politicians
• The Experts
• Show Rankings
• Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Check out some of our other work here: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

They say presidents are made by the unexpected challenges and disasters they face. George W. Bush had 9/11 with almost 3,000 deaths and the subsequent wars in the Middle East. Barack Obama started his presidency with the American economy on the brink of financial ruin. President Donald Trump is facing both natural and manmade disasters of his own— the first disaster being the brutal hurricane season that affects two states and several territories; and the second being the worst mass shooting in American history.

The Las Vegas tragedy occurred after all the Sunday political shows aired. So this week’s Polilogue doesn’t include any of the current news coverage. But more broadly, we vehemently believe that robust dialogue isn’t just about what topics we talk about; it’s how we talk about it. We believe that ethical journalism and smart media consumption are vital components to a healthy national political dialogue. As the coverage of Las Vegas expands, and we demand solutions for America’s gun violence— Polilogue will demand even more from journalists and politicians alike. 

With that framing, we dove into the important topics that the Sunday talk shows did talk about: Puerto Rico’s recovery efforts and tax reform. If you would like to see a specific segment from today’s episode, you can jump straight to that chapter: 

• Introduction
• Highlight/Lowlight
• Puerto Rico
• Tax Reform
• Rankings
• Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org

Was it diversion? Why did President Trump make incendiary comments about NFL players when the latest repeal and replace health care bill is in dire straights? 

On this week’s episode of Polilogue, we divide the topics into two segments: repetition and contrast.  We noticed that several guests this week reiterated comments and explanations from previous weeks.  Is their repetition effective communication, or lazy messaging?  Later, we look at contrasts across the shows—where the same topic could lead to very different conversations.  With many hosts interviewing the same guests, we ask: who did the best job?  Who got to the heart of the issue?  And who was just phoning it in?    

If you would like to see a specific segment from today’s episode, you can jump straight to that chapter: 

• Introduction
• Highlight/Lowlight
• Repetitions
• Contrasts
• Rankings
• Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
Naomi's website: www.startwithaquestion.org