Columnists and writers from The Washington Post provided real-time commentary during President Biden's State of the Union address. The live commentary, moderated by Post Opinions editor Alexi McCammond, featured Jim Geraghty, Megan McArdle, E.J. Dionne Jr., Alexandra Petri, Catherine Rampell, Shadi Hamid, and Eduardo Porter. The columnists offered their insights and analysis on the address, providing a diverse range of perspectives on the key issues discussed by President Biden. The live commentary began at 8:45 p.m. Eastern time [24b7caa5].
The columnists discussed various topics addressed by President Biden during his State of the Union speech. They provided analysis on issues such as the economy, climate change, healthcare, immigration, and foreign policy. Each columnist offered their unique perspective and opinions on these topics, contributing to a comprehensive and balanced discussion. The real-time commentary allowed readers to gain different insights and interpretations of the President's address [24b7caa5].
The Washington Post's live commentary on President Biden's State of the Union address provided readers with a valuable opportunity to engage with expert analysis and diverse opinions. The columnists' insights and commentary added depth and context to the President's speech, allowing readers to better understand the key issues and proposals discussed. The live commentary format enabled a dynamic and interactive experience for readers, fostering a dialogue on the State of the Union [24b7caa5].
In preparation for his State of the Union speech, President Joe Biden sought advice from five former "presidents" from film and TV. These fictional presidents included Morgan Freeman, Bill Pullman, Geena Davis, Michael Douglas, and Tony Goldwyn. Each of the "Hollywood presidents" made jokey references to the challenges they faced when they were "in office." The inclusion of these fictional presidents drew mixed reactions, with some Trump supporters criticizing the move and others expressing approval. Fans of the TV show "The West Wing" were disappointed that Martin Sheen, who played President Bartlet, was not included in the panel [2851889b].
Ahead of President Biden's State of the Union address, the White House engaged with influencers and digital publishers to reach audiences who may not be as engaged with traditional media. Approximately 70 creators, digital publishers, and influencers with a combined following of around 100 million were invited to the White House to be briefed on the topics that would be covered in the address. The goal was to expand the reach of the State of the Union and connect with a broader audience. The State of the Union address was livestreamed on Instagram for the first time and was also available on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Notably, there was no mention of TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned app, which has been a subject of concern due to its potential security risks [3db96f3e].
The White House's engagement with influencers and the livestreaming of the State of the Union address on social media platforms reflects a strategic effort to connect with a wider range of audiences and adapt to changing media consumption habits. By leveraging the reach and influence of digital creators, the White House aimed to ensure that the key messages and proposals discussed in the address reached a diverse set of viewers. The decision to livestream the address on Instagram and X demonstrates a recognition of the importance of social media platforms in shaping public discourse and engaging with the public [3db96f3e].