Praises, Put-Downs, Polls and Fact Checks: 7 Reactions to Trump's First State of the Union
The Viewers
Three-quarters of the viewers for Trump's first State of the Union speech approved of his message, according to a CBS News Poll released late Tuesday evening.
"Eight in 10 Americans who watched tonight felt that the president was trying to unite the country, rather than divide it," noted CBS.
"Two-thirds said the speech made them feel proud, though just a third said it made them feel safer. Fewer said the speech made them feel angry or scared."
Despite the positive feedback, many have cautioned that the high approval will likely not have a long term benefit for the Trump administration.
Jon Favreau, speechwriter for former President Barack Obama, tweeted on Wednesday morning that President Obama's 2010 State of the Union polled better yet did little for the previous administration.
"It did nothing for Obama's approval rating and we went on to lose 63 seats and the House in November. These. Polls. Don't. Matter," tweeted Favreau.
Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, explained that viewership for State of the Unions tend to skew towards supporters.
"Every #SOTU is watched disproportionately by the president's party, but given the content of this one (freezers full of red meat for the Trump & GOP base), I'll bet this audience is even more one-sided than usual, maybe a record," stated Sabato on Twitter.
