Newly elected Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown? A repeat performance from Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal? Not even close. Next Wednesday, Governor Bob McDonnell will give the customary response on behalf of the Republican Party to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address.
A few news sources have pointed out that McDonnell is the third Virginian to offer the response in the last five years. In 2006, it was Tim Kaine, former governor and current chairman of the Democratic National Party, and his "There’s a better way" speech. In 2007, it was Senator Jim Webb, whose speech hinged on the new Democratic majority in Congress (and who recently won Senate approval for a proposed Criminal Justice Commission).
The rebuttal may function as one of the prime opportunities for uninterrupted, personal or partisan politics, but it might not always function as a launching pad. Last year, Jindal—considered by some to be a rising star in the Republican Party—received his fair share of criticism for both his topics and his delivery.
A commenter on Fox News’ Congressional blog, The Speakers Lobby, writes, "I just hope he [McDonnell] remembers that the Republicans did not elect Scott Brown, the Independents did…The largest block of American voters is becoming the Independents who have no tolerance left for the ideologues of either major party."
What can we expect from McDonnell’s response? Aggressive critiques? Wooing of Independents? Leave your thoughts below.
