State of the Union: Obama v Bush and Clinton

Last night, Mr. Obama spoke to the nation. He was, according to Neilson, watched in just over 37 million homes by 52 million people.

Big numbers for a person who received over 60 million votes. Apparently, some of the people didn't watch. Probably busy working.

Comparisons are fun, and I say this in all seriousness - the White House, regardless of inhabitant does look at every historical trend, pattern, blip ... THEY DO.

So, we should as well!


In 1993, Bill Clinton, for his 1st State of the Union, spoke to 44 million homes and nearly 67 million people. I was, I think, one of them.

In 1998, pre-impeachment, Bill Spoke to the nation and 36.5 million watched in 53 million homes. I doubt I watched.

In 1999, 30 million homes and nearly 45 million people watched Clinton AFTER he was impeached.

Bush's first speech, after the debacle of Florida was watched by 28 million homes and 40 million people. Not a good start.

In 2002, Bush spoke to the nation and 35 million homes tuned in with 52 million people watching. Obama tied, did not exceed.

In 2003, Bush spoke to the nation several months before the Iraq war, and 62 million Americans watched in 42 million homes. A nation divided over war, 1/2 hating Bush more than they hate evil - apparently watched.

In 2008, his last speech to the nation, which I did not watch, was seen in 28 million homes by nearly 38 million people. This at a time when Bush had one of the 'lowest' ratings of modern presidents. Not bad for someone we were told no one liked. Imagine if they liked the guy. Obama would have had to dance and juggle to get a better score.








Obama