Twenty-one years ago, President Bill Clinton delivered his 1999 State of the Union address while his impeachment trial was underway in the Senate. The speech, one Republican critic said, was “a home run.” …
The situation facing President Trump as he approaches his third State of the Union speech is uncannily similar. When he speaks on Tuesday evening, his impeachment trial won’t be over; the Senate is expected to vote to acquit him on Wednesday.
Trump faces a test of self-control. Can he resist the temptation to gloat over his coming victory and deride the Democrats whose impeachment effort fell short? Or can he rise above the moment to revive attempts at bipartisan cooperation?
Trump’s record as president and the circumstances of his impeachment offer no grounds for optimism. CONT.
Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times