How the State of the Union Became the Latest Flashpoint

Despite all the pomp and ceremony, the State of the Union is actually a rather mundane event. The president outlines his agenda for the coming year, boasts of recent accomplishments and takes a few minutes to recognize ordinary Americans. Lawmakers clap — or don't — and put out brief statements afterward.

If it happens, this year's State of the Union will be anything but routine, however.

Despite all the pomp and ceremony, the State of the Union is actually a rather mundane event. The president outlines his agenda for the coming year, boasts of recent accomplishments and takes a few minutes to recognize ordinary Americans. Lawmakers clap — or don't — and put out brief statements afterward. If it happens, this year's State of the Union will be anything but routine, however.