Everything you need to know about the 2016 State of the Union address

When and what time is Obama delivering the 2016 State of the Union?

President Obama’s final State of the Union will be Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 9 p.m. ET. While the date is earlier than normal (the speech has typically been delivered the following Tuesday), the setting is the same as always: the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol, which saw congressional addresses from Pope Francis and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2015. Obama’s State of the Union speeches have typically lasted about an hour.

How can I watch this year’s SOTU?

All major networks and cable news channels will broadcast the speech live. Other forms of streaming will be available, including by video at whitehouse.gov and on the radio through NPR.


What topics will he cover in this year’s speech?

In a preview to the address, Obama promised to frame his speech around “the big things” in “the years to come.” The speech promises to be less policy-heavy and more big-picture, outlining what Obama sees as his lasting achievements. With more attention to his record, the White House sees the address as a chance to tout arguments Obama has already made, especially those related to the environment and trade. The president can also use the newly released job report as evidence of the economic recovery he’s shepherded. After a rare live televised town hall event on guns last Thursday, he can continue his use of the bully pulpit to push for a broad movement against gun violence. Obama is known as a rigorous editor of his own address.

What issues are on the minds of voters?

While terrorism risks have dominated the national conversation after the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, immigration and general dissatisfaction with the government have proven themselves higher-polling issues. Yet a fear of terrorism is still prevalent and manifold: almost half the country worries a family member will be a victim of an attack. Americans are also increasingly in favor of executive action on guns, as a recent CNN poll has demonstrated. And as usual, the economy reigns: economists believe America is close to full employment, but resentment over wages and income inequality has still dominated this election cycle.

On a less issue-specific note: Michelle Obama’s style statements at past State of the Union speeches have given fashion-minded viewers plenty to discuss.

How will the presidential election feature in the address?

The clear implication in the White House’s preview to the address is that a Democratic agenda — one that would be carried forth by front-runner Hillary Clinton — is positioning the country for continued growth over the next decade. Obama has mostly alluded to Republican candidates in the past few months and has abstained from endorsing a Democratic candidate. He has mentioned he would have had fun running against Donald Trump.

Will a Supreme Court justice fall asleep on camera again?

A buzzed-about moment of the address in 2015 was Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg appearing to doze off in the audience. She later admitted she wasn’t “100 percent sober” because of some “very fine California wine” Justice Anthony Kennedy brought to a dinner before the speech.

Who’s sitting behind the president?

This is new House Speaker Paul Ryan’s first time sitting behind Obama. The two have a complicated relationship, and Ryan recently said he thinks Donald Trump would make a better president. Perhaps more importantly: this is likely Vice President and amateur comedian Joe Biden’s final SOTU address; he has regularly starred in broadcasts of the speech as a finger gun-pointing GIF machine.

Who are the key guests at the State of the Union?

Top Democrats have encouraged their colleagues to bring Muslim-Americans to the address to display the party’s open-mindedness after Trump proposed to ban Muslims from entering the United States. Rep. Pete Aguilar of California is bringing two top law enforcement officials at the center of the San Bernardino terrorist attack. Sen. Al Franken is bringing a Somali-American deli owner from Minnesota. Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York plans to bring the first female commandant of West Point. Michigan Reps. Justin Amash and Debbie Dingell are bringing University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh. Rep. Bob Dold of Illinois had to disinvite his guest after accusations of domestic abuse were uncovered shortly after Dold announced his invitation. Michelle Obama, meanwhile, will leave one seat in her box empty "for the victims of gun violence who no longer have a voice," the White House said. Other seats in the first lady's box will be occupied by Edith Childs of Greenwood, South Carolina, and Earl Smith of Austin, Texas. Childs, a Greenwood County councilor, is known for her “Fired up! Ready to go!” chant that became an unofficial slogan of Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns. Smith gave Obama in February 2008 a military patch he wore while serving in Vietnam. The patch struck a chord with Obama, and the then-presidential candidate carried it in his pocket throughout his campaign. The first lady will also host Jim Obergefell, who was the lead plaintiff in the Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage; Refaai Hamo, a Syrian refugee living in Troy, Michigan; and Spencer Stone, who helped prevent an attack on a Paris-bound train last year; among others.

Who’s delivering the GOP response?

Long seen as a rising star in the GOP and as a potential vice presidential pick, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley will give the brief post-address response. The youngest governor in America and the third consecutive woman to deliver the response, Haley has promised to deliver a more upbeat set of remarks.

Where is Obama going after the State of the Union?

Obama is visiting two states after the speech: Nebraska and Louisiana. On Wednesday in Omaha he’ll highlight the state’s job growth and embrace of his health care law. The White House is also promoting Obama’s “historic investment in college affordability.” Nebraska has seen a 95 percent increase in Pell Grant funding. On Thursday in Baton Rouge — his 10th visit to Louisiana since taking office — he’ll discuss the state’s efforts to expand Medicaid and its attention to early childhood education. Almost $10 million have been invested in preschool development grants in the state.