Katie Couric's Notebook: Speaking To History

By: Katie Couric
Topics: Katie's Notebook

Video:
Notebook: State Of The Union

Hi, everyone, from Washington, for tonight's State of the Union address, a speech steeped in history.

The Constitution says that the president--quote--"shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend...measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient."

The idea came from the tradition of British kings addressing Parliament.

Washington and Adams gave their speeches before Congress, but Jefferson thought the ceremony too much like England's. For the next hundred and twelve years, the State of the Union was given in writing, until Woodrow Wilson chose to deliver it again in a speech.

Which brings us to an interesting tradition: with the most powerful people in America gathered in that chamber, one person is always missing: a cabinet member, who can assume the presidency in case of emergency.

That way, the state of the union can remain solid and intact -- as it has for generations.

That's a page from my notebook.

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by petersemkiw January 25, 2007 1:33 AM EST: You're absolutely right Boston1954! I stand corrected. I totally forgot about Shirley Chisholm! How stupid of me! I apologize. Maybe I was too young to remember?Thanks for the correction for me and our co-bloggers, Boston1954! Remember the Boston Tea Party!!; Reply to this comment


by boston1954 January 24, 2007 9:20 PM EST: george2121 said...

Let me begin by saying that I truly resent that I had to register in order to voice my opinion.

Boo Hoo. Get over yourself.; Reply to this comment


by boston1954 January 24, 2007 9:01 PM EST: From petersemkiw.....

and seeing Hillary Clinton,as the first woman presidential candidate,......

.............What about Shirley Chisholm????; Reply to this comment


by usawatchman January 24, 2007 8:07 PM EST: FYI

When you all SCRUB (COVER UP) a STORY
YOU LOOSE ALL CREDIBILITY
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/24/world/main2393822.shtml

U.S. Strikes In Somalia Reportedly Kill 31
Official Says Dead Were Civilians From Village Targeted In Hunt For Alleged Al Qaeda Suspects
A Somali lawmaker said 31 civilians, including a newlywed couple, died in Tuesday's assault by two helicopters near Afmadow, a town
in a forested area close to the Kenyan border.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/12/politics/main2355951.shtml#ccmm

You may have a problem in your software,
you may have someone hacking the site

NOTE: there is a CREDIBILITY problem
when the story reported changes MID STREAM...!; Reply to this comment


by petersemkiw January 24, 2007 5:01 AM EST: Dear Katie, Congratulations on your first ever great national coverage of a State of the Union Address! It was especially interesting to watch this year,for a variety of reasons,including the speech itself by President Bush, and watching your first time coverage as the first woman Managing Editor and Anchorwoman of the CBS Evening News,seeing Nancy Pelosi as the first woman Speaker of the House,and seeing Hillary Clinton,as the first woman presidential candidate, and all those other democratic presidential hopefuls in the audience.I was surprised to learn that for 112 years the State of the Union addresses were written, not given as speeches,starting with Jefferson. Jefferson had such a strong sense of democracy,that he probably just could not bring himself to participate in anything remotely resembling the British Kings addressing the Parliament of England! I also notice that Jefferson, as well as Washington,and you,Katie, have strong ties to the state of Virginia! Like them,you have so many talents! Maybe one day you would like to run for office! You would also make a great presidential candidate!; Reply to this comment


by george2121-2009 January 24, 2007 1:39 AM EST: Let me begin by saying that I truly resent that I had to register in order to voice my opinion. Having said this, however, I am terribly angry over the fact that Katie Couric is allowed to editorialize. My feelings do not stem from any political motiviation, but the fact that she is allowed to influence viewers by saying things like the President got "hammered" by the Democratic rebuttle was totally unnecssary and uncalled for and certaily Ms. Couric's past experience does not give her any credentials that justify her editorializing. Sitting on the Good Morning couch and interviewing the latest hair styles and trends in my view does not make her a political correspondent. I could continue for another three pages but to no purpose. I believe I have made myself clear and hope that you correct this matter immediately.; Reply to this comment