Let the Prebuttal Begin!

In the 24-hour news cycle there’s often no need to wait for someone to formally announce something before having a rebuttal to it. Parts of a speech get leaked to the press, and then it’s only a matter of time before people start chiming in.

Ahead of Wednesday’s State of the Union address by President Barack Obama, Congressional Republicans told the press what they expected to hear, and what they think about what they’ve already heard.

Some agenda items that are expected to be introduced by the President are non-starters for the Republicans. Any change to the military’s policy of “Don’t ask, don’t tell” with respect to a service member’s sexual orientation will be unwelcome by House Republicans. House Minority Leader John Boehner insisted that the system works, “We just ought to leave it alone.”

Republicans are, at least so far, hopeful to hear that the President’s address will pivot away from a singular focus on health care reform to address efforts to promote job creation. “What we hope to hear is that the president has listened has learned that the policies of last yr just have fallen short of America’s expectations,” said House Minority Whip Eric Cantor.

We expect Senate Republican leadership to hold a prebuttal press conference later today so stay posted….

Also for more of our State of the Union coverage, please check out our WH unit's blog, Row 2 Seat 4.