State Of The Union - The Musical! "Wicked" Witch Hunt Edition

Welcome to the Dividist's annual coverage of the Presidential Address to Congress - aka State of the Union - The Musical!

State Of The Union - The Musical! "Shall We Dance!" Edition

Welcome to the Dividist's annual coverage of the Presidential Address to Congress - aka State of the Union - The Musical!

State Of The Union - The Musical! "The Producers" Edition

Welcome to the Dividist's annual coverage of the Presidential Address to Congress - aka State of the Union - The Musical!

In 2007, as a blogging toddler, the Dividist despaired at finding a unique approach to writing about the SOTU when so many other bloggers would be traversing the same ground. The answer came from Bob Woodward. In an on-line Washington Post forum the Dividist asked whether the SOTU had any real relevance. Woodward responded by saying it was "mostly theater." Genius. That was the answer. What better way to frame the SOTU social media reactions than within the lyrics of a Broadway show tune?

The game is to start with a Broadway song then find blog posts, news stories, tweets, essays and commentary that can be vaguely referenced in the song and link them to the lyrics. It keeps the Dividist awake and blogging throughout the speech without distracting too much from the mandatory drinking games.

The program so far...

State Of The Union - The Musical! "Bye Bye Barry" Edition

Welcome to the Dividist's annual coverage of the Presidential Address to Congress - aka State of the Union - The Musical!

In 2007, as a blogging toddler, the Dividist despaired at finding a unique approach to the SOTU when so many other bloggers would be traversing the same ground. The answer came from Bob Woodward. In an on-line Washington Post forum the Dividist asked whether the SOTU had any real relevance. Woodward responded by saying it was "mostly theater." Genius. That was the answer. What better way to frame the SOTU, media and blog reactions than within the lyrics of a Broadway show tune?

The game is to start with a Broadway song then find blog posts, news stories, tweets, essays and commentary that can be vaguely referenced in the song and link them to the lyrics. It keeps the Dividist awake and blogging throughout the speech and mandatory drinking game.

The program so far...

2007 - "Comedy Tonight" 

2008 - "Georgy Girl Boy". 

2009 - "Razzle Dazzle" from "Chicago" 

2010 - "The Wizard of Oz" 

2011 - Intermission 

2012 - "Do you hear the people sing?" from Les Miserables" 

2013 - "I don't know how to love him" from "President Obama Superstar" 

2014 - "How to Succeed as President Without Really Trying" 

2015 - "Let It Go" from "Frozen"

And now, for 2016, despite being pointless political theater, this SOTU holds out hope for a couple of interesting wrinkles. 1st -  It is President Obama's last State of the Union, and 2nd - The administration is hinting at something "different" for this edition. Based on the teaser, the President is going to be backed by a heavy handed organist...

State of the Union - The Musical! 'Frozen' Edition

Welcome to the Dividist's annual coverage of the Presidential Address to Congress - aka State of the Union - The Musical!

In 2007, as a blogging toddler, the Dividist despaired at finding a unique approach to the SOTU when so many other bloggers would be traversing the same ground. The answer came from Bob Woodward. In an on-line Washington Post forum the Dividist asked whether the SOTU had any real relevance. Woodward responded by saying it was "mostly theater." Genius. That was the answer. What better way to frame the SOTU, media and blog reactions than within the lyrics of a Broadway show tune?

The game is to start with a Broadway song then find blog posts, news stories, tweets, essays and commentary that can be vaguely referenced in the song and link them to the lyrics. It keeps the Dividist awake and blogging throughout the speech and mandatory drinking game.

In 2007 it was "Comedy Tonight" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. In 2008 it was the 1966 hit "Georgy Girl Boy". For 2009, we welcomed President Obama with "Razzle Dazzle" from the musical Chicago. In 2010, the man behind the curtain was revealed in - The Wizard of Oz. We mostly skipped 2011, but in 2012, with the President and Congress erecting barricades against mobs wielding pitchforks and torches, we were drawn to Les Miserables and "Do you hear the people sing?" In 2013, after the people handed the President an overwhelming 52% mandate for absolutely no change, we offered a tribute to our prog friends as they gaze lovingly at President Obama Superstar and thought "I don't know how to love him". In 2014, although an election year, we were virtually assured of continuing our happily divided government for the balance of his administration, so the President declared he will rule with a pen and a phone. It sounded like he was going to mail it in for balance of the second term. What could be more appropriate than President Obama gazing in a mirror and singing "I believe in you" from "How to Succeed as President Without Really Trying".

An now, here we are in 2015, with not just any divided government, but the very best kind of divided government. With fears of a lame duck President locked into a frozen block of icy gridlock with a Republican Congress, what could be more appropriate for the State of the Union than President Obama choosing to empower himself with "Let It Go" from Frozen?

State of the Union - The Musical! "How to Succeed as President Without Really Trying"

State Of The Union with phone and pen.  

Welcome to the Dividist's annual coverage of the Presidential Address to Congress - aka State of the Union - The Musical!

In 2007, as a blogging toddler, the Dividist despaired at finding a unique approach to the SOTU when so many other bloggers would be traversing the same ground. The answer came from Bob Woodward. In an on-line Washington Post forum the Dividist asked whether the SOTU had any real relevance. Woodward responded by saying it was "mostly theater." Genius. That was the answer. What better way to frame the SOTU, media and blog reactions than within the lyrics of a Broadway show tune?

The game is to start with a Broadway song then find blog posts, news stories, tweets, essays, and commentary that can be vaguely referenced in the song and link them to the lyrics. It keeps the Dividist awake and blogging throughout the speech and mandatory drinking game.

State of the Union - The Musical!Obama Superstar Edition

SOTU The Musical!
Obama Superstar

Welcome to the Dividist's annual coverage of the Presidential Address to Congress - aka State of the Union - The Musical!

In 2007, as a blogging infant, the Dividist despaired at finding a unique approach to the SOTU when so many other bloggers would be traversing the same ground. The answer came from Bob Woodward. I asked Bob in an on-line Washington Post forum whether the SOTU had any real relevance. He responded by saying it was "mostly theater." Genius. That was the answer. What better way to frame the SOTU, media and blog reactions than within the lyrics of a Broadway show tune?

State of the Union - The Musical! Les Miserables Edition

Welcome to the Dividist's annual (sort of) coverage of the Presidential Address to Congress - aka State of the Union - The Musical!

In 2007, as a blogging infant, the Dividist despaired at finding a unique approach to the SOTU when so many other bloggers would be traversing the same ground. The answer came from Bob Woodward. I asked Bob in an on-line Washington Post forum whether the SOTU had any real relevance. He responded by saying it was "mostly theater." Genius. That was the answer. What better way to frame the SOTU, media and blog reactions than within the lyrics of a Broadway show tune?

The game is to find blog posts, news stories and commentary that can be vaguely referenced in the lines of the song and link them to the lyrics.

State of the Union - The Musical! Wizard of Oz Edition

Welcome to the 4th Annual DWSUWF coverage of the Presidential Address to Congress aka State of the Union - The Musical!

In 2007, as a blogging infant, DWSUWF despaired at finding a unique angle to add to the SOTU commentary when so many other bloggers would be walking the same ground. The answer came from Bob Woodward. I asked Bob (and yes I do feel we are on a first name basis) in an on-line Washington Post forum whether the SOTU had any real relevance. He responded by saying it was "mostly theater." Genius. That was the answer. What better way to frame the SOTU, media and blog reactions than within the lyrics of a Broadway show tune?

In 2007 it was "Comedy Tonight" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. In 2008 it was the 1966 hit "Georgy Girl Boy". Last year, we welcomed President Obama with "Razzle Dazzle" from the musical Chicago. This year a classic - The Wizard of Oz. Particularly apropos, as one year into his presidency many are beginning to wonder about that man behind the curtain.

The game is to find blog posts, news stories and commentary that can be vaguely referenced by the lines of the song and link them to the lyrics.

I'll post the lyrics now, and then update with links to live-bloggers, references, analysis and reviews before, during and after the speech. It'll be over when I get tired of it or too drunk to type. Yes, I am easily amused.

I'll kick this edition off pre-speech by invoking relevant and resonant dialog in the scene where Dorothy discovers the wizard is not all she hoped.

Demothy: Please sir, we've done what you told us. We brought you the broomstick of the Wicked Bush of the West. We melted him
Wizard: Oh, you waterboarded him, eh? Very resourceful. ... BUT NOT SO FAST! I'll have to give the matter a little thought. Go away and come back tomorrow."
Wizard:"Tomorrow? Oh, but I want healthcare now!"
Wizard: "Do not arouse the wrath of the great and powerful Ob. I said, 'Come back tomorrow.'
Demothy: "If you were really great and powerful, you'd keep your promises."
Wizard: The Great Ob has spoken. Pay no attention to that man behind the filibuster ....the...Great...er...Ob has spoken.
Demothy: Who are you?
The Wizard: I, I, I am the Great and Powerful Wizard of Ob.
Demothy: I don't believe you.
The Wizard: I'm afraid it's true. There's no other Wizard except me.
ScareKos: You humbug.
Olber Man: Yeah.
The Wizard: Yes. That's exactly so. I'm a humbug.
Demothy: Oh, you're a very bad man!
The Wizard: Oh, no, my dear, I...I'm a very good man - I'm just a very bad President.

DWSUWF welcomes any and all suggested links, for any and all lines anywhere in the lyric (or dialog), from any who accidentally stumble across this post, at any time.

To help get you into the spirit. Music up... Raise the Curtain...

We're Off to See the Wizard

Follow the Yellow Brick Road.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road.
Follow, follow, follow, follow,
Follow the Yellow Brick Road.
Follow the Yellow Brick,
Follow the Yellow Brick,
Follow the Yellow Brick Road.

We're off to see the Wizard,
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
You'll find he is a whiz of a Wiz!
If ever a Wiz! there was.
If ever oh ever a Wiz! there was
The Wizard of Oz is one because,
Because, because, because, because, because.
Because of the wonderful things he does.
We're off to see the the Wizard.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Divided and Balanced.™
Now that is fair.

State of the Union - The Musical! "Chicago" Edition

Welcome to the 3rd Annual DWSUWF coverage of the Presidential Address to Congress aka State of the Union - The Musical!

In 2007, as a blogging infant, DWSUWF despaired at finding a unique or interesting angle to add to the SOTU commentary when so many other bloggers would be walking the same ground. The answer came from Bob Woodward. I asked Bob (and yes I do feel we are on a first name basis), in an on-line Washington Post forum, whether the SOTU had any real relevance. He responded by saying it was "mostly theater." Genius. That was the answer. What better way to frame the SOTU, media and blog reactions than within the lyrics of a Broadway show tune?

In 2007 it was "Comedy Tonight" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. In 2008 it was the 1966 hit "Georgy Girl Boy". Tonight there is only one possible choice - "Razzle Dazzle" from the musical Chicago.

The game is to find blog posts and news stories that can vaguely be referenced by the lines of the song and link them to the lyrics. I'll post the lyrics now, and then update with links to live-bloggers, references, analysis and reviews before, during and after the speech. Ok, I am easily amused. It'll be over when I get tired of it or too drunk to type.

I'll kick this off pre-speech by linking the dialog leading into the number.

As always, DWSUWF welcomes any and all suggested links, for any and all lines anywhere in the lyric, from all who accidentally stumble across this post, at any time.

If you want to sing along, this should help you hold a tune.

Music up... Raise the Curtain...

Razzle Dazzle
from Chicago - The Musical

It's all a circus, kid. A three ring circus.
These trials- the whole world- all show business.
But kid, you're working with a star, the biggest!

Give 'em the old razzle dazzle
Razzle Dazzle 'em
Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it
And the reaction will be passionate
Give 'em the old hocus pocus
Bead and feather 'em
How can they see with sequins in their eyes?

What if your hinges all are rusting?
What if, in fact, you're just disgusting?
Razzle dazzle 'em
And they'll never catch wise!

Give 'em the old Razzle Dazzle
Razzle dazzle 'em
Give 'em a show that's so splendiferous
Row after row will crow vociferous
Give 'em the old flim flam flummox
Fool and fracture 'em

How can they hear the truth above the roar?
Throw 'em a fake and a finagle
They'll never know you're just a bagel,
Razzle dazzle 'em
And they'll beg you for more!

Give 'em the old double whammy
Daze and dizzy 'em
Back since the days of old Methuselah
Everyone loves the big bambooz-a-ler

Give 'em the old three ring circus
Stun and stagger 'em
When you're in trouble, go into your dance

Though you are stiffer than a girder
They'll let you get away with murder
Razzle dazzle 'em
And you've got a romance
Give 'em the old
Razzle Dazzle

Give 'em the old Razzle Dazzle
Razzle dazzle 'em
Show 'em the first rate sorceror you are
Long as you keep 'em way off balance
How can they spot you've got no talent
Razzle Dazzle 'em

And they'll make you a star!

Divided and Balanced.™
Now that is fair.

Technorati tags: SOTU, Barack Obama, State of the Union, Chicago, Congress, Show Business.

State of the Union: "Georgy Boy" Edition

UPDATED: 29-Jan-08
Last year, I wondered what DWSUWF could possibly add to the coverage of the State of the Union when so many other bloggers would be covering the same ground. The answer came from Bob Woodward. I asked Bob in an on-line Washington Post forum whether the SOTU had any real relevance, and he responded it was "mostly theater" (and yes I now feel we are on a first name basis) . Genius. That was the answer. What better way to frame the SOTU, media and blog reactions then than within the lyrics of a show tune? Last year it was "Comedy Tonight" from the play and movie A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. This year we have selected the The Seekers 1966 hit "Georgy Girl Boy" from the soundtrack of the movie with the same name [Note: The gender has been modified in this song to fit your blog context]. The game is to find links and references to the lines of the song. I'll post the lyrics before the speech begins, and then update the lyrics with links to live-bloggers, references, analysis and reviews over the next day or so.

We already know two topics that will figure prominently in the President's speech.

1. Stimulus - GWB will be using the forum to call on Congress to pass the Economic stimulus bill. This bill is the bipartisan initiative to borrow an additional 150 billion dollars from the Chinese (which will add to the debt burden our children will shoulder) in order to fight the perceived threat of a recession which does not exist yet and probably never will happen with or without the stimulus bill. But it does have bipartisan support from our Congressional representatives who are up for reelection and are falling all over themselves to send checks home to voters in a an election year. So - done deal.
2. FISA - GWB will blame the Democrats for not yet renewing the hastily modified and ill considered version of the FISA Surveillance Bill that simultaneously expanded the power of the government to eavesdrop on Americans, while setting the precedent that it is acceptable for Telecom companies to violate the rule of law when asked by the executive branch to do so.
   

This is a one-two punch that will mange to offend both my libertarian Democrat and libertarian Republican sensibilities. The fact is, both the Stimulus bill and the FISA extension with Telecom Immunity should be stopped. Principled Republicans could stop the Stimulus bill (if you can find them). Libertarians and Independents should help them. Principled Democrats could stop the FISA bill as it is presently constituted (Chris Dodd being one and for that we owe him our thanks). Libertarians and independents should help them. And they say gridlock is a bad thing.

With that, I offer the 2008 final George W. Bush State of the Union DWSUWF Theme Song:

Georgy Girl Boy
By The Seekers

Hey there, Georgy boy
Swingin' down the street so fancy-free
Nobody you meet could ever see
The loneliness there
Inside you

Hey there, Georgy boy
Why do all the boys just pass you by?
Could it be you just don't try
Or is it the clothes you wear?

You're always window-shopping
But never stopping to buy
So, shed those dowdy feathers and fly
A little bit

Hey there, Georgy boy
There's another Georgy deep inside
Bring out all the love you hide
And, oh, what a change there'd be
The world would see
A new Georgy boy

Hey there, Georgy boy
Dreamin' of the someone you could be
Life is a reality
You can't always run away

Don't be so scared of changing
And rearranging yourself
It's time for jumping down from the shelf
A little bit

Hey there, Georgy boy
There's another Georgy deep inside
Bring out all the love you hide
And, oh, what a change there'd be
The world would see
A new Georgy boy

Hey there, Georgy boy
Wake up, Georgy boy
Come on, Georgy boy
Wake up, Georgy boy

UPDATED: 29-Jan-08 - Added links, corrected typos.

Divided and Balanced™ Now that is fair.

Technorati tags: change, 2008 election, State of the Union, SOTU, George Bush , FISA .

State of the Union - Comedy Tonight!

I was despairing about what I could possibly have to say about the President's State of the Union speech later tonight. Quite frankly, I would rather be watching a replay of the Bears win in the NFC Championship game that the NFL Network is cleverly counter-programming to the speech. What to do? What to do? Well... I asked Bob. This afternoon, Bob Woodward fielded on-line questions at the Washington Post previewing the President's speech. I got the last question in the que:

[mw] San Francisco, Ca.: " Given the President's lame duck status, low approval ratings, and open defiance of his own party on Iraq - Is there any real relevance to the SOTU tonight or is it just an empty exercise in pomp and protocol? It just seems like the address pales in comparison to other major political stories in the last 24 hours - Warner's resolution on Iraq, the allegation of Cheney's instigation of Libby's obstruction of justice, and General Petraeus testimony to the Armed Forces committee in the Senate."

Bob Woodward: "President George W. Bush still holds office, and if there's anything we've learned over the last decades, it's that the president has incredible, real power, so everything the chief executive says, intends and actually does is at the center of what's happening. I don't think Bush is overjoyed with the low poll ratings, but I also suspect he doesn't brood about them in the way some other presidents might have. Recall after the Baker-Hamilton report, the debate was, how are we going to start withdrawing troops from Iraq? But Bush surprised everyone except those who know him by deciding to add troops. So he still has the job and can make important decisions, but tonight is probably going to be mostly theater."

Mostly theater! Of course! I love theater. Thanks Bob. The only way to really appreciate GWB's SOTU address is in the context of a good musical comedy. Daily Kos will be live blogging. MSNBC will pretend to be live-blogging. RedState has eight different essays on what the President should say, none of which are close to what he will say. Wonkette is live blogging and playing a drinking game. And DWSUWF will be linking [Blogger permitting] line by line the lyrics of Stephen Sondheim's "Comedy Tonight" as sung by the appropriately named character Pseuodolus - to any blog or news story that seems remotely appropriate to the lyric and the topic. [And we will also playing a drinking game.] [And we will also flip over to the NFL channel every time Nancy Pelosi scowls at George W Bush.]

DWSUWF welcomes any and all suggested links for any line of the lyrics from anyone who accidently stumbles across this post before, during, or after the speech. Don't bother with a suggested link to the word "liars" - got that one covered.

Music up... Open the Curtain...

Comedy Tonight
from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Something familiar,
Something peculiar,
Something for everyone:
A comedy tonight!

Something appealing,
Something appalling,
Something for everyone:
A comedy tonight!

Nothing with kings, nothing with crowns;
Bring on the lovers, liars and clowns!

Old situations,
New complications,
Nothing portentous or polite;
Tragedy tomorrow,
Comedy tonight!

Something convulsive,
Something repulsive,
Something for everyone:
A comedy tonight!

Something aesthetic,
Something frenetic,
Something for everyone:
A comedy tonight!

Nothing with gods, nothing with fate;
Weighty affairs will just have to wait!

Nothing that's formal,
Nothing that's normal,
No recitations to recite;
Open up the curtain:
Comedy Tonight!

Something erratic,
Something dramatic,
Something for everyone:
A comedy tonight!

Frenzy and frolic,
Strictly symbolic,
Something for everyone:
A comedy tonight!

Divided and Balanced.™ Now that is fair.

Technorati tags:Chicago Bears, George Bush, Comedy Tonight, Cheney, Pelosi, Democrat, Republican, Iraq, State of the Union.