Communications

The president warned those in Washington against waging a constant campaign in last night’s State of the Union Address saying:

“But what frustrates the American people is a Washington where every day is Election Day.  We can't wage a perpetual campaign where the only goal is to see who can get the most embarrassing headlines about the other side -– a belief that if you lose, I win.”

And then later:

“So, no, I will not give up on trying to change the tone of our politics.  I know it's an election year.  And after last week, it's clear that campaign fever has come even earlier than usual.  But we still need to govern.”

What should the American people expect then, that the president stay in Washington and provide some leadership by putting aside campaign-style politics and governing, right?

Instead, as The Washington Post notes, his schedule reads like a campaign itinerary: “Obama to hit the swing-state circuit.”

The Post continues:

“…perhaps not coincidentally, the people he is seeking out live in swing states….He will likely conduct town hall meetings in one or more places …But don't confuse it with a campaign swing.”