Staff Reports
Tonight’s State of the Union proved what hardworking Americans already knew: the Democrats’ theater routine is collapsing under its own weight. Dozens of Democrats chose to skip the speech, leaving a noticeably thinned chamber and handing President Trump free optics to paint them as exhausted partisans rather than a serious opposition.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ instruction to either “attend with silent defiance or to not attend” looked less like strategy and more like surrender, as many in his caucus caved to timid symbolism over substantive fight. The party organized alternate programming and invited guest attendees, but all the alternative channels and livestreams couldn’t replace showing up with a coherent message.
When Rep. Al Green stood and waved a cardboard sign reading “Black people aren’t apes,” the optics only underscored the point: performative outrage is poor theater and worse politics. Green was quickly escorted out of the chamber, and for those watching it looked less like a moral stand and more like another left-wing publicity stunt that critics hoped would go viral.
Conservatives should be frank about what we witnessed — a party that has traded policy for pageantry and outrage for ratings. While the left chases the next meme, the rest of America is out there working, building, and raising families, not tuning in to watch cheap stunts and internet cult theatrics. The result is predictable: when your governing message is performative, your supporters lose faith and your critics get to laugh.
This is our moment to stay steady and serious. Patriots know that winning back the country isn’t about viral videos or manufactured cringe; it’s about competence, respect for institutions, and a vision that restores opportunity for every American. Let the left keep their empty seats and their hollow chants — real Americans will keep showing up for the country.
