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Now that the government shutdown is finally over, the State of the Union address has been officially rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 5. Democrats have selected Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams to give the party’s response. The announcement was made at a Tuesday press conference by Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer. Schumer was enthusiastic about Abrams and her ability to give a great response.
“She is just a great spokesperson. She’s an incredible leader. She has led the charge for voting rights, which is at the root of just about everything else. … I’m very excited that she’s agreed to be the respondent to the president,” Schumer told reporters.
This is yet another opportunity for Abrams to shine, this time front and center on the national stage. Abrams already made headlines around the country for her historic run for governor in Georgia last year, earning more votes than any other Democratic candidate in Georgia’s history. She was the most searched politician on Google in 2018. And while she lost the race due to an organized voter suppression effort and hasn’t yet announced her future plans, she has confirmed that she intends to run for office again. It is widely speculated that she will be making a run for Georgia Republican David Perdue’s Senate seat in 2020. Let’s hope that she does!
About giving the speech, Abrams said that she is honored to be delivering the response on behalf of Democrats. And if anyone will come prepared and do an amazing job, it’s her.
There will also be a Democratic Spanish language response to the State of the Union. That speech will be given by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. It’s a sure bet that Trump’s speech won’t be nearly as smart, thoughtful, or well-delivered as those of Abrams or Becerra. Be sure to tune in as Democrats lay out a vision of the state of the union that includes equality, diversity, and progress.
The State of the Union will air at 9 PM EST on all major U.S. television networks.
