The State of the Union is tonight.
According to the United States Constitution, the president is supposed to do this. From Article II, Section 3:
"He shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient."
Glossing over the fact that this clause proves that Hillary Clinton can never be president, this became the annual "State of the Union" because, it is what George Washington did.
Most major networks broadcast the speech (Don't worry, its starting at 9 so you won't miss your American Idol). If you wish to view something else at this time, you're SOL. But, that does not mean it cannot be fun.
Sure, the State of the Union has become a parade of random applause for no apparent reason but, there is something there for the little man. You see, each president repeats certain words consisently throughout their speech.
The New York Times provides proof with George Bush's State of the Unions.
We have a new president now. That means a new drinking game. In the past, people have taken words like "terror", "freedom", and "victory" and used them to slosh themselves. You could pick specific Obama words but, I want to give you an alternative.
1. Take a shot every time Vice President Joe Biden pulls out his Game Boy.
2. Drink when the camera cuts away to somebody that looks angry.
3. Drink for the duration of any laughter.
4. Shotgun a beer when Senator John McCain falls asleep.
5. Drink whenever he mentions a person, country, or issue that you know nothing about. This will teach you to learn.
6. Designate one person to drink only when there is applause. Make wagers on how many beers this person drinks. Loser streaks around the house singing the Star Spangled Banner.
7. If VP Joe stands up and claps when he is not supposed to, last person to touch their nose bongs a beer.
8. If you personally stand up to applaud, and nobody joins you, drink until the next round of applause.
9. If you stand up to applaud, and the majority of your friends stand with you, the minority must drink.
10. If you are a heavyweight and are not sloshed when the speech is over, watch the "postgame" coverage. Pull out the beer or liqour that you has been in your house or apartment for the longest period of time and pick a side, pro or con. If you are on the pro side, drink whenever somebody claims that Obama made a "good" speech. If you are on the con side, drink whenever somebody claims that Obama made a "bad" speech. If you want to end your night quickly, turn it to Fox News and choose "con" or MSNBC and choose "pro."
Please drink responsibly.