We think of a State of the Union speech or address to a joint session of Congress as a permanent institution in American government, cemented in tradition and protocol. But it’s an organic, living undertaking. It adapts to the times.

We think of a State of the Union speech or address to a joint session of Congress as a permanent institution in American government, cemented in tradition and protocol. But it’s an organic, living undertaking. It adapts to the times.