Bush speechwriter on the State of the Union

Matt Latimer, conservative commentator, former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, and author of “Speech-Less: Tales of a White House Survivor” remembers preparing for George W. Bush’s State of the Union following the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks and brings an insider perspective to, what he calls, a “large ritual that usually signifies little.” However, Latimer adds that there are some aspects to the ritual that resonate with the public.

Ronald Reagan started the ritual of recognizing the heroes in the hall and this is something that presidents since have taken up, with President Obama inviting survivors of the Tucson shooting to attend his speech, and sit next to the first lady. This year’s State of the Union is also significant as it may set the tone for how the president will “deal with Republican House and set some themes for his 2012 reelection bid,” says Matt Latimer.