Do not miss commentaries on President Trump's State of the Union address, "America -- and Democrats -- Got the State of the Union Speech They Deserved," by Contributing Pundit T.R. Davis, and "That's Entertainment," by Pundit-at-Large Stephen Macaulay in The Gray Area.

Join the conversation – email editors@thehustings.news with ‘Left Column’ in the subject line.

End Stock Trading -- Last night I gave up two hours of my life to watch a madman spout delusion and grievance. According to Donald Trump, everything he does is the greatest thing anyone has ever done, and all the world's problems are caused by Democrats. I wish I lived in the world Trump described, with low drug prices, a booming economy, affordable healthcare, and worldwide respect for America. Overall, Trump didn't stray too far from the talking points he hits at every speech he gives, which tends to devolve into rally rhetoric. However, he did propose one policy that I would like to see enacted: an end to stock trading by Congress. Extend that to the White House and vote it into law. I'll hold my breath while I wait for that to happen. –Contributing Pundit K.E. Bell

Lacking in Fact Checking -- Reading coverage Wednesday morning, it seems clear to me that fact-checking Trump and his followers is the most secure job imaginable. It isn't even threatened by A.I.: since large language training sucks in social media posts, how would Claude et al ever know what's a lie from them? With no new policies announced, I don't think the speech (or Governor Spanberger's response, which was competent) changed any electoral prospects for this fall. – Contributing Pundit Hugh Hansen