Do Presidents Give State-of-the-Union Addresses in their First Year?

[liberalpragmatist]

I'm curious here. For instance, if Kerry wins, will he give a state of the union address in early 2005 or will his first formal SOTU be only in 2006?

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. 2005

it is within weeks of being sworn in... usually this is considered a very important SOTU, as it tells you generally where any administration is going

[Smarmie Doofus]

3. I don't think so.

You mean Clinton gave one in Jan 2001 and Bush gave one within weeks? I have no recollection of this. Plus... how could a new president be expected to relably report on the state of the union if he's , by definition (i.e. new), not familiar with it?

Paul

[bluestateguy]

2. Sort of

They are usually given in February and called an "Address to Congress", rather than a State of the Union. But when presidents used to be inaugurated on March 4 (until 1933), the lame duck president gave the State of the Union.

[Yuna]

4. No offense intended

but if you had read the constitution before you would know...

(yes)