Takiing the applause and hyperbole out is genuis. One of the most frustrating things about watching the SOTU is all the extra time it takes to clap like idiots. Its crazy to me when the opposing party sits like statues when the President says some thing they should agree with.....both sides do it. In every SOTU the President points out and individual as proof of something. I hope the American people are smart enough to see that as anecdotal evidence. When you took away all of the fluff it is easier to listen to the speech for content instead of an emotional response. THANKS!!