Wednesday's CNN Newsroom aired an ESPN-style highlight reel of "some of the moments that got us talking" from President Obama's State of the Union address. The mash-up featured dramatic music and bold graphics, and zeroed in on the Democrat's "burn" of congressional Republicans during his speech. Bizarrely, the program also repeatedly played clips of the President winking and Vice President Biden blowing kisses during the joint session of Congress. [video below]
Anchor Carol Costello introduced the two-minute-long segment by trumpeting how the President was "sounding confident and defiant in last night's State of the Union; and as many observers probably noticed, not at all like a lame duck." She continued that "in spite of a midterm rout that many said was a referendum on his policies, the President delivered a speech that touted his successes; and, at times, taunted his critics."
The transcript of the mash-up from Wednesday's CNN Newsroom, including the clips from President Obama's State of the Union, as well as the on-screen graphics:
[CNN Graphic: "Obama Touts Successes, Taunts Critics"]
CAROL COSTELLO: Here now are just some of the moments that got us talking.
[CNN Graphic: "The Headline"]
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA (from State of the Union address): America, for all that we have endured – all the grit and hard work required to come back – for all the tasks that lie ahead, know this: the shadow of crisis has passed, and the state of the union is strong.
[CNN Graphic: "The Awkward Moment"]
OBAMA: Since I've been president, we've worked responsibly to cut the population of Gitmo in half. Now, it is time to finish the job, and I will not relent in my determination to shut it down. It is not who we are. (applause)
[CNN Graphic: "The Firsts"]
OBAMA: That's why we defend free speech and advocate for political prisoners, and condemn the persecution of women or religious minorities or people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. We do these things not only because they are the right thing to do, but because ultimately, they will make us safer. (applause)
In two months, to prepare us for those missions, Scott Kelly will begin a year-long stay in space. So good luck, Captain – make sure to Instagram it. (applause)
[CNN Graphic: "The Tribute"]
OBAMA: We stand united with people around the world who've been targeted by terrorists, from a school in Pakistan to the streets of Paris. (applause) We will continue to hunt down terrorists and dismantle their networks. And we reserve the right to act unilaterally, as we have done relentlessly since I took office – to take out terrorists who pose a direct threat to us and our allies. (clips of President Obama winking and Vice President Biden blowing kisses)
[CNN Graphic: "The Love; The Burn"]
OBAMA: I have no more campaigns to run. My only agenda (audience laughs) – I know because I won both of them. (cheers and applause)
COSTELLO: Okay. So there we have the flavor of the night.
