January 8th, 2010
03:37 PM ET
President won’t interrupt 'Lost' premiere![]() testing captions “Lost” watchers, all is right with the world again: President Obama will not interrupt the long-awaited episode by giving a national address the same night. Fear gripped the hearts of fans when it was announced that the president wanted to push back the annual State of the Union address – typically held in late January – to February 2, which everyone should know by now is the premiere of the ABC drama’s final season. Crazy talk! Doesn’t he know people have been dying to find out what happened to the castaways? But White House press secretary Robert Gibbs assured viewers Friday he “doesn’t foresee a scenario in which millions of people that hope to finally get some conclusion in ‘Lost’ are preempted by the president.” The "Lost" news came in response to a question from ABC correspondent Ann Compton at the afternoon press briefing. The time slot for “Lost” may be secured, but still no word on what day the president will deliver the State of the Union. |
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Hey...Lost is one of the best shows to come out in a while..so yeah, I can understand why he did it. People are childish when it comes to stuff like their favorite t.v. shows...I'm sure we would get the same reaction if it were the Superbowl getting interrupted.
"the most powerful nation in the world"? "the most powerful man in world"?
americans always crack me up with how serious they take themselves.
He is worried about his ratings that night. Afraid that Lost will get more viewers!!
GLORY GLORY HALALUYAH! my groundhogs day is saved!
Sotagirl74, it's still stupid. Just sayin!
All you people that think it's stupid. Think of it this way. TV shows produce revenue. People have parties for TV shows. Oscar Parties, I remember back in the day people would have Melrose Parties. So let's see, parties means you buy food and liquior, which then means, stores supplying more chips, dips, pizza, etc. That would mean distribution would need to be increased to stores to fill the shelves for the demand of the consumer to have enough food and beverage for their party. Last I heard revenue is a good thing. When was the last time you heard of a State of the Union Party. Just sayin'.
One of the many wonderful things about living in the great US-of-A – is that our phenomenal President has the option to address the nation whenever he sees variably fit. Therefore in this land made for you and me: everyone can get what they want. LOST on one night, and the State of the Union on another; compromise people… that’s what it’s all about.
I heard his daughters wouldn't let him cut into Idol.
I've often felt that the majority of the people are idiots. Not seeing much of anything here, to change that perception.
How can any president fix this country when it's people are broken.
The fact that this is a concern for so many people is a very bad sign.
As much of a LOST fan that I am, I do believe that it is a requirement of all Americans to watch, however painfully dull, the State of the Union address. Many writers have said that the last eight years were nothing but double speak with meaningless drivel. That said, the previous 43 presidents would all have to plead guilty to half of the country. No president is completely loved, but in order to prevent this country from continuing its slide into mediocrity, we have a civic duty to pay attention to what our government is doing.
This is his report on what our government has done over the last 12 months for good or ill and its our responsibility to be fifth grade teachers to listen to what he's saying.
Bottom line, do the address when required. Reruns were made for this reason.
Look, people... the POTUS isn't changing his schedule for the Lost premiere... he just isn't scheduling his address on the same night...
"If people care more about "Lost" than the State of the Union, they shouldn't be allowed to complain about the economy, unemployment, etc. You deserve everything you get."
Really? Is that the product of our being. The right to complain? So in watching the State of the Union, I'll be educated in all thing political, and obtain the right to complain about them? Thats whats wrong with today's society everbody complains beacuse we greedily think we deserve more.
"Play with the cards you're dealt, and hope the pot is huge..."
Now THAT is government FOR the people lol...
It's not like people are going to watch the President talk anyway. He will just do what he always does, say a bunch of stuff that he has no intentions of following through on.
The president watches "Lost". He didn't want to miss the season 6 opener.
If anyone posting here ever really listened to a press conference with Gibbs they might know that he has a sense of humor and often jokes around with the press. I don't think the President is putting off the State of Union address for LOST.
P.S. For all you people feigning disgust: Thank God we have a president with a brain again. At least President Obama is for the little guy and not corporate CEOs and big business. And I hope he watches LOST too!
the State of the Union is supposed to happen in January. He wants to postpone it to February in the hope that the piece of crap healthcare legislation passes by then. One of the dates that was considered coincided with Lost. If he just keeps the original typical timeframe of January, Lost isn't even a factor.
BTW, don't you think by now you know what he is going to say in his SOU address? This is nothing but a big commercial for his administration (hence, why he can't have it without healthcare as he won't have anything else to point to as a success – or so called success)
Calm down, Obama haters. The State of the Union address is being MOVED, not cancelled. Everyone needs to stop freaking out and making a big stink over nothing. Crimony, people. RELAX.
Thank you Marc, I agree that there is no indication that the President is moving his address – it was never officially scheduled – just letting everyone know that it won't be on Feb 2
Thank god lost will be played...the president doesnt have to be on every freaking channel to talk about his shitty health care program and blank ideas of nothing-ness. Go Obama! haa.
Normally I would agree that they shouldn't move the State of the Union Address because of a TV show, but this President is on every other week making promises he's not keeping. So what's supposed to be so different Feb 2nd? Also, why did they move the annual SOTU address for in the first place? I haven't watched any of the SOTU addresses before and I'm not going to watch this one now. He'll just lie to us anyway.
The president should talk at the same time they air "Lost". This word describes both of them.
actually he's moving it to super bowl sunday.
nobody watches that either lol
Atleast Lost will offer something new!!
It's not entirely a bad thing if he does not do his State od the Union Speech that night. I'm know the President's speech is MUCH more important than a show that can be DVR'd anyway. However, this is a highly anticipated premiere, and as a former ad exec, will bring in a good amount of ad revenue for ABC. With the economy being so bad, many networks are suffering with advertisers cutting their spending. This show should make it a profitable night for ABC, so Mr. President is (in a small way – tongue in cheek) doing something to contribute to economic recovery!!!
There is a reason for every decision the President makes. Maybe HE is a LOST fan, maybe he's friends with someone at the network, who knows. But if you support our President, then don't question his decision on this very minor issue.
I believe the problem "lies" in the fact that if they are aired at the same time the WH Czars won't know how to advertise the President's speech. After all, would it be "Lost I " or " Lost II " ? I guess that would depend on which regularly scheduled program would air first. Don't fret... ALL is NOT LOST.
Priorities, priorities......always get in the way. I hate that when that happens!
I am a huge LOST fan so I am happy. And many are right – the state of the union while long ago was a major event, has now been reduced to a lot of clapping, standing sitting and little substance anymore.
Besides, Obama has been on TV more in this past year that anyone or anything else with little to say except we are all wrong if we don't support what he wants.
Why is he moving it from the original date anyway?? There's the real question.
If it is a concern then ABC should just not run the State of the Union. Fox survives and actually does better in the ratings when they choose to not air the Obama infomercials. If they President can't out rate a "tired" drama on television that should speak louder to the state of the white house, than to the state of the union.
Happy to see that the economic trial and tribulations that this country has faced over the years(s) has not in any way changed our immature, ignorant approach to our country's issues. Hey people here's a thought, turn off the television get off your fat a*@ and try actually doing something to make this country a better place, and Obama make sure that you don't reschedule the state of the union for a Sunday you wouldn't want to interuppt The Jersey Shore!
I wonder how understanding you all would be if he decided to air his speech during the superbowl. By the way, they never said he isn't doing it BECAUSE of LOSt, it just won't be on that night.
I would've thought he would've welcomed the distraction...
Why does he need to push back the State of the Union Address from January anyway....We all know what a sorry state our country is in. Don't need him to remind us, plus it will be in worse shape when & if this Health Care plan is enacted...
OMG LOST ftw...I'd rather watch Lost than listen to the "president" make more empty promises...unless of course my insomnia kicks in and I need something to help me fall asleep.
Good to know the American public has its priorities straight.
*sarcasm* – just in case you didn't catch that.
I'd certainly rather see Lost than the pandering that the State of the Union Address has become. It will be just another campaign speech to try to keep his popularity up. It's a state-sponsored commercial. Of course we'd rather see Lost.
Marc, you are a genius. You couldn't have outlined the problem more clearly.
And the President is simply a realist. Its not that he doesn't want Lost fans to be lost to his speech, he simply doesn't want his speech to be lost to Lost fans. He just wants to pick a time when there will be the least amount of viewer conflict.
He's just a smart guy.
Um, they NEVER SAID THEY DIDN'T DO THE 2ND BECAUSE OF LOST. read the article if you are going to comment
Am I the only one that's happy we'll still get to see LOST?
I can't wait for the show to start..finally some closure! Plus the President's speech will be another night..yeah!
Who knew Michelle Obama was a LOST fan ?
Obviously the people that keep saying state of the union over season premiere of lost have never watched the show and if they have probably didnot see last years season finale. I am a Barack supporter, life long Democrat, have a BA in Political Science.....but I would rather see the Season Premiere of Lost than the State of the Union any day. Plus he's gonna have 7 more, and yes i said 7. But there will only be on day that you get to find out......Well You Know, before someone spoils it for you. Just Tivo the speech, get it on CNN, or Youtube it.
You guys really think the Pres is changing the date of his speech because of Lost??? Get real! He probably has other more important reasons – I doubt seriously he cares about a TV show. He's way too smart for that (which essentially is his problem: he's too smart for this country – hate to say it but its true).
I'd much better watch "Lost"
than "The Lost" and his teleprompter....
I think we have "wagged the dog" – referencing the movie from a few years back. Go LOST!!!!
Well, look, this makes excellent sense. Seriously.
First - nobody said the White House was changing the schedule to accomodate "Lost". There was concern that the schedule was being changed so the State of the Union Address would coincide with "Lost", and the White House simply stated that this was unlikely.
Second - and this is just my opinion - it makes GREAT sense for the Presiden to give his State of the Union at a time when he can reasonably expect to reach a large audience. The final season opener of a popular show with legions of fanatical followers would be a TERRIBLE time for him to go on TV. He probably won't give it during the Superbowl either, for the same reason.
(Having said that, maybe giving it during the Superbowl halftime show would work...)
Hmmm...what would I rather watch...the president spitting propaganda out of both sides of his mouth, or show that is completely unintellectual.
Neither.
Turn your effing TV's off and get to work America.
The state of the union is a formality, it won't give us anything we don't already have access to. Considering this is a blog, all of us have internet so why do we need to get the state of our nation from a politician's mouth?
The only reason he thought of pushing it back to February is that he's hoping he can jam the Healthcare con job down our throats before then and then tell everyone how great a job he did. The problem is this illegal behind the scenes peice of garbage won't be signed by then.
Sweet words to my ears.
Hey why doesn't he go on C-SPAN like he promised? Oh right, he can't risk letting the truth come out. I think he made the right call at least Lost is enjoyable fiction as opposed to what he's been shoveling.
This is one of the best examples of "damned if you do, and damned if you don't". You "bush babies" had 8 years of absolutely destroying this country! It was so bad that a man took off his shoes and threw them at the POTUS. If you knew what a monumental insult that was for man to even show you the bottom of his shoe, much less throw them at a sitting US President. You might just realize what an idiot you were so blindly following simply because he told you to.
Don't hand me that stupid line "it takes 8 years to see the result of whatever the president does". All sides use that lame excuse. Now you (bush babies) can do just what a lot of you thought anyone who didn't support him should do. I think it was something like "If you don't support the president you should just be quiet and get behind him", well, shouldn't you being doing the same thing now??
The simple fact is this; President Obama has already commanded more respect from other nations than bush did in 8 years!! I don't care if President Obama interrupts lost, Charlie brown, or a PBS special about how it sounds when whales fart! It is nice to have some honor restored to that office.
Now, sit down, shut up and get behind your President.
You folks who are saying that it's absurd that obama would "delay" the State of the Union so that he doesn't interrupt a TV show should read the story a bit more carefully. The address is usually done in late January and obama wanted to POSTONE it until February 2. And furthermore, A lot of you are saying oh, this is pathetic, worrying about a tv show – the president is more important – he should give the address when he wants to do it – blah blah blah – I'll bet that some of you would freak out if obama decided to give his address during the Super Bowl or the World Series, wouldn't you?
Thank God. A 24 hour marathon of Juwanna Man would be more interesting than the State of the Union address. At least our own president is smart enough to figure that out. There may be hope for Obama after all! And please, the State of the Union is the state of the union-if you don't already know that by living in said union, then maybe you should get out more and not get your information from a talking head. I know the state of the union because I am a working class American with a life, not because I have access to CNN.
Great – I love both !
Obama can not afford to alienate any more voters, so of course he has to move the speech. He is looking forward to 2012, he has NEVER stopped campaigning
I think this season will be more "linear" with less flashbacks. That's what we're discussing, right?
Our priorities are seriously misaligned when the premiere of Lost takes precedence over hearing from the leader of our country during a time of war and economic distress. And you wonder why we are where we are?
@Jenn, what good is a dvr going to do if he is interrupting the broadcast? are you implying that people should record the president? not sure what the point you are trying to make here is.
please clarify.
Though he is trying to make everyone happy by not interfering with a T.V. show. People.. this is our STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS. Who cares about a T.V. Show. I want to know where this country is planning on going, so i can make an informed decision if i choose to go to canada or wherever else I want to go. Because that is my AMERICAN FREEDOM to choose what I want. Mr. President, give your speech!
Who is running this country, the media or the government?
Nothing this man has to say is of any interest
spend more money, tax more of us who work to pay for those too lazy to do so. LOST has more important things to discuss right now than this bankrupter of our nation.
With the way things are going, his approval will fall below Bush's in a year (probably right after we get national healthcare that doesnt work) and at least people know lost will be over in 1 season, we're stuck with this moron longer.
Thank God the LOST premiere wasn't interrupted. We'll be hearing the President's speech with all its commentary for weeks after he gives it.
We need a diversion and quality entertainment. It won't hurt to put reality on the back burner for a few hours.
Hey, maybe he didn't want to miss it either!
THANK GOD!! Why can't he give the Address the same time EVERY OTHER PRESIDENT has? Is it for the same reason he didn't comment on the Christmas fiasco until THREE DAYS later? Is he planning on taking his family on ANOTHER multi-million dollar vaction on tax-payer dollars while the rest of us are struggling to keep our jobs? hmmmm I think I'd rather watch LOST.
Maybe we should deicate it a National Holiday as well. Come on Mr President......I could care less about a TV Show! You need to let America know what is going on in this country ASAP. The people that it affects the most are either woeking 2 jobs and have no time to watch a TV show or cannot afford the electricity that powers the TV.
Interesting that some have said TIVO the Prez's speech and watch Lost. Why not the other way around? After all, you will be seeing the lost episode over and over again in flashbacks, reruns and other methods of repeating the show in various fashions. For the Lost fans (i am one of them), every part of an episode gets repeated again and again. Why not TIVO them both?
Also, if Bush had said he was going to do this, the media would have skewered him for shirking his official duties and trying to be popular. They never say anything bad about Obama as they are afraid of him!!!
Does it matter?I mean,do people actually watch the State of the Union speeches anyway,unless you're a politics nerd or have to write about it for school.
Why bother,just watch your favorite news show and they will interpretate for your liking.
You guys aren't reading the article. He's NOT rescheduling in order to prevention interrupting LOST. The article says he will NOT rescedule TO interrupt LOST. The address is not supposed to be on Feb 2 to begin with, they are going to reschedule and they are saying they will not reschedule during LoST. It's not that we have wrong priorities, it's just saying that it's better not ot inconvience anyone than to inconvience a bunch of people.
Why not preempt the Superbowl instead?
Just allow ABC to to broadcast Lost and the other channels to show the State of the Union. It's not like you really need one set of political pundits over another discussing the speech.
Do anything but interrupt "According to Jim." Now that was TV worth watching
This 'situation' is a prefect example of why this nation is both pathetic and doomed.....
And deserves what is going to happen to it.
But at least the Neanderthals will know what happened on their insipid fantasy escape from reality.
bread and circuses for the rabble
are you people serious? one post after another of people asking where this country's priorities are? Let me explain something to you. IT IS AN INDUSTRY just like any other in this country. That little piece of "pop culture" happens to be a world-wide business and a multi-million dollar premiere night. How about this. Maybe the president should decide to shut down an oil company for a day and do a remote broadcast to address the nation. How would you react then?
Do we get enough of this dope's talking already? No need to interfere with my TV watching so he can ramble on about the same old crap he travels the country pitching like a snake oil salesman.
Thank God!!! Not only did I make the correct choice by voting for the President but he reaffirms my support of him with yet another awesome decision!
Glad to see boring fiction wont be replacing fiction that is actually worth watching.
hasnt anyone considered that the real problem is that obama wants to watch the episode?
Are you kidding me!? Of course LOST is way more important than being told what we already know or can at least find out on our own. Heck yeah move the state of the union and so it doesn't interrupt our LOST. I'll be watching LOST, and probably won't watch his address no matter what day it's on. I love the freedom we have in America!
It is a sad state of our country, period.
The question shouldn't be which is more important: the President's speech or Lost? The real question is why is Obama moving the date in the first place? He doesn't have to move it. He just wants to wait until things start looking up for him again. He's waiting for that percentage in unemployment to rise just a little. He's waiting for things to settle down about Yemen and Guantanamo and the terrorists. Question the motive behind the move in the date
Yet another example of the "FAT, UNINFORMED, COUCH POTATOE AMERCIAN" mentailty. G-D forbid anything of substance, relevance, and slgnificant importance disrupt thier mindless entertainment.
How about not having the State Of The Union on 13 channels, with 2 hours of commentary and retort afterwards? I'm not ongga watch Lost, or anything else, either, but how about reading about it in the paper? It will surely get plenty of coverage.
I can summarize now:
Things are getting better but were not out of the woods. (Democratic standing ovation, Republicans sit quietly)
We need to create more jobs, right here on main street. (Democratic standing ovation, Republicans sit quietly).
I am committed to making sure each and every American is as safe in the air as they are in their own home. (Democratic standing ovation, Republicans sit quietly).
I am committed to ensuring that every American receives affordable health care, and we're nearly there. (Democratic standing ovation, Republicans sit quietly).
We have passed historic legislation that will beneift the middle class and all Americans. (Democratic standing ovation, Republicans sit quietly).
I have several special guests who are sitting next to (insert politicians names here) (Democratic standing ovation, Republicans sit quietly). Pan to special guests.
Now, let's spend a half hour on the GOP response, refuting everything as too costly and compromising security. This is followed by a half hour of the Democrats refuting the GOP rebuttal, saying it is a fundamental right to do all the things we have been doing this year.
Finally, cut to all of the respective networks news channels putting their spin on how wonderful things are, now that Obama is in control (CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, MSNBC) or how much worse things have become (Fox).
Now. Can we all move on?
what does it matter.....ill tell you the state of our union.....its NOT GOOD!
Why would anyone want to listen to P-BO anyways everything that comes out of his mouth is a lie. At least we know "Lost" is Fiction.
Wait a minute, I don't watch much tv anymore cept for good ole college football, but aren't LOST and The State of the Union Address the same thing? Am I wrong in my assumption?
We sit around and talk about unemployment, the state of the economy, the war, and our ultimate current postion in the eyes of the world, yet there needs to be consideration about when it's discussed? America needs a wake up from "reality" TV and realize that our existence is at stake. This should have nothing to do with race or political party affiliation and it certainly shouldn't have anything to do with entertainment. If you consider a speech on the state of our nation an interruption, you are truly "LOST".
If the President of the United States needs to communicate something, I don't care if it is in the middle of the Super Bowl..... DO IT!
But as I am 42 years old and have never seen anything really come out of any state of the union address (either party!!!), I do not plan to watch it.
And fans of ANY show.... this is not 1975 where you get two shots at seeing the episode – first time and six months later with the rerun! Go to abc.com, hulu, even youtube.... you can see it at your leisure.
I am glad to see even the president realizes most Americans would rather watch Lost.
Why doesn't Obama just deliver his address in January as it's been done for 200 years? Then this would have never come up.
Sad but not surprising.
Well finally a leader with common sense. I've been waiting a damn year for lost to return. Politicians get to talk all the time. When Lost is on, politicians should duct tape, opps, for the Americans here, duck tape, their mouths. 5 thumbs up for Obama.
Good grief people! This is one of the things wrong with our country now...we had rather watch some inane TV program than to listen to the Leader of the Free World!!
Its not like he's canceling the damn thing! It'll just be a different day. Each one is only an hour or so long, its not like we can't have both. Plus more people will watch him speak so how is it not a win-win?
It's sad that anyone cares about politics any more. haven't we reached a blissful world peace yet? unfortunately that will not happen until we stop caring about this nonsense. LOST for the win!
Who needs to see the fictional TV show "Lost" anyway? We're living the reality version...
I think this country has "Lost" it. Obama wants to be the new and cool president. I cannot image who many former presidents who have passed on are turning over in their graves over this.
Unbelievable, i wonder who got paid off
If you've actually followed what's been going on in our country and around the world through whatever means of information you have, you'd know that the State of the Union Address is nothing more than a summary as well as things that we already know. He'll make promises and comment on future endeavors.
I think a lot of the people that are criticizing the administration of delaying because of Lost haven't really watched the State of the Union Address. It's seriously nothing to bicker over. You will not learn anything "new." He'll just come out and comment on the things he already commented on and try to make the citizens feel at ease...temporarily.
But the show Lost...you know the premiere will be so much better than the State of the Union Address. That's a no brainer.
So just relax people. Obama's delaying of the speech doesn't change anything...seriously.
You people act like something incredibly important will be said in the State of the Union. THAT is sad. Wake up.
I knew I voted for the right guy! Thanks Mr. Prez!
Lost fans have been waiting for a year to see the last season of the show. The President can talk anytime and anywhere he wants. I'm glad he was considerate enough not to preempt the Season 6 Lost premier. To all your haters, make sure you watch the President's speech or else you're all hypocrites.
Lost will be a lot more interesting than anything Obama has to say, and will exhibit about as much reality as the world he and the rest of the government (Democrats and Republicans both included) live in.
Mr. Obama is known for trying too hard to appease as many people as he can. Case in point, he chooses to push back his State of the Union Address rather than upsetting LOST fans. You voted for him, people.
I'm more concerned about what happened when the nuke detonated in Lost than a rerun of the State Of The Union. In an age of the internet and CNN.com, the state of the union is pointless and traditionalist garbage to televise.
The article doesn't state that President Obama is not going to deliver the State of the Union on Feb 2 BECAUSE of Lost. Mr. Gibbs just simply stated he doesn't think it will conflict with the Lost premiere. Let's not jump to conclusions and assume President Obama is worried about preempting Lost!
A bunch of people saying why should the Pres delay his important speech because of a TV show?
That is not it people, learn to read – the pres considered delaying his speech until Feb 2 (which would screw up the LOST premiere – and DVR's wouldn't help there..)
If this annual speech is so important why is the Pres considering delaying it? Why doesn't he do it right now? or at the "normal" time at the end of January?.. Anybody saying this is an important speech has no hold on reality because if there was any important info in the speech it would already be posted on the White House web site (unless you think he is concealing important info).. This speech is just another thing the Pres does... like pardon turkeys.. (on Thanksgiving – and at the end of the presidency)
Obama doesnt have anything worth saying, so he better not interrupt Lost! No one wants to hear about his "hoax" and "chains"
The article doesnt say that the President made the decision based on the television show's scheduled premeire..... come on people! It says that the show won't be interupted for the speech (the article being directed at LOST devotees)
Ah, the bitter irony of teleprompter Obama not interrupting the "lost" for LOST!!
I love Obama, but he better not mess with my LOST premiere! Seriously!
i knew ABC ruled the US
Obama's not gonna tell us anything we don't already know...it's the STATE OF THE UNION...if you need the president to tell you what's wrong with your country, something is wrong with you...i can tell you whats wrong with the country, i however cannot tell you what happened after the H-bomb went off
I never watched "Lost" and suspect that viewing it would be a waste of time, but–whatever it is–it has to be more profound than anything Barack Hussein Obozo is thinking.
Thank the lord and thank mr. president!!! Lost rocks! I've been waiting forever for it to return and i don't want to wait another day that i don't have to. And besides, i bet the real reason why obama decided not to do it that night is because he himself is a lost fan and he just wants to watch it like everybody else.
I think the president should instead hold his State of the Union speech during the Superbowl.....that way he'll have more of the country's attention at that point than at any other time in the year.
@ Jerry.....please stay where you are, Canada doesn't need or want you. We are doing just fine with you thank you very much.
If watching our commander in chief wasn't like watching a bad sitcom rerun with a poorly written script I might actually be concerned about the idea of a TV show interrupting what he doesn't have to say. He talks about nothing and he was elected by a hollywood obsessed culture of fools who prefer flowery words to substance and socialism to freedom. Its no wonder the people of this country are more concerned about a TV show than this guy. They elected him for his entertainment value and the show isn't interesting anymore.
Should it be the premier of "Lost" that is moved? Who made this decision in the White House?
Scheduling is newsworthy?
Uh...it doesn't really say he changed the schedule because of Lost.
It says that Gibbs says it won't be that night. So all you Lost fans can relax. It was probably meant to be a joke on Gibbs' part. And people took it seriously that Obama was doing it for the wrong reasons.
There is probably some other conflict at hand.
However, even if he did change it because of Lost, it's not the dumbest thing. Why would anyone want to deliver an important speech to an audience where a significant portion of the viewers are upset about the timing?
At least he knows what Lost is.
Guess the teleprompters were booked for January
Any TV program is more important than anything that buffoon will say. Better not miss any of my shows because of him.
@ Joel T- Yes, Gilligan's Island is EXACTLY like Lost. What a brilliant comparison you've drawn. That's worse than comparing MASH to Band of Brothers.
I'm not a Lost fan by any means – never watched the show, but I see a lot of angry people who are outraged by him not interrupting the show. Do you guys care that it's being pushed back anyway because it's typically held in January?? How about you be mad at that.
Especially in these economic times, sometimes, tv shows is what helps us escape from the realities we have to face every day, even if for just an hour or 2. So i like the idea he isn't going to interrupt a show millions seem to love. In the grand scheme of things, lost may not seem anywhere near important as to what the president has to say but it can help millions get lost and escape from the current burdens of life for a couple of hours.
Goodness gracious! Anything an American says or does affects not just the people in this country but the rest of the world and people care more about a TV show than president's speech? It shows how really smart Americans are!
too bad - he kind of reminds me of Ben Linus, but not as truthful
This is good news. The President can speak any day he wants. It's always the same speech anyway. And are we ever truly enlightened by a State of the Union address? It's more like a pep rally, to which Congress gives a standing ovation every 11.8 seconds, causing it to drag out longer and longer. I'd absolutely rather watch LOST than hear Obama make more promises he won't keep (closing Guantanamo within 1 year, ending Don't Ask Don't Tell, tax cuts for the middle class, etc.).
Maybe a 3 on top and a 1 on the side. The poor guy definately needs a fade and edge up.
If it so important that the President needs to give the speech that night, then move Lost to another night and everybody wins.
State of the Union speeches are a modern phenomena. They are mostly political theater and not governing. If the public has to wait for a yearly report to understand what is going on in the country I suspect it's a little late.
Does anyone remember the last State of the Union speech or for that matter any of them?
Get involved and stay involved and maybe this country will get back on track and CNN will have something worth reporting.
The State of the Union address may not be the most exciting of speeches but to take the premier of a TV show, even LOST, over this address is ,well, words fail me. I thought this address had to be given on a certain day in Jaunary but I'm obviously wrong. Get over it LOST fans, the Skipper and Mary Anne will save you all.
why doesn't every other network show the presidents speech and just let ABC show LOST, the viewers can choose which is more important.
With any luck the premiere episode of the final season of "Lost" will open...and end...with a stray North Korean missile crashing into the island and nuking the place. It could all be over in minutes and both "Lost" and the State of the Union could both be aired. And best of all, "Lost" will finally...FINALLY!...be over.
Thank God. I've had that day marked on my calendar for over a month now. One of the most anticipated episodes ever for me.
Although there is no such provision, State of the Union addresses are typically given on the last Tuesday in January. They do this so networks can schedule programming appropriately. I work in television and know for a fact that there is a reason ABC chose February 2 to premier Lost. It's right before the Super Bowl and a week after the State of the Union address should normally be broadcasted. There is so much money and advertisements involved that you just can't change the date OR move it to another date! It doesn't work like that. Also, ABC has been promoting this premier since the Summer time and think of all that money wasted. I am very in touch with the news and would watch the State of the Union over Lost anyday, but Obama should stick with tradition and do it on the last Tuesday in January.
You don't need to know what's going on in this country to know what's going on, WATCH THE NEWS PEOPLE. And if you are so worried about the State of the Union speech then you should be glad its going to be earlier. Like other comments said, Lost nost millions of dollars for ABC, which is good for our economy. At least he cares about the people in America, unlike the moronic presdient we had last.
Of course the President can and should speak any time he wishes. That means he doesn't HAVE TO preempt a show that millions of people have been waiting to watch.
Of course the President's address is more important than a TV show but it will be no more or less important in a different time slot.
I swear, people go soooo upset over the silliest things.
The State of the Union is the one speech I never watch. It amounts to 20 minutes of speech interrupted by 60 minutes of applause. Better to just read about what he said the next day.
If people cared about what our government did even half as much as they cared about sports and tv shows, the country wouldn't be the mess that it is.
And this is not a knock at Obama.
He is doing the best he can given a dysfunctional congress and Senate full of corporate sell-outs.
Signed,
An ex-republican that can't forgive his old party for running us 4.9 Trillion in debt as they ran us into the ground. You were supposed to work for the people, not your golf buddies. At what point did the "Contract with America" become the "Hit Contract on America"?
Numquam iterum
Rest assured, ABC will figure a way to mess up the broadcast as usual, black-outs, dropped signals, etc. In all honesty though, we really do need to hedar what the Prez has to say and can catch LOST on a rerun. JMHO frankopinion
Lost is an amazing artistic creation that millions of people follow... I see nothing wrong with taking this into consideration when preparing for a speech! Its all business folks, Obama is doing a fine job so far and this is just another humble gesture on his administrations behalf.
I'd rather see Lost. Mr. Obama isn't going to say anything we don't already know (or expect) and all the news outlets will carry the highlights of his speech. Besides (given the choice) the First Family would probably rather watch Lost themselves. Has anyone asked them ??
I wonder how many of those people who are VERY upset that the President's speech is being moved will actually be watching the President's speech.
No, it is not a sad state of affairs, I am all for our president and I approve him NOT speaking the same ngiht as the premeir. Why? Well, we have 24 hour news coverage, the internet and tons of other mediums nowadays. If someone wants to watch the address, guess what, they can TIVO it, watch it online, or SWITCH THE CHANNEL.
Please don't sit there and be condesending because some of us want the LOST premier. I have voted in every election, and supported my government whenever possible and pay ALL my taxes.
LOST is a great show and not having the prez re-schedule his speech on the same day as the premier is not a big deal.
Plus, I know what the state of the union is. How can anyone not living in a cave NOT know what the state of this country is? I have CNN on 24/7 on my computer, I subscribe to 5 different blogs, I follow the market daily and am always watching the news at night.
Seriously, get over it. Thank you Mr. President. Thank you. will all the crap that has occured, it's nice of you to give us this one.
Rest assured, ABC will figure a way to mess up the broadcast
Good... everything he says is a complete lie anyway. He's always trying to act like the next FDR or T. Roosevelt or even H Truman, so maybe he can have a radio show.
I watch the state of union every year regaurdless of who the president is! It is also required that all 3 of my children watch it as well, They have been raised that no matter who is president, whether u voted for him or not, when the president speaks , we as americans listen!
However – We are also diehard Lost fans!
Mr. President, Thank You!!!!
Breanna Hare should be fired and cnn should put up a actual transcribed account of what was actually said and done.
In your article, it gives illusion of SOTU being moved due to lost.
It isn't. The SOTU was set for Jan, President wanted to push it back for reasons completely unrelated to "lost". He picked Feb 2nd as a potential date for SOTU. If it changes, it changes. if not, then not.
White House Robert Gibbs learns to be more grave since his probable joking response and sarcastic writing by Breanna Hare made this into a news story.
Of course Obama changed the time of his speech. The leftists at ABC were some of the people who helped get him elected. If he were to piss off the fans of a show that care more about fictional characters stranded on a fictional island, he might lose some constituents.
It is interesting that even Regan & Bush gave speeches in February. Check it out. Also FYI from the U.S. Constitution.. No specific date is identifed as to when it must be given – somewhere in the past someone must have said.. "hey while everyone is "snowbound – let's bore them even more..."
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty toourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America…
Section 1
The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice-President chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows: …
Article II, Section 3
“ He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.”
Did you people SEE the Season 5 cliffhanger??? Get out the way Mr. Pres, give me my LOST!
Oh, I was worried for a moment. Maybe I was too worried... never the less, I am glad that I can live in a world where the President doesn't interfere with my favorite TV show. Did "Jacob" tell him not to???
Well, every Sunday I try to watch 60 Minutes, and there's a football game on! Who cares about football?
Lost? Perfect phrase for this not so perfect nation! Maybe the next show will be labled blind or stupid!
***Seriously,... people are upset about this. ATTENTION AMERICANS: take a break,... watch LOST. The president hasn't done anything worthy of a State of the Union address anyways. Wait till it's more important than Lost, then interupt it. Otherwise, We'll just read it the next day on the internet via our favorite biased website.
Besides... I have to know what happened to Claire.
It isn't that the civilized world is crumbling. It isn't about Americans being stupid or shallow (well, maybe a little of it is). I would imagine it's mostly the result of the reaction by ABC, owned by the almighty Disney (which is ruled by the almighty dollar). Big premieres bring in big ad bucks.
This sounds more like a very well executed ABC stunt to market the new season of "Lost". What better controversy than the perception of the US President rescheduling his speech around a popular TV show? I use the word perception because I believe thats what this is... I seriously doubt that President Obama would put a TV show above the priorities of this country. If his speech really needed to be done on a specific date and time, I'm sure our President will do just that. Let us have a little bit of faith in our President. I'm quite certain that there is more to this than meets the eye.
That's probably the best thing Obama has done yet! I'm sure the SoTU address will be another cleverly hidden way to shaft taxpayers and push socialist agenda anyway.
I voted for Obama, I supported Obama... but there's nothing he can say about the state of the union that we don't already know from news reports. – I want my Lost!
I'm sorry, but I'd much rather watch lost than listen to Obama mislead us for two hours...
It's nice to know that when you elect an "American Idol" president instead of a leader, that he at least respects other pop-culture.
Look people – it doesn't say that they changed the date of the address BECAUSE of "Lost." They said they won't be interrupting "Lost." Some of you need to quit trying to find blame with the President (at least on this). And yes, it shouldn't surprise people that "Lost" is more important than the State of the Union. Does anyone realize we still have over 180,000 troops in two different combat zones right now? That is just the number of troops, not to include their families here at home. The media is dominated with Tiger Woods, Kim Kardashian and ???... we should not be surprised that the White House Press Secretary has to answer a dumb question about a TV show vs. the State of the Union.
RIght on Mr. President! finally a President who knows what the buzz is all about. Thank you Sir !! Michelle and the Prez is probably a big fan of the show . Much appreciated !
Poor OBAMA, the man makes less money a year than the stars of lost for god sake.
Whew! Concidering that Lock is now possesed by some sort of entity and the island is jumping through time, it's nice to know the White House is keeping the worlds priorities strait by not interrupting this all important show.
Just shows how he worries more about how he is perceived than anything. Else IF he is perceived as being insensitive to viewews of a lame show then hip poll number might drop a bit more would nto want that to happen, then again all the anointed one would have to do is play some hoops with some celebrity to make that up, once again accomplishing nothing while making his fans love him more for accomplishing nothing.
Thank you Mr. President!!!
It does not matter if he give the State of the Union address at that time or not, because the title is the message. "LOST" is the state of the union. Our "roots finding", on constant vacation or holding a beer summit "president" has done nothing in the year he's been in office. What can he possibly tell us that we don't already know?
I can hear it now: "My fellow Americans, we currently owe communist china about 1 trillion dollars. Thay have started forclosure procedings on the United States. Your options are to either make your way to Canada or Mexico or learn Chinese. To sum it up, "we're screwed". Good Night.
People are so "messed up."
If you don't like it, go watch it on the other 56 channels its going to be on.
LOST rules.
Wow....isn't it wonderful to live in a country where you can all actually say the things you have said above in an open forum and not fear that someone will show up to your house to physically harm you for it? Aren't we blessed to live in this country?
For those of you who really, seriously wonder...."is it time to go live in canada"...and for those of you who spend your time fretting over issue like this and making some of the statements that have been made above....if you really don't like this country....i'm certain there are over 150 flights every day that leave it....and you don't have to buy a round trip ticket.
More people voted on American Idol than the election. So yes, people have made their decision about what is important to them. Half of my friends don't care about politics and other half do. So everyone can share their opinion about this but the matter of fact is that a "tv show" is more important than any speech in Washington. President Obama made the right choice. There's no need to compete with a show. His speech can be given on any day. What a simple way to exercise that choice?!
I think a lot of people are just complaining becouse they don't like President Obama, and they are using this as just one more excuse to bash him. Is this all people really have to worry about?
Maybe the President remembered that if he gives his speech... he'll miss out on the season premiere of Lost... and we can't have that people.
Hey we have to listen to that sell out all of time. LOST has been away since May. All we are going to hear is about a lost country anyways which has sold it's soul down the river to corporate interests and lobbyists which he was the mouthpiece against when he ran. You'll get more fantasy out of the State of the Union address than you will on LOST. Get off your asses and protest more often instead of watching TV if politics is that important to you. The complacency and stupidity of our country has tied the president's hands. I'd rather watch LOST with my popcorn and friends. At least their community has been forced to deal with each other to work for the common good.
Good question by the reporter. Good answer by the Press Secretary. Good Show. Good President. Good Country. Let's move on People!
The article does not state that he decided against the Feb 2 delivery of The State of the Union because of LOST, it only says that he won't give the State of the Union on that day. The two are not related. he did not make the decision because he was afraid of upsetting a television show. Relax everyone.
To some people, the Lost premiere is very important! The President can talk on other channels-there are plenty of channels. He doesn't need to talk on a night when a show is starting back up that fans have been waiting for forever! The news is depressing enough and although I like listening to the President, i want answers about Lost! Not that I'll understand it anyway...
How many of you would be having a fit if he gave the speech during the Super Bowl? A what's the world comin' to? Get real!!
There's no way that would matter to have the speech the same night as Lost – NO BIG DEAL! I think people just mouth off to mouth off!
I think people are tired of politics [in general] "interrupting" their lives.
Americans can see the President speak any time they want to on any channel or on YouTube. He is everywhere. I mean, Michelle Obama was just on Iron Chef. No offense to our President, that's just the vibe I get from many, many Americans.
I don't plan on watching either so it's really no matter. But honestly, why does every single network on TV have to show this? Why do we have C-Span?!
I want to hear from our President, too. Just not during Lost. I appreciate his understanding that some of us have been there since the plane went down and can't wait to see the outcome.
I also have been waiting for Lost, but would gladly miss it to watch the President try his best to convince us think he has been successful in meeting his goals. As my mom used to say..... " This man speaketh with forked tongue"
I'm really glad I won't have to record the SoTU.
thank you...i knew i voted for the right man! Best show on TV.....LOST!!
You guys, obviously the real reason Lost fans wanted the date changed was not because it would interfere with the premiere, but because they value tradition. And tradition says the state of the union address should be at the end of January! Also, WE NEED INFO ASAP! Why wait a few extra days when you don't have to? Geez, it's a good thing I promise. Besides, be happy it was an amazing, brillitant, thoughtful show and not, oh, i don't know, AMERICAN IDOL! Gosh.
Oh would you all chill out. this is ridiculous, yes. But it's kind of funny and kind of thoughtful that he would do this since so many people love Lost. I could care less about the show since Charlie died but still – it's very thoughtful of the Whitehouse. Go you guys. All you other complainers and naggers – get a sense of humor.
What people aren't realizing is that the State of the Union address is typically given in January. Networks realize this and plan accordingly to it, thus ABC's decision to wait until February to premier LOST.
President Obama has already "pushed it back" from January to February. He should give it in January when it's typically given since the Presidental year "starts" Jan 20th..
What I want to know is, even if he did give his speech on Feb. 2nd, why would ABC have to air it? I mean, why does EVERY station have to air the same thing? If you want to watch the President, tune into the channel showing the speech. What is the problem?
Ok, the State of the Union address is important and all...
But now that Jughead has gone off, WHAT's going to happen?!
4 8 15 16 23 42
I'm afraid Lost is has more reality than one of President Obama's speaches. I would like to watch both, but I know the State of the Union wil be rebroadcast repeatedly. I've been waiting for Lost to return for many, many months. The president has lost my trust given his poor decisions regarding the Hidden Healtchare debate, the Stimulus engineered to grant Democrat pork programs, and his poor handling of security issues like bringing a terrorist trial to NY. I like to hear him speak, but I dislike his poor decision making.
I WANT MY LOST PREMIER!!!!
I like the comment where it says people should use thier DVR to record Lost and get over it. Brilliant technical awareness. So, if the State of the Union preempts the Lost premier, what do you think will be playing on your DVR when you try to play back the schedule Lost Time slot which you supposedly recorded?
The State of the Union will be rebroadcast several times during the night. Besides, our current president's actions have certainly not matched what he has told us in previous speaches and TV broadcast, why will this State of the dis-Union be any different? Ask CSpan about the transparency and open broadcast of the healthcare debates, stated in at least 8 recorded candidate Obama speaches.
Partisian rhetoric doesn't change facts. What Obama says does not equal to what Obama does. I wish it did and he was making better decisions, I like Obama and enjoy most of his speaches.
Page Turner – millions of viewers would rather watch Lost. At least this way we know it's make believe, and it really cannot affect us. However, with Obama, his disasterous affect on the nation unfortunately cannot be avoided by changing the channel..
I'd take reruns of Barney Fife in Mayberry over this idiot POTUS.....and all of his other stupid little insignificant acronyms....
I do find it ridiculous, but I must wonder what if the President Pre-empted the super bowl or the final game in the world series, would people still say "We Have our Priorities wrong"
The state of the union address is going to be boradcasted on every other channel...so who cares if one network DARES to deviate..I THINK ITS BRILLIANT.... ratings ratings ratings.
People have their priorities...get over it. America is gonna be the same whether people watch the state of the union address or "Lost"
Get over the Charlie Brown special, it aired twice more in the following week. I can't believe this actually gets people upset. Get a life already!
Everyone complaining about this...I bet 90% of you won't even watch the State of the Union.
How sad that we've come to make a t.v. show more important than the State of OUR Union.
The president is not scheduling around Lost. Read the entire article people! These comments are a testimony to our failing education system.
If you honestly think the President of the USofA changed his schedule to deliver the State of the Union for a TV show, then you may be beyond help. Feb.2 was only one of the days suggested and was never written in stone. Come on people!
Nowhere in the article did it say that Obama was rescheduling BECAUSE of Lost. Seriously, rushing to judgement seems to be a new American past time.
Ha! Ha! Ha! Aren't you guys sooo funny! Wanna hear some REAL whining??This just in... Pres. Obama is holding his State of the Union Address on Feb 7! What? Superbowl night? So? Just a dumb football game!!
BTW....psyche!! Just kidding, but got my point across!!
Lets see how many people would object to this if he wanted to give his speech at super bowl time.
Ben, Brian, thank you for being voices of reason. The president is not basing when he is giving the State of the Union address on Lost. A reporter asked the press secretary if it was going to conflict and he said, clearly amused, that he didn't forsee it being a problem for fans of Lost. This whole article is tongue-in-cheek (a good give-away of that is when a reporter uses the phrase "Crazy Talk!") as was the press secretary's response. I find it nice that the press secretary can crack a joke.
Hey geniuses! Where did it say Obama was changing his schedule?
No wonder so many stupid rumors get started. Reading comprehension, try it sometime.
Lets bring back Bush and Cheney, as it seems the posters prefer to look at a face with a smirk and listen to someone who came from a second grade education.
No wonder Americans are so dumb; they prefer TV shows to education, games to reading and study. Every nation on Earth is passing the USA by, while we become fat, ignorant and angry. Ouch!
TV as far as I am concerned is a waste of time; I learn nothing by watching it. Weeks turn into months and my TV remain off; the utility company can't get the extra bucks from me. It's better to earn than to spend. Continue on the same path and all your jobs will be exported to nations having higher educated people.
Today I called Tech support for a new enterprise firewall, I spoke to someone in England. When I call Tech support for enterprise software, I speak to someone in India.
Where are the American professionals? Don't tell me the jobs were off shored because they prefer to save money. Most big companies can't find people who are intelligent enough and trained enough to work. There goes your jobs. Oops!
Keep bashing Obama and not taking up his tasks of higher education, call it welfare if you will but when you can't find jobs; blame yourselves.
I love all these people saying how stupid it is that the President is going to DELAY the state of the union speech for LOST.
Did you read, it is usualy held in late JANUARY, but he was putting it off unitl FEBRUARY 2nd, which happens to be the date LOST starts. Coincidence? Doubt it, I think they did that for the press.
Everyone is SICK of seeing this man on tv, well, I am anyway. In the age of cable, why do these speeches have to be on network television? Run them on cable and on PBS for those without. OR the network can choose to show it if they wish. Between tv, radio, cable and internet, we have plenty of choices IF we want to hear the crap that comes out of politicians mouths.
But get off your high horse of thinking we should all bow down and miss our shows to watch something we could care less about.
Do you need to hear him speak? What he says doesn't matter, he'll do the exact opposite and you will still love him. I mean, he IS Obama.
You complain about Bush and Obama has been in only a year and has lied COUNTLESS times.
Enjoy, 2010 and 2012 are right around the corner
Much ado about nothing. Having it on a different day will not end the world.
So much tsk tsking over something this minor should speak more about your priorities than if the speech falls on a Tuesday or a Wednesday.
What a joke! Most people who are that concerned about the next episode of lost would not watch the state of the union anyway.
TY Mr. President. It is nice to know that even without a multi-million dollar special interest group and lots of co-ordinated spinning -something can be accomphlished for the greater good. Now if we could only come together and apply that energy on the things that matter. Maybe you can legerage DHarma for more than just a little more Frogurt.
To those that say the speech is more important -we don't deny that- we were just asking that there be no conflict and that we be allowed our escape in these very trying times.
Honestly, as a proud citizen of this country, I find this completely absurd that the PRESIDENT of the United States considers an episode of "Lost" more important to Americans than the STATE OF THE UNION. Honestly, lets stop carrying around the latest results of the Gallop poll like Nixon, worry less about your popularity with the "hip" Americans, and worry about real issues Mr. President.
this is exactly why our country is screwed up....a freaking TV show over the future of our country. come on people...get a grip!
It is a sad day when the people have more concern of a fictitious show than to listen to our leader in these bad economic times. This is why we have to concern ourselves with our future. The children growing up today are so into themselves and oblivious to the happenings around the world. I do fear that when I'm a senior is this country, this next generation will continue to be greedy and will take all from anyone and everyone they can. It is no longer acceptable to be a "friend" to your children, it is time that they are shown discipline and that giving is greater than receiving.
I think too many in this stream miss the underlying point, which is the overwhelming reason...the network stands to lose a great deal of money should the president preempt the show.
NOW do you get it? Does anyone REALLY believe the network did not influence this decision?
The President very well understands how money and politics impact one another...HELLO, Chicago politician in the White House!
I actually find it rather amusing that he's doing that.
He's probably thinking back to a time when he was younger and would get upset if something interrupted his favorite show. Everyone has had or does have one.
I like that he's being courteous enough to allow people to watch Lost without interruption. I'm one of the millions that does anyway.
I will gladly watch the State of the Union address now.
I'm amazed that so many are outraged over this. Firstly, the speech might end up coming before Lost, either in days or time slot. Secondly, even if it doesn't, this is just a matter of being considerate to a large number of Americans. No one is saying Lost is more important. The President is being considerate of others. This is a good thing. There's no danger to our country from adjusting a speech by a matter of hours or days. It's not like this is some sort of pivotal wartime speech or something. How many of those complaining will even tune in and listen to it? Listen to -all- of it?
I actually kind of doubt it was rescheduled solely because of Lost.... If it was rescheduled, I'm sure it was for other reasons.
The only acceptable reason to push back the Lost episode, is if he was going on TV to say he was resigning.
FINALLY! A decision he is qualified to make.
Now that he has decided NOT to interrupt "Lost" maybe he can get to more pressing issues...like the horrendous unemployment...the horrendous homelessness....the horrendous economy...the Horrendous war in Iraq...the horrendous war in Afghanistan...
Oh sorry, it's time to staert working on his re-election campaign...some of those things will have to wait.
First good decision by the President in a while. Well done President Obama!
When you say "Lost" are you referring to the tv show or Sara Palin watching Wheel of Fortune?
I didn't vote for the guy, but to be fair, didn't he get ripped just last week for screwing up the TV schedule? I forget what was on and what he pre-empted, but damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.
Glad I don't have to become a republican now.
You guys are making a big deal out of nothing. First of all, his address wasn't planned, they said he wanted to push back the day of the address. Second of all, I think if Obama had anything critical to say, he wouldn't not say it because of a T.V. show. Traditionally these addresses not that enlightening (no matter what President is speaking.. it's all spin).
And come on, for all your huffing and puffing, how many people in America actually watch the darn speech
I'm asleep way before that anyway, so..."Lost" was a good show way back when. Not now. Watch the President, though. You might learn something besides 4 8 15 16 23 42.
Glad to see priorites are in order here. Wouldn't watch even if he didn't preempt Lost. I console my self by saying "only 3 more years". I hope we all make it out on the other side (much like the Losties!). After all, it will be an hour (or whatever) of "the worst is almost over, it will get better, blah, blah, blah". An hour of my life I will never get back. Same story, different day. Maybe he should just have the State of the Union Address (POOR) on the Internet. I'm sure it will be entertaining for some, what with all the cheering and prompted applause. But as for me, I've been waiting for Lost with more enthusiasm than anything the president has to say. Keep The Change!
I'm amazed how people actually think he rescheduled it for Lost.... this is why you can't joke with people, because too many of them just don't get it.
Interesting premise for an article (not really), but is there really a correlation? Is the SoTU address purposely being scheduled to avoid pre-empting Lost? As one or two people pointed out, of course it isn't.
This article speaks volumes about the sad state of modern journalism, and the reader comments speak volumes about the lack of logical thinking skills among many Obama critics.
Seriously. What is happening to this country? People get upset if their TV program is interrupted by the State of the Union??? This mentality of the US people is exactly why the country is LOST. Cant blame it all on the Admins- its the people too!
“He shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”
— Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution
Says nothing about a date and doesn't even require it to be in the form of a speech.
And just as a caveat, if the networks are airing the speech, how will running your DVR or TIVO net you the LOST broadcast???
And you people vote........ we're doomed...........
Gee which one to watch "Lost" or Obama who is also lost.
"Lost" the tv show will have more truth to it than the other option.
How's that hoax and change working for you obambots?
Maybe if the President did his speech in January like he is supposed to, we wouldn't have all of these issues. And please, everyone, the world is in a state of distress right now that many of us need a break from the harsh reality of life for an hour to watch an awesome TV show.
For people who are complaining that he changed it just because of Lost, ABC might decide to air Lost instead of the state of the union. That means less networks showing the state of the union. It's not that big of a deal this far in advance to change it one night. Calm down..
Also, the speech isn't being pushed back. They said it happens from late January to Feb. 2. The speech is gonig to be late January instead of Feb. 2
Obviously, ABC and/or local affiliates would reschedule the episode at a later date/time if such a scenario would occur.
I'm a big Lost fan and Obama supporter, but some of you are taking this little quip of a story WAY to seriously. And using it to make really pathetic partisan attacks.
The question about scheduling the SOTU in the Lost time slot to Gibbs was likely said in jest. Perhaps at the time the question question was asked, the President had already selected an alternate date/time for the SOTU address in which Gibbs could say definitively that it would not conflict?
Also – to all the stupid people – you can't DVR something that isn't actually airing on TV.
Get over yourselves people, does anyone remember the last state of the union speech...aaahhhh exactly
People people people,
Chill out. First, the state of the union was never scheduled for Feb.2 (the LOST premier date) there was just some fear that it would.
The state of the union is not being RE-scheduled, because of LOST. This is the first time it has been scheduled. Second, the article is a little tongue and check. Come on, people. I don't think anyone is saying that LOST is more important than the state of the union.
I think everyone has missed the point. Robert Gibbs just said that the president won't be giving the address on that evening. It had nothing to do with Lost, since they hadn't settled on a date yet. This was a silly story, but the president didn't change his schedule to accommodate a TV show, he is most likely pushing it back to allow health reform to go through prior to the address. I think everyone needs to calm down and stop hurling accusations.
BEST DECISION he has made all year. No point in getting another 30 million citizens even more upset.
the Lost fans need to understand that what the president has to say is reality, Lost is fiction.
I think it has less to do with Lost airing on the 2nd and more to do with how Obama really has no idea what he's gonna say in the State of the Union speech. He needs the extra time to prepare.
Okay, I'm sorry but...
The responders that are calling the news "pathetic" are really the pathetic ones. Can't you chill out? Do you not understand how to be relaxed and cool? Nothing's happened. It's not the end of the world. It's a bit of kindness from the white house for a large community of people and ABC. It's embarassing and upsetting that so many people can be so uptight.
Why do you have a problem that the president is looking at the world from down where we stand? I for one think it's a great way of doing it. I think it's great that the power of people is able to influence the decision making of the most powerful man in the world. Isn't that what a president is there for? To respond to what the public says and what the public wants. If he can't do that in a jovial manner then I feel sorry for anybody who gets the job.
And some of you are tossing Lost to the side as though fiction is worthless compared to the State of the Union. Well, actually, some of us care about fiction and fantasy. For a lot of people it's a very important part of our lives and makes our lives that bit more enjoyable; something you may find hard to grasp. Yes, we care about the state of the economy and the state of health care, but we also want to lead a life that isn't spent in constant rigor mortis because we're so tense about nothing worth a damn. You'll get your speech and we'll get our Lost, and for that we're thankful.
I'm 19, which I consider to be fairly young, yet still I feel like telling a lot of people here to grow up. Perhaps it's growing up that's the problem.
I'm done.
I would venture to say the Lost season opening date was picked based on the fact the state of the union aired at around the same time every year, like the SuperBowl, notice the article states "the president wanted to push back the annual State of the Union address." Gee Jenn I guess you don't own a DVR, the DVR records what's on at that time. I might be wrong and I'm sure people will be glad to correct me but I believe the state of the union interupts normal programing, so the DVR will record the state of the union instead of Lost. Yes I'm a Lost fan, No I have no desire to watch the state of the union, never watched it before, why start now. I'm sure the NASCAR of NFL fans would feel the same if it interupted THE race or the their team in the Super Bowl. I have a life and it doesn't revolve around any president.
Props to Obama for recognizing the importance of a show that has captivated those loyal to it since its premiere back in September of 04. "Lost" is a show of such brilliance, wonder, and intelligence. With it's deeply layered plot lines and character evolution; only the most die hard of fans would understand the magnitude of such a scheduling conflict. Praise the lord! LOST RETURNS!!!!!!
Most of you voted for the man. I will enjoy Lost!
Not only disrespect for the leader of the USA and i'd say you'd be a little too obsessed with a fictional tv show over the real life situations going on around us. Whether we really watch the speech or not its ridiculous to condemn a preempt of a tv show over a presidential speech. Lets not end up like that movie back in 2006 by the name of Idiocracy. With every story like this that i hear about it seems americans care more and more about their entertainment and the actors who portray fictional lives than the real life happenings around us. You can say the news is always depressing and the world and its all bad , that tv is a chance to get away for a bit but just my opinion more and more it seems like the "getaway" greatly outways the REALITY. Seriously i'll even bet not as many people in the newer generations read the daily newspaper or even take a look at the newschannels on tv as the older generations. Not even with the internet.
Everything he does is unprecedented.... My god, get over yourself.... The only real unprecedented thing is the fact that some Older Norweigen gentlemen gave you a price for doing absolutely nothing... Way to go
Rather appropriate. Lost is Ok, but the country and the administration are LOST
Either way thank God for DVRs and Direct TV. I will wait for him to do something before I listen to him. Maybe healthcare, G-Bay closing, don't ask don't yell or anythimg else
You'll happily have my vote again, Mr. President!
Is this for real? I mean is this really true, that a network television show trumps the President of the United States, or is it just another right-wing planted story to convince us that our President has no command?
Hey needs to delay the state of the union anyways. It is in rough shape and he just wants to delay the inevitable......
Another 3 years and it is all over.....
you can't TAPE something that's not ON. he was going to interrupt the show. i'd rather see sawyer in wet jeans than hear about how screwed up the world is. like, i know.
do i know what will happen on Lost?
no, I don't.
Does it matter what any president tells us... Something we don't already know? Doubt it. Give me something entertaining. Give me LOST. You all are too serious, that's your problem. Live a little.
I think he got caught in a slight of hand trick.
He wanted to push back the speech to make sure health care is passed before the speech....but somebody screwed up and scheduled it on an important day for TV watchers.
Once people started raising a rucckus they had to switch it back because they didn't want to have their motives questioned.
The simplest answers are usually the best.
They ought to put the president on paper-view. Then we will actually see how many americans really want to watch the state of the union or any other tv program from the government. At least then we would have the option of actually watching or just enjoying our evenings at home. Just my two cents. No offense Mr. President, but I won't be watching. I am sure it will be very entertaining with all the clapping and what not. Have a wonderful night.
Mark the Canadian – If you want to listen to obama maybe you Canadians can get him up there after he is kicked out of office after one term. Either that or maybe he can go back and sit around camp fires in Kenya with his relatives. Either way, I'm counting down the days until I don't have to get a sick stomach every time I turn on the TV and have to listen to all of his BS and how he is more capable of spending my money than I am! I would watch Lost any day over Obama in fact, I'd rather watch the test of the emergency broad cast system run over and over.
You mean there a people who actually waste there time watching and listening to the President? You got to be kidding me.
The White House humor is aparently too dry for this crowd.
No one really cares about Lost – least of all POTUS...
I am sick of all the child like behavior! I have noticed that not just with this president but past ones as well (more often with Obama, though) that no matter what, when and where he speaks or whatever he does, someone has something bad to say. He and other presidents, right or wrong, can't win for losing with people. Please remember, WE ARE ALL HUMAN AND NO ONE CAN PLEASE EVERYONE ALL OF THE TIME!
I'm no Obama fan. I think he's going to be the worst president ever the way he's going. The state of the union speech is very important and should be view by everyone...no matter political beliefs. I can't believe people and even the WH are worried about the speech interfearing with a tv program!!...know wonder the rest of the world laughs at us.
Some of you just don't realize it's not about TV...it's about making sure the majority of boob tubing Americans have no excuse but to watch our President address the nation.
Yes, it is crazy that we have to adjust he SoU for this, but it's reality. God forbid we forget our beloved educational arm pit shows and watch something of importance.
Oh, get off your high-horses, people. When was the last time we had a ground-breaking State of the Union address? One that really, really told us something important?
LOST is a fantastic show, and I would have been ticked had it been interrupted. It's not like the State of the Union is the same thing it used to be.....come on.
I'm Canadian – me thinks Obama is a secret fan and is now giving his official schedulers kaka for this oversight!
Why not just give Obama his own channel? This is a guy who can't pass up a chance to be on the tube. I don't need Obama to tell me how screwed up things are- we're all living it every day!
Adam's comment January 8th, 2010 4:50 pm ET
Better actors on Lost.___________of course Adam. It is better than when the better actors were in the white house (Reagan).
The President is smart. He is acquiescing to a large majority of losers in this country who prize TV crap above information. He knows if he preempts their show, they will not watch his address out of spite. He needs to build more support, so by showing graciousness to something that is important to them, however inane it may be, they will be more likely to watch his address when it airs and show support cuz "he didn't interrupt muh stories".
Hey I don't mind president Obama and all but we Lost fans have been waiting FOREVER....and I do mean FOREVER for this episode. It's real easy for you to get mad when your not even a fan. Besides half of you don't even care about the State of the Union. Just waiting for another excuse to bash the president.
This is hilarious. When Obama pre-empted Charlie Brown the right howled it was horrible for him to do it and found some way to make him sound anti-Christian. Now he doesn't pre-empt a program and it's horrible for him not to do it. Face it, Obama or anyone who isn't a right-wing whacko could cure aids, pay off the national debt, get everyone a house and do all sorts of miracles and you losers would whine because you didn't get a free coffee from Starbucks or something. Put up or shut up. Present you plans to help the country or slink back to your caves. The famous Republican plan to better health care turned out to be and empty booklet, nothing more. Another empty promise like all those Bush made for 8 years. All we're hearing is whine, whine, whine.
In response to: ilovejuliette
It would be great if she is ok. great post.
this is not that big of a deal, jiminy.
better not be on during Accidently On Purpose either.
Well done, President Obama. The naysayers clearly have never watched LOST.
What I don't understand... ABC actually scheduled "Lost" to show during the State of The Union Address? Really?! And now the President of the United States of America has to back down on his schedule to appease the "Lost" audience? Really?! So how is this sitting with NBC, CBS, Fox, and other networks, who probably scheduled their programs around the traditional SOTU address? Who is really Lost in this situation. Glenn Beck is going to have a field day, and he deserves it!
What is the big deal about? Does it really matter if the President gives his speech on a Tuesday or a Wednesday? You guys act like he decided to not give one at all. Christ, it's called being considerate. And of course I realize its just a TV show. But as I said before, does it really matter if he speaks on Tuesday or Wednesday – will it change anything? This is nothing, but you want to make it something. Sad.
We are truly "lost" with this president. I used to watch his speeches, but now he makes so many and they are the same old same old.
What I don't get... ABC actually scheduled Lost to premier during the STOTU
Oh please!!
Half of you people won't watch the state of the union.
This is just another excuse to attack Obama.
People! It doesn't say that they are changing the date of the Presidential address BECAUSE that's when Lost premieres. It simply states that it was originally going to be that night, but that it has changed dates (for whatever reason). At no point do they say "since Lost is on that night, we'll change it". It's just not going to be on February 2nd as previously reported. Calm down already.
Here's a Canadian's point of view. Whatever happens economically in the United States has a direct affect on Canadians. I'm interested in the State of the Union.
I'm appalled at the priorities of many Americans in this economic climate.
America, like Canada, is involved in the war on terror, we're sharing the suffering economically, and the priority of most on this site is a Hollywood production?????? Have any heard of taping, either program, that is?
There is true irony here, some of you a really Lost.
It shows some respect for the desires of many Americans, which is appropriate, since we did give him his job and he does work for us. Besides his speech will be the same the day before or the day after. What's the big deal. It does, however, give a lot of Republicans a chance to gripe some more, which should make them happy. It's what they do best, though they are going to be a tiresome lot for the next seven years.
if he hadn't changed the date people would accuse him of airing it at a time that he KNEW people wouldn't be watching. some people are never happy....
Gerald in NYC January 8th, 2010 5:55 pm ET
Wow, reading through some of these posts a thought came to mind: damned if he does, damned if he doesn't.
I do believe that same thing was said when Bush was our president so payback time Liberal man!
"He may be bailing out mega-banks, passing on huge debts to future generations, and destroying hopes for real healthcare reform..."
Typical neo-Con "pryo" mentality: "We started all these fires and you guys can't put them out?"
i hope juliette is ok...
I have a solution. This is still a free countty (kind of), Let him give his speech and show lost too. Let the people decide which is more important to watch for themselves.
I'm glad he's giving a little ... the world's in a bad place and you know what? I need a little escape in the form of a tv program. The rest of you that have a problem with that ... what are you even doing on a computer, get rid of it and your tv.
For all the commentary on here about how our priorities are all screwed up: it would be nice if your reading comprehension were better. @carrie is correct, they are simply stating they aren't doing the SOTU on the same night as the Lost premiere, not that they are rescheduling it around the premiere. They were already rescheduling it (presumably to announce the signed health care bill, but how knows for sure), so this is clarification of when the address may happen, or more accurately, when it's not going to happen. Everybody calm down...
BTW, for all those who think a DVR is the solution: the DVR only records what's on the channel, which hypothetically would be the SOTU, not Lost. The complaint (if there were one at this point) would be that they wouldn't be ABLE to watch or record the episode due to the SOTU broadcast.
Obama IS a TV show - NOTHING MORE!
Any more comments on MIchelle's "toned" arms? As for me, I'm NOT inerested!
Remember the days when the president talked and everyone stopped what they were doing and listened? I personally would rather watch LOST.
This makes my stomach turn. Garbage like this is the reason real problems can't be solved. Who cares if unemployment is now at 30%, homeless has risen sevenfold, and disease is sweeping the nation because ordinary people can't aford to see a doctor. As long as we can watch a far fetched yarn about 15 or so people miraculously surviving a jet crash only to struggle through 6 years on a haunted island with no chinese take out or fresh water, all is right in the world..... In case you didn't notice my sarcasm, this is the most rediculous thing I've heard in a long time. Where are the priorities? If it's that important, why doesn't ABC just put the ridiculous show on a different time so we can hear what our elected leader has to say about the future of our great country?
The President changing his schedule is proof that he tries to think of as many people as possible, I get it. The people who suggested this, or think that some idiotic farce of a television show is more important should be ashamed of themselves.
For all the people who've disrespected our leader in this thread, keep in mind he's far more intelligent than the retarded Texan that left Washington with his head in shame, far more intelligent than the retards father, and without question more capable than an actor from the 30's and 40's that only crushed our economy only to be fixed by the greatest president since JFK.
Long live Obama and the policy he's writing. He's out to lead our entire country, not just the wealthiest 1% and the oil tycoons.
Here is most of his speech. We got health care that only 37 percent of the United States wanted. LET me be clear (insert anything) We will be transparent from here on out unless it is something that the American people don’t want. SAME OLD LINES AND SAME BS THAT HE HAS GIVEN US FROM THE START. No difference from G. Bush just spends a whole lot more money and can read a teleprompter.
Better not be Monday night during Big Bang Theory. Any other time is fine.
Congratulations Obama supporters, we now know for sure where your priorities are.
gibbs was just kidding around guys. I'm sure Obama doesn't care what show he's interrupting, unless it's an NFL playoff game, or, you know, the Superbowl
"LOST" what a fitting name for Odumwa.
As if the last administration didn't plan their addresses around nascar and wwe events. Don't get mad just because we now have a president smart enough to appreciate LOST.
Shades of Bill Clinton , Obama does not want to piss off anybody , his
poll ratings might go down.
Can we get a REAL president anytime soon .
Does anyone even watch the state of the union address?? In all honesty I would have to agree with some of the other comments on here. I would rather torture myself with watching some of the shows my hubby watches then listen to anything that man has to say. I say bring on Lost.
We have truly lost all perspective as a society if a fictitious television show takes precedent over more important real life situations.
This was the only solution to the problem. LOST Rules. Its air date was etched in stone long ago, and he and his staff should have realized this. Put the non-watched state of the union address on when there are repeats like right now. maybe someone would watch it then. It's the s.s.d.d speech that eveyone has heard every other president say. I am an Obama supporter, but unless it's some sort of crisis nobody watches the president. In years from now how man people do you think will remember what happened on LOST's premiere or 2010 state of the union. Correct, LOST will be remembered forever and the state of the union will not, some people will even say what is the "state of the union" address any way. Do you remember what was said in last year's speech, NO, did'nt think so. There will even be a dvd to buy for LOST and nobody will buy a state of the union dvd(if one is even made).Can't see people lining up to buy the speech on dvd when it hit's shelf this fall. HAHA.
I love Obama and care deeply about the my country and the state of the union, follow the news closely, etc.
...but...
This is the right call. We've been waiting forever for this, and this is the last season of Lost. Ever! Listen: Jack and Juliet have just literally set off a nuclear bomb in an attempt to rip a hole in the time-space continuum, and we've had to wait well-neigh eight months to find out whether it worked. There's nothing Obama could say that could possibly rival this in importance.
And no, I'm not being sarcastic.
I love it! Conservatives get upset when he pre-empts a show we've all seen over and over again. So then he decides to not pre-empt another popular show, and Conservatives get upset again. It's time to admit, you're all just a bunch of whiny children who are going to pout until a republican can be president again.
Maybe, just maybe, he'll just do the speech the day before. It's not like the Union will have no State if he doesn't give the speech on Groundhog's Day. Calm down.
Look, if you don't know what the state of our country is in and you need a vague, partly true, partly fluff speech to tell you that, then YOU need the issues. In these days of media partaking options, we get smattered with pictures of his dog, to news releases over squashing a fly.
My escape from everyday life IS Lost. I live the State of the Union because I experience it as a small business owner, a car owner, a home owner, my husband deployed and my father deployed. I don't need more useless prompter reading. Tell you what – I know Lost will be online but so will the transcript of what Obama wants to say. Why must everyone placate Obama lovers?
The even sadder part is people making excuses for Obama when he finally does something "for the people", the blame the media, ABC, staffers and other Americans when... silly me.. I thought the President set his date. If that all takes blame, then you are telling me we have a weak willed President who will bow to a few people?
My thinking is that he bumped the State of the Union back to give congress time to have a health care law for him to brag about. As for Lost, can't they just bump the show one night either to Mon or Wed. Its not the first time that has ever happened for a TV show. We've all seen shows premiered on one night then moved to its regular time slot some other night. There could also be another reason other than Lost such as congress needing even more time to get the Health Care bill passed.
Even if the president does speak during that time slot it will still be an episode of "Lost". Just sayin'.
Hmm....does it say in the article anywhere that the President actually changed the schedule to accomodate the show and its fans? I think not! It was initially reported the Feb 2 date was being considered, but nothing was ever confirmed and no schedule had been set. Why does everyone just automatically assume the worst?!?
Politicians aren't known for being the most honest or for ever really telling it like it is. "Lost" isn't a documentary but you may gain as much insight from watching as you would from watching Fox News or C-Span.
Most importantly – how do we get Obama on that Island!
How about all those folks who have LOST their jobs? Riddle me that Batman.
He should stay off TV – we are sick of his lies and deceptions –
Hmmmm....and, yet for some odd reason I do not feel a single bit comfortable that the president has anything good to say.
Thank goodness the leader of the free world knows where the priorities of the nation should be placed, directly behind a television series.
Finally we got a priority straight...don't mess with Lost...we have been waiting too long
Previously…on The State of the Union Address…
Are you guys this gullible or just not reading the article correctly. The fact that the President isn't pre-empting 'Lost' is a coincidence...the State of the Union Address is always around the same time, but never on a set day, I don't think the POTUS is tip-toeing around a TV show, it just isn't going to happen the same night....I like mundane news too...but really...you guys want to get upset about this...really....
im a huge huge Obama fan, but i gotta say...thanks.
Much appreciated.
It doesn't matter what he says anyway. Give me a break, actions speak louder than words. He should keep his mouth shut and work on the economy. I'd rather watch Lost.
Hey, DVR Comment boy. You can't set your DVR to record it b/c they would have been showing O speak instead of broadcasting Lost.
I think Mr. Gibbs' response to this was a terrible communications mistake. He did an injustice to the country and the president by making it appear that Lost has any real relevance or impact whatsoever on anything ... much less enough impact for the President of the United States to tiptoe around it.
I think it is kind of tongue and cheek. Gibbs quote is priceless.
The state of the union is not gonna change in one day. Settle down folks. BTW maybe the prez is a Lost fan?? LOL
Thanks Mr President! Very kind of you to think of us that way. Now I'll make a point to watch the address since you were so considerate of my time.
Go Lost! And President Obama!
Thank you Mr. Obama and White House Staff for acknowledging how important the premiere of Lost is to us fans. I hope you have been drawn into this mysterious, engaging, intelligent, addicting show. We need to know what has happened to our heroes after Juliet triggered Jughead!! We would love for you, Mr. Obama, to share your theories with us on Dark UFO. Thanks Again – Nameste.
Where is your sense of humor? Any clear-thinking person can hear the facetious tone of Mr. Gibbs' statement.
I see the point on both sides. Obviously the SOTU address is more important than Lost. But the reality is that most people would rather watch LOST or any other show, than the 50+ standing ovations on the SOTU. The whole speech is lengthened by 20+ minutes by all the damn standing ovations. Seriously, cut it out. Give the speech, get to the point and you might just have more viewers than Lost.
Um.... do you people actually think that they rescheduled the State of the Union address as not to interrupt the Lost premiere? Did you forget that it was tentatively scheduled for January 26 and February 2 was just another option being considered? It's funny to read so many posts about how President Obama is doing such a terrible job. I guess the memory of much of the American public is quite short. For 8 years Republican leadership crippled the American economy, 8 years. President Obama has been in office for 1. Maybe instead of being so quick to judge the new administration we should at least give it half the time the old one had to turn things around. I know many people are outraged by health care reform and the stagnant employment scenario, but years of political misguidance cannot be undone in such a short period of time. Finally, to those of you who would rather see the Lost premiere than watch the State of the Union address, get a grip on reality. It is clear you have enough time to leave ignorant comments online, so you probably have enough time to catch the premiere online at a later date.
Since I have no interest in the Super Bowl, I think the President should give the State of the Union Address during the last hour of the game.
Why pre-empt anything anyway. Put him on some cable channel and the folks that want to listen to lies can tune him in.
Agreed, Kel. People are becoming less reasonable. It's no wonder other countries are starting to catch up. Our kids' math and science scores are dismal compared to much of the developed world. People are becoming more and more radical. And there is so much paranoia and hatred towards our new president. We all have our differences, but is fear-mongering, inflammatory language, and a lack of civility really necessary? It's almost embarassing.
When a TV show supersedes the President's speach, it can only mean Armageddon is coming.
I'm very happy to see the WH press office come to its senses and reschedule, LOST is ABC's biggest draw of the year, and they can't afford to shift their date after a multimillion dollar ad campaign for Feb 2. Now Obama will be able to be broadcast of ABC, cause there is no way the network would have chosen him over LOST, and Obama won't lose the vote of the rather considerably large LOST cult fan following.
Only Fools Are Enslaved By Time And Space...and the US Govt.
George Washington and Abraham Lincoln would not have had their State of Unions interrupted. Back then, the presidents cared about the common people and serving the public and building a great nation. Today, that is not what the Gov't is about. They do not serve the common people or care about their opinion. They are defintely not building a great nation. Slowly but surely it is eroding and will continue to do so until a real person, who understands the common people and that it is the people who make the nation great, who are the foundation – is elected, regardless of whether they are Republican or Democrat, it will continue to erode!
Actually, it's kind of nice to have a president that looks at the country through common eyes instead of how King George always did it. President Obama wants as many viewers as possible on that night and would rather not have to compete with one of the most popular shows on television.
I doubt they even considered LOST when deciding when to give the State of the Union. That being said, I love Lost, but wouldn't be upset because I think the State of the Union is vastly more important. Regardless of whether or not you like the President.
People are getting ridiculous, we pay actors/singers/athletes more than teachers/polices/nurses/engineers. We obsess over Jon and Kate and sit our kids in front of the TV instead of playing with them. Now we care more about television than our countries problems?
Politics is just as bad. We are so polarized that the President can't even address schools students to stay in school and work hard without getting criticism. Democrats and Republicans are now considered elitist socialists and uneducated, racist hill-billies. Instead of reaching a compromise, it's defeat the other party and name-call. It's like watching schoolchildren fight in the playground.
What happened to the respectable Republican party who didn't get their info from the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin? Or Democrats that listen to more viewpoints than Olbermann and Maddow?
Wow, reading through some of these posts a thought came to mind: damned if he does, damned if he doesn't.
ATTENTION: To all you buffoons talking smack about Obama...
and I quote:
"The "Lost" news came in response to a question from ABC correspondent Ann Compton at the afternoon press briefing."
Nobody had said word one about Lost until Ms. Compton made it an issue. No, they aren't planning the State of the Union around another TV show. This article was just (irresponsibly) written to make it sound that way. All you haters need to learn how to read.
I see there are the normal negative people commenting on here as always. Oh why should we care about tv shows and yada yada..
I am a Lost Fan it is nice to get something from the goverment that says they know we the people are still here. It may seem like nothing for those of you who that only know how to be negative, but i would like to see my show when it is suppose to air. As for you negative people well nothing will ever change your mind about this....unless it was something you care about being bumped. Thats how you people work.
Let's think about this-if the State of the Union address and the premiere of Lost were airing at the same time, more people would tune into Lost. This is unfortunate, but true. Perhaps the White House is simply recognizing that sad truth and choosing to not place its most important speech of the year during a highly anticipated television event-hoping that more people will tune in.
Yes, let's all hurry and use this to continue bashing the President. Oh those darn liberals catering to Hollywood, soon all we'll see on TV is socialist propoganda instead of the state of the union, and abortions will be performed on live TV at a cost of 5 billion tax dollars a piece!
A reporter asked a silly question and got a silly answer, can we please stop being incessantly negative about every single little thing? Just so it's clear my first paragraph is just sarcasm, I get the impression many of you are not able to detect humor.
Interrupt Lost, no biggy...if it was STAR TREK, then that would be grounds for impeachment!
Why are many people acting like this is the first time that the White House has considered what is on television before scheduling a speech? The Bush 1, Clinton and Bush 2 administrations all had to consider what shows aired at what times during their presidencies. If I recall correctly, scheduling anything near Seinfeld was tantamount to treason for some people.
The difference is that none of those deliberations made the top headlines on cnn.com. Why is this? Slow news day? Again?
Um, folks, no one said he was moving the speech to a different night to accommodate Lost fans. He just said they weren't doing the speech the same night as the premiere. For all we know, the address wasn't going to be made that night either way.
Way to jump all over the story without reading the whole thing. It's much more sensible to blather on like idiots about the liberal media. Well done.
I'd rather watch re-runs of Tom and Jerry cartoons than have to sit through anything Obama has to say
First of all. We all know the State of the Union isn't really being rescheduled for a TV show, that I had prefer to watch anyway.
Secondly, people would rather watch a TV show over the State of the Union because it is all a bunch of BS anyway. All politicians, or at least most all, are crooks, liars, and only care to serve big corporate and their own fat a??es.
So, what;s the point in watching the State of the Union when you can' t honestly believe a word that is said (republican or democrat, doesn;t matter there is really no difference-all liars and crooks) and the government does whatever they want regardless of what the PUBLIC(who thier suppose to serve) thinks about it.
The gov't does not serve the public anymore. It serves the people who make up the Gov't and the corporations or big money interests who will pay to serve their interests. Bottom line.
Pre-empt the Superbowl instead. That way, the President will get a larger audience, and the results of the game will be the same no matter whether people watch it or not.
I think this is the right decision. It's not like we solve our countries problems in the SOTU. It's just a bunch blah, blah, blah. My personal moral would be crushed if I couldn't watch this premier. I think the only thing it says about our priorities is that we don't trust our leaders, and we would rather watch a great show, than watch a suit talk for an hour and see how many standing ovations he can rack up.
I'm given the choice between:
– a TV program about a highly unlikely series of events with a confusing plot but interesting characters
– an interesting character with a confusing set of beliefs with hightly unlikely series of promises
Give me Lost over President Prompter ... the Losties will be found before Barry keeps a campaign promise.
i think you all cant read. Obama is not chaning the address. If he were to change it THEN, it would be on the day of Lost. To say he is chaning it because of lost is not at all what has happened. Wow, people are dolts.
So does the right-wing blogosphere activate their minions to go and post the same response to every story like this?
They hadn't settled on a date yet, and there are other things on that date (specifically, at least one or more primary races) that the national parties have asked him to avoid. So, with that probably being the real reason, the press secretary took the opportunity to have a little fun with a jokey answer to a softball question, and of course, you all freak out about it.
Um, if you think LOST is anything like Gilliagan's Island you have never watched it. I'm a LOST fan, but come on Yes! our nation is more important.
I don't understand where most of you are coming from. LOST is scheduled to premier in February. The State of the Union is historically delivered in January. The President wants to move the State of the Union so he can get a so-called "healthcare reform" bill signed before the State of the Union. This is completely unrealistic to happen in January. In considering his options, the President has wisely chosen to not schedule the State of the Union address when LOST has been scheduled to have its final season premier. End of story.
Either way he makes me ill.... Why is he delaying his speech anyway? Not prepared? Kinda like his job... Whatever
To Thomas, how said : "This is EXACTLY why we voted this man into the Office of the President of the United States. Right y'all?"
That explains an awfull lot and confirms what I already believed about the voters who voted for him.
To Mike in NJ who said: "Because this shows that the President is sensitive to more than just his ego – real people would be impacted by a preemption."
If a show changing times impacts your life that deeply....then you don't have one to begin with
4 8 15 16 23 42
If that means anything to you then you are happy about the State of the Union scheduling.
Who cares about Obama. He is an idiot....I would rather watch lost anyday.
Get a grip everyone. They didn't say that the time of the SotU address was actually changed to avoid any scheduling conflict with a television show. Gibbs only said that it wouldn't conflict with a particular one. Try to not read more into it than is actually freaking there.
The better question (as also asked by others) is why is the address being changed from its customary late January scheduling anyway? If it's in hopes of having "late breaking good news" to include in the address then I call "foul".
President Obama is looking to schedule State of the Union after he has secured his Death Care plan. This may be put off until March during March madness which would be appropriate.
At least with Lost we'll see something new.
hells yeah. stop whining about "priorities", it has nothing to do with whats more important, fact of the matter is this can be broadcast any day of the week, any day of the month. so why put it on the same time as the most anticipated show of the year? put it on on mondays where nothing big is on, or wednesdays when nothing big is on. hell, do it the week before, in late january like it ALWAYS has been.
also, no one watches the state of the union. and it really is the same stuff "the economy sucks, stuff will get better, it will be a hard journey, etc etc etc". so why go and piss off a bunch of people when he can give the same speech on a different day and keep us all happy?
Honestly, who cares, the President can pick any date or time to make the SOTU, thats his call.
I think it's funny the people who don't want to hear Obama are the same ones who just loved the previous President. You remember him? The biggest liar in the history of our country. Yeah....him.
Why are so many of you upset about this? If the SOTU address means so much to you then does it matter what night it airs? You'll still get to watch it and all of the blabbering that goes on afterwards while they tell you what was said because you're too stupid to figure it out for yourself. You just won't see it Feb. 2.
Those of you that don't get the power of LOST should watch it Feb. 2. Smoke monsters, resurrected dead people and time travel, and still it's more grounded in reality than anything that will come out of the politicians mouths.
Most of you are probably a bit too young to remember the 'Heidi' brouhaha. One of the networks cut away from an NFL game to show a Shirley Temple movie. Fans can be bitter and have very long memories. Let's suppose, for sake of argument, the President chose Super Bowl Sunday to give his address. Would the arguments above still be the same? I am guessing not.
As a LOST fan, I'm glad I'll be able to see a show I have been waiting almost a year for.
Lost fan who appreciates this, but wouldn't think it would be a big deal if it didn't happen. Both, Lost and the State of the Union, are very important to me. I don't understand why people blow everything out of proportion.. I mean on the other side of the coin, would it really be that big of a deal if the State of the Union was delayed a day? Do you think your world would crumble? Because if Lost had been delayed a day, I am positive that mine wouldn't have.
Are you people really that inept to believe he is not delivering the address on Feb 2 BECAUSE of LOST? The question and response were an attempt at humor folks. We really reaching now for ways to tear this guy apart. Pretty pathetic actually.
Of course he backed off. First off he can't afford to anger any more voters, secondly he's less popular than Lost and finally, ABC doesn't want to lose more revenue due to his speeches.
Get a clue folks. The LOST season premier is ABC's biggest money maker of the year. They may have opted to not carry his State of the Union in order to keep the revenue stream.
'Hope' this was the 'change' you were looking forward to America....You have spoken, now reap what you sow
You're all missing the point. It's not about a TV show or America's mixed up priorities. This is a President who goes out of his way to try to make everyone like him, always has, always will. If giving the State of the Union at Halftime of the Super Bowl while wearing a cheerleader outfit could get his approval rating up, you know he'd be getting fitted for a skirt right now.
--------–
I am sure that changing the date or time of the State of the Union is not going to make you or anyone like you like this president more. Actually being cordial and considerate will make you like this president less. You were probably one of those that objected to the President of the United States speaking to elementary kids encouraging them to stay in school. Your problem is that you take comfort in your small group grunting the same talking points and get angry with the rest of the country for not following your tribe
Couldn't ABC just not show the address... It's on 20 other stations anyway. And I don't think he changed his schedule, I think he was addressing the question, he doesn't know when he will give his address yet.
People, you can't DVR something if it's INTERRUPTED. Not that I care about Lost....just sayin
sad sad joke – all of it... that we value garbage TV more than national issues is sad... that someone who is supposed to be a leader would consider what they have to say as less important that the TV is even more telling...
I completely agree with 'duck'. You are right, he IS trying to make everyone happy. Plus, I have a feeling it doesn't have to do with the day or the show. He is waiting to give his big speech on Health Care, it's not ready yet. He's stalling!
That's awesome. It makes him seem more human.
Word on the fade. He needs to carve in a "USA" on each side too.
oh god CALM DOWN people. I'm sure there were many more reasons than just the LOST premiere as to why the address won't be given on 2/2.
Those of you saying I'M MOVING TO CANADA and OBAMA SUCKS...well, don't let the door hit your over-reacting ass on the way out.
Now bring on Lost! I, for one, enjoy the escapism of well written TV dramas like this one and can't WAIT to see it. I will also watch President Obama's address, whenever he chooses to give it.
Balance is key folks...try and find some. Trust me, it brings happiness.
Wow such a thoughtful president. He is willing to wait as long as it takes before giving a state of the union address.
Now as I see it, why not wait as long as one can before giving us all the bad news he has help create in the past year. So many things on the list of failures I don’t know where to start.
Therefore, I guess we can just try to list the things he has accomplished. Ok that list is a lot shorter then the other one.
Got him a peace prize for doing nothing but making speech after speech.
Sent more troops to Afghanistan only because he had no choice.
Gave billions of dollars more to Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac in the middle of the night
Willing to give Terrorist constitutional rights.
Believing by not using the term “War on Terror “Terrorist will stop trying to kill Americans.
Not having much if any input into the healthcare bill and yet calls it his own.
Obama does not worry how much it will cost Americans in the long term over the bad healthcare bill he wishes to sign before he gives his next one-millionth speech.
Obama cannot wait to tax us all into the poor house with his “Cap & Tax” job killer bill.
Yes as I pointed out this is such a fine upstanding thoughtful president we all can believe in!
I know the rest of you liberals wont agree but, Obama makes me wish we had Jimmy Carter back in office.
Carter was just stupid and over his head! With Obama I’m starting to think this person is Retarded and over his head!
The pres should go ahead and do his state of the union Jan 20th like it has always been done?
State of the Union:
It's all the Republicans fault, I'm still dealing with the mess the Republicans left me and I'll likely still be dealing with it a year from now when we're a trillion dollars more in debt and you still don't have a job and still don't have decent health insurance and when I still haven't accomplished anything I'll still blame the Republicans. Kthxbye.
Come on, let be honest. 75% of you commenting on here that it's crazy he would change the State of Union address due to "Lost" aren't even going to watch the State of Union address anyways.
Jeana
"I thought that the constitution stated that the President must give his state of the union address on January 20?"
Since when has he paid much attention to the constitution? to him it is just an out dated piece of paper preventing him from more power.
First of all, people are way too up in arms about this. Read the story. ABC didn't ask the POTUS to do anything. If anything, ABC planned around the State of the Union. The POTUS wanted to push it back, not the other way around. ABC was working with an already established State of the Union schedule. The POTUS didn't decide to spare Lost fans; he decided to stick to the previously planned State of the Union date.
Secondly, whoever suggested setting a DVR, way to use your noggin. If the POTUS is speaking, what exactly are we DVRing? Lost won't be on to DVR, Einstein because it won't be on TV.
Poor Barry... He doesn't dare alienate the last two supporters he has because they may be LOST fans. Unfortunately, LOST has a better chance of being found to be factual than the State of the Union Address. Is it any wonder that so many have just given up caring about politicians, politics, or even the nation? At least LOST will be new. The State of the Union Address will most likely appear like a rerun.
I would absolutely rather watch LOST! I would rather watch anything than listen to the President keep selling himself. I still can't believe this country actually elected him. That is far more upsetting then people preferring to watch a TV series!
I like DUCK comments. He hit it right on the nose. Obama's even trying to keep the terrorist's happy.
How arragant to think that your APOLOGY TOUR would work. You can't walk on water.
Lost wins. Too bad most republicans are too stupid to understand lost, which is why they hate it so much. Oh geez, a storyline that is full of literary references is so stupid. Everyone on the island is dead...blahhhhhhhh.........(which is not the answer of lost bone heads). Love Obama for this!!
My first reaction – sad world.
My second reaction – Obama's speech won’t change my day-to-day life & the fact that I have to work tomorrow, pay my bills, and keep trying to save money.
My third reaction – evenings are for relaxation/why listen to the President extinguish liberal/conservative fires?
My fourth reaction – America needs to stop complaining, and start being thankful.
My last reaction – sad world.
the media speculated it would be feb 2 and ran away with the story. did the WH ever announce FEB 2??
No matter, the new tea bagger crazies will sieze on ANY and ALL opportunities to criticize....of particular interest was "Sally's" comment....I mean, please, where did it say anywhere they were cancelling the state of the union address....wake up Sally!
Ha ha ha....like you all watch the State of the Union....on ABC as opposed to the
CBS/PBS/NBC/FOX/CNN/CSPAN/MSNBC/DEF/IDIOT/URDUM/BBC stations?
I'm sure you geezers are snoring within 5 minutes of the Sergeant at Arms announcing the President.
I say go back to delivering the State of the Union it in a letter to Congress. Quit wasting our time.
Lost will be more relevant and insightful then that hour of partial truths, inflated stats and other BS that is about to be spewed.
Wonderful, just what we need. Obama on TV again, reading from a teleprompter.
Why are people shocked that most would rather watch Lost?
Obama is going to read aloud a speech written by a staffer that will say a bunch of crud that won't even remotely resemble a coherent plan. It will be packed full of "we have overcome the worst...and look forward to a better tomorrow" and "we are on the precipice of making insurance a reality for every person in America" and let's not forget "when I took office I inherited a bunch of problems."
No solutions...just feel good rhetoric. Meanwhile we are being thrown scraps from the big boys table and being told to be grateful for that.
We are told to tighten our belts...while government goes on a no-holds barred credit card shopping spree.
State of the Union addresses have seen their usefulness fade away. Maybe they were helpful before the 24-hour news cycle, but now they're nothing but political pandering. That's not a critique on Obama either. The last meaningful state of the union was 2002, and only because of its timing. So yes, I would rather see something that entertains me, than a long, irritating, meaningless ovation-getting, childish bickering-prompting, convoluted speech full of nothing but empty promises. Also, maybe it would be worth more if Obama weren't seemingly delivering a major address every other day.
Well, to the same point, don't forget that one of the reasons so many people care about this is the same reason you all are complaining....there are numerous online services to determine what the President has said in his State of the Union address....transcripts and video are both readily available and on demand.
While I don't think the President should ever, EVER, preempt ANYTHING he or she does for prime time TV dramas or sitcoms or football games or anything in between, just know that in the past, the SotU address was one and done, never to be seen again, but recently has become just as readily available as all other content online, so saying that Lost fans can access that content later has the same argument the other way. Just sayin'.
Good, nobody watches the Presidential addresses anyway. All they do is cost the networks advertising revenue.
Why not air during the Superbowl? Just a few days difference. Oh wait, that is a different story right?
are you kidding me? LOST LOST ME, when it said CONTINUED!
who would want to watch 4 years of someones dead end dream.
started out great, but then they just couldnt find an end.
"Lost" would be a great title for his address.
So we've got two wars going on, an unemployment rate at 10%, an economy in the toilet and a stupid tv show is more important? For real?!!!
I sorry ABC but I've been an out of work metal worker doing crap jobs for a year. I'd like to hear what the guy has to say.
There are people with families overseas in wars getting killed for your protection and you want the President to wait until your show is over to talk about these very serious things? Really?
Lets boycott the whole network!
This is truly pathetic. But which is more pathetic? That Americans would rather watch a fictitional TV program than the president , or that the president would agree to postpone his speech for a fictitional TV program? Remind me who voted for him again? Oh yeh, the same dumb Americans that won't turn off their TV programs!
Hey Duck,
You just "fouled" up my dinner.
Now I will have that vision in my head all night!!!
This is pretty pathetic.
It is nice to be in a secure nation where we can, if we choose, be blissfully ignorant. However, in recent years that ignorance is not doing anyone any good.
For the White House to acknowledge people complaining about this AND make a change to accommodate their television entertainment, it sends a bad message to the rest of us who are serious about our country.. that we aren't the ones that matter.
I wish the president would just realize he's not cool, he's the president. Stop trying to act like our best buddy, you're not. You're the president of the united states of america.
Seriously.
I mean, be honest with yourselves.
When was the last time you watched the State of The Union speech?
We get it.
Country's crumbling. No jobs. Housing market. Health care. Yeah yeah yeah. Something wrong with this. Something wrong with that. Jimmy hit Billy with a wiffleball bat.
We get it.
This faux anger yelping and bemoaning about all this is a joke.
Are you really going to watch the State of The Union speech?
Do you really care about it?
Really?
You're really going to watch it?
No you're not.
Be honest. You don't care either.
@George: Your "We got the 'Change' he promissd and it won't buy a stick of gum." comment FTW. Nicely said, Sir. / win
Didn't his worthless Health Care speech prempt Charile Brown Christmas? Yes , we found out SO MUCH from that speech. I guess he wasn't "senstive" to the kids...
"The "Lost" news came in response to a question from ABC correspondent Ann Compton at the afternoon press briefing."
Yeah, let's say the president doesn't have HIS priorities straight. Because it's his fault some ditz asked that question to his press secretary, not him.
Maybe in his Address he can tell us how 'we won't engage in nation building' like the last 'president' said.
I think the State of the Union has more fantasy content than Lost anyways...
Amazzzzing.... The things that the White House actually think we are worried about. Their National security (that didn't work), their plan to spend trillions to boost the economy (but still losing 10's of thousands of jobs), Their move to push health care through even though so many (the majority of the people) think that it is to much to fast. Thats how simple the White House thinks the American people are, that we would be worried about missing a TV show... Where oh where can we find some real leaders in either party...
You're all missing the point. It's not about a TV show or America's mixed up priorities. This is a President who goes out of his way to try to make everyone like him, always has, always will. If giving the State of the Union at Halftime of the Super Bowl while wearing a cheerleader outfit could get his approval rating up, you know he'd be getting fitted for a skirt right now.
Mike in NJ,
All I can say is WOW.
Get over it. Nobody is going to watch the address on ABC anyways.
Yeah, people saying we live in a sad world obviously haven't seen LOST.
1. Lost is an awesome show.
2. Like we don't all already know what the "State of the Union" is. You read/watch the news don't you? Or do you wait for this particular speech to find out?
3. At this point, do you really trust Mr. Obama himself (a.k.a. "Mr B+") to give you an accurate assessment of the "State of the Union"?
I agree with everyone here, the State of the Union is more important. Truth is, everybody remembers the last eight addresses being completely incoherent and double talk with no true insight or value. Maybe Mr. Obama can get some attention back from the TV this year.
(And to answer "Why is ths news?") –
Because this shows that the President is sensitive to more than just his ego – real people would be impacted by a preemption.
"The Last Guy" had a Tin Ear when it came to things that would affect normal people (I'm talking about workers here, NOT Lost fans.)
Amy,
How much as occured in the way that President Obama said in the campaign? How much do you think the SOTU union really means anything? It is a political sideshow.
Ok, I have to admit I was glad to read this piece. I'm one of those people actually more interested in the Lost premiere than what President Obama has to say. It's not that I don't care what the president has to say, but I find the State of the Union addresses boring, and would much rather read the recap of it later on.
I'd rather watch Lost. Lost will be more factual than anything coming out of Obama's mouth.
its amazing how little everyone really knows. do you realize the networks lose millions of dollars when their top shows are pre-empted? does anyone realize thats millions of dollars were talking about? Millions of dollars that is invested into the economy. helloooooooooo? mcfly??????
OH THANK GOD!!! I was getting so nervous!! I love Lost. All you haters just haven't seen it yet. Besides, this way we'll see the State of the Union speech earlier! 🙂
What's the big deal with the State of the Union address? Ok, for those in suspense: The state of the Union is good. We have work to do though. Tough times are ahead but so are great times. America needs to take care of her own and keep an eye to the world.... blah blah blah. It's never any different.
This has to be a joke. What's more important: Finding out how the president plans to address our economy, the environment and other issues in the coming year or getting caught up on a TV show? This is as ridiculous as when people here complain about programs being interrupted for tornado warnings.
Come on, people. LOST is a major money-maker (money = J.O.B.S.!!) for ABC. JOBS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE TO NEARLY EVERY AMERICAN TODAY!!
There is really nothing in the SOTU speech that regular people will be able to act upon. I love my country, and my President, but I can wait a few days if necessary to get the information in the SOTU speech.
I believe the people who will continue to work because the show, and its commercials, and promos, and loyal fanbase (who watches those commercials) will be very glad that this minor scheduling conflict won't have some serious economic impact on some people.
I would agree more if that was the "traditonal date" for the State of the Union. My guess he is waiting a little longer to see if ANY good news comes out. Right now, what can he really talk about.
And, lately SOTU speeches are nothing but politics and nothing of substance. I say find another time. I don;t really care about Lost, but I also don;t see much benefit of State Of the Union – they are campaigns speeches
I thought that the constitution stated that the President must give his state of the union address on January 20?
Love, love, love LOST – it is my show! Glad to hear Pres. O respects it. Us fans have waited a long time for it to appear again. We the people pretty know what to expect to be covered during the speech more gloom and doom. LOST will be our after speech mint.
Lost is still on? I saw Obama's face on TV so much lately I thought he took over the timeslot.
didn't LBJ also schedule some national address on TV to not conflict with some sporting event or popular show? Refresh my memory.
I would rather watch LOST
I think it should be during the Super Bowl. Think about it: a guarantee that the majority of the country will actually watch. And, as a cliff-hanger, he could withhold the anticipated length so people would HAVE to stay tuned! Brilliant! Give me a cabinet position, please!
Why is this news??
By all means, lets not trample on a fictional tv show with something so unimportant as the State of the Union. There are men and women putting their lives on the line thousands of miles away and some of them dying for this country. We are still in the middle of a financial crisis, the next terrorist attack could come at any moment, health care reform is being debated in Congress, and countless other unimportant things that don't merit any attention. I can't wait to find out what happened to the castaways how could they even think about moving the State of the Union into Lost's time slot.
You have to be kidding! Since when does network programming affect when the President of the United States speaks?
Should we thank him for this kind gesture?
You have got to be kidding me. Someone from ABC actually asked if the Presidents State of the Union address would conflict with "Lost." Who the "bleep" cares! I love Lost, but I am not obsessing over it, good grief ever here of DVD or Tivo. Get a life people.
LOST is still on? Most of us figured out that the castaways are all dead and living an afterlife by the second episode. Go ahead and pre-empt it.
For the sake all tele prompters in the world, leave this one alone. And by the way, enough with your prime time rhetoric. For a change, show us some concrete action
Our national priorities on full display. How pathetic.
I'm a huge "LOST" fan, but I also recognize that it's a fictional program. The President should address the nation whenever s/he chooses.
Lord forbid we interupt a TV show to hear about our country. We are doomed.........
Big deal. If the Lost premiere gets pre-empted, there are numerous online options to watch it.
I am glad to see that our president has his priorities in the right order.
Wow.
1. Why is this news?
2. This shows how bad the education/priorities of the people of this country are when there is more interest in pop-biz-koolaid shows like American Idol or Lost. Everyone should be more than interested in watching all State of the Union addresses. As long as we stay 'lost' in the haze of pop culture brainwashing and mindless entertainment of no value, we will never change this country. I wonder if anyone worried if Abraham Lincoln or George Washington pre-empted other events in the old days? NO. THE event was what they had to say, because it was deemed important and vital knowledge. We take things so much for granted it is ridiculous. You can't go through life on autopilot and then b#tch when things don't go your way.
3. To the President – have the state of the union whenever you and congress need to have it, regardless of ABC, "Lost" or any other petty considerations.
It is more important to watch a T.V show than the State of the Union??? This is ridiculous! The country is in a time of repair and people should take pride in knowing what is going on with it. Some people need to get their priorities in order!
If people care more about "Lost" than the State of the Union, they shouldn't be allowed to complain about the economy, unemployment, etc. You deserve everything you get.
Better actors on Lost.
We don't need any state of the Union speech to tell us what we already know. We got the "Change" he promissd and it won't buy a stick of gum.
Glad to see we American's have our priorities straight. I guess "Lost" fans are unaware of everything going in the world today.
you have to be kidding me...people worry about this?
Now I've seen everything.
Arguably the most important speech given annually by the leader of the most powerful nation in the world...being delayed so everyone can watch a television show???
Seriously, this is all that you people have to worry about?
This is a decision that cannot be legitimately criticized.
Gotta get our priorities in order.
I don't envy our President at all.
This is EXACTLY why we voted this man into the Office of the President of the United States.
Right y'all?
why is he pushing it back? so he can announce and sign a health care bill at the same time that nobody wants and was done in secret! what a bunch of bs that is.....go ahead and sign it...after three more years of this crap...you will never sign another piece of legislation!
Gibbs is right – there ARE millions of Lost fans. State of the Union addressses are the same ole' yada yada yada........doesn't matter if it's a republican president or democrat. The address is the same....send me your money!
who watches the state of the union anyway? most people live it, and it isnt good. If i were any network i would not show it. just go on with my programing as scheduled.
Thanks President Obama, for this display of leadership by listening to the people!
Thank God! Lol.
I think this if anything, is indicative of how screwed up this country is.
Well, at least the country knows where their priorities are. Pity.
He may be bailing out mega-banks, passing on huge debts to future generations, and destroying hopes for real healthcare reform; but at least he's not doing anything stupid, like interrupting a television show.
And he does not look happy about it...lol
we live in a sad sad world. where fantasy trumps reality
Wow. I like Lost but REALLY?!
No TV Show should ever be more important than the State of our Union. . .
He interupted the Charlier Brown Christmas but wont interupt "LOST" i think he got his priority wrong!!!
People are truly pathetic. It's a tv show...use your DVR and get over yourself.
Sad commentary on the priorities in our country these days...
Glad to see we've got our priorities straight. I'm sure both will be interesting works of fiction.
You've got to be kidding. The PRESIDENT of the United States is changing his schedule around a piece of pop culture? The PRESIDENT? Of the UNITED STATES? The National Address? Is it time to move to Canada yet?
Thank you President Obama !!! I supported the right man !!!
Non-Fox Media and the President, sitting in a tree.....
Disgusting.
I would think the President Address is more important than a TV Show. What is this world coming to??????
Are you kidding me????? Don't deliver the state of the union because Lost is coming on??? What a joke!!!
we need to get more serious
who cares about a television progam
speak mr president
Either way it 's gonna be a bad night of television.
Besides... Didn't they do this show back in the 60's???
There were these people who set out on a 3 hour tour and the weather started getting rough...
There was the millionaire and his wife, the movie star,the professor...
MaryAnn, the Skipper and oh yeah... GILLIGAN!!!
obama needs a fade a 2 on top and a 1 ion da sides