The World and Everything In It 2.25.26 The tone of President Trump’s State of the Union, France’s proposed assisted-dying law, and learning respect, confidence, and grace through dance
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Feb 25, 2026 Rachel Coyle, World correspondent reporting on teens learning English country dancing to build confidence. Jenny Lynn Schmidt, Europe reporter covering France's proposed assisted-dying law and its controversies. Hunter Baker, political scientist analyzing the tone and strategy of President Trump’s State of the Union. They discuss politics, bioethics, and how dance teaches respect and social grace.
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State Of The Union As Midterm Play
- President Trump's State of the Union was a campaign-forward address aimed at nationalizing the midterms and keeping his base energized.
- Hunter Baker highlighted immigration, affordability, crime, and a new "war on fraud" led by VP J.D. Vance as central policy themes.
Boycott As Message Discipline
- Democrats' boycott and refusal to stand were a disciplined signal to portray Trump as illegitimate and outside American norms.
- Hunter Baker argued that distancing reinforced the message that Trump is authoritarian and unfit, explaining the coordinated behavior.
Give Deputies A Clear Policy Portfolio
- Assign clear portfolios to deputies to create accountability and allow political figures to build credibility.
- Baker noted J.D. Vance's new role leading the "war on fraud" gives him a concrete policy mission to prove results.