1987 State of the Union Address

The 1987 State of the Union address was given by President Ronald Reagan to a joint session of the 100th United States Congress on January 27, 1987. The speech was the third State of the Union address of President Reagan's second term, starting out with congratulations to the historic 100th Congress. Progressing to the Afghanistan situation, he says: "The Soviet Union says it wants a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan, yet it continues a brutal war and props up a regime whose days are clearly numbered. We are ready to support a political solution that guarantees the rapid withdrawal of all Soviet troops and genuine self-determination for the Afghan people." [1] He ended with, "But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting Sun." Well, you can bet it's rising because, my fellow citizens, America isn't finished. Her best days have just begun." The speech lasted 34 minutes and 39 seconds[2] and contained 3847 words.[3] The address was broadcast live on radio and television. The Democratic Party response was delivered by Senator Robert Byrd (WV), and House Speaker Jim Wright (TX)[4]

Richard Lyng, the Secretary of Agriculture, served as the designated survivor.[5]

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Preceded by
1986 State of the Union Address
State of the Union addresses
1987
Succeeded by
1988 State of the Union Address
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