Andrew McNitt said he thinks the State of the Union address has little merit at this point in President Bush’s tenure because Bush only has one year left in office.

McNitt, an Eastern political science professor who teaches courses in political behavior and parties and elections, said the State of the Union has more influence in the president’s first year because it gives an indication of where the government is going to go with that particular president.

McNitt said since it is Bush’s last year, this is the final chance for him to indicate his intentions for the rest of his presidency.

John Morris, an Eastern political science professor who teaches courses in American government and American constitution, agrees with McNitt that Monday night’s State of the Union will minimally affect voters because people already have their minds made up.

“It’s the world according to the president, and how he wants it to work,” Morris said.

Melinda Mueller, a political science professor who teaches courses in interest groups, also said she doesn’t think the State of the Union will have much of an affect this year because most Republicans are running their own campaigns. She said another reason it won’t have as much effect is because most of the candidates are focusing on a theme of change.

In his State of the Union address Monday night, Bush discussed topics such as the economy and war in Iraq.

McNitt said it isn’t likely for the president’s proposals to be made into law because his political party no longer controls Congress.

Morris said he believes the State of the Union is still important to watch.

“We as voters should be informed of all views, then make decisions,” he said.

According to Morris, it is an opportunity to decide who may do a better job as future president.

With Democratic frontrunners Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in attendance at the State of the Union, they may be using the president’s speech to their advantage.

McNitt said the president’s opposing political party could make statements to attack that party.

“It is a way of critiquing the current party,” he said.

Morris agreed with McNitt saying that presidential candidates can point out the current president’s failings and use them to their advantage.

“Those opposed to his policies will point out his weaknesses and say how they could do better (as president),” he said.

Mueller said it’s hard to predict if candidates will use the speech. She said she thinks some candidates may make comparisons, but some may pursue their own agenda instead.

When it comes to students watching the President speak, Morris and McNitt both said they don’t think students watch the State of the Union.

Morris said he hasn’t seen any hard data, but he doesn’t think many adults watch it either.

“In general, people are turned off by politics and don’t want to take an hour out of their night,” Morris said.

Sara Cuadrado can be reached at slcuadrado@eiu.edu. or 581-7942