“I Won’t Give Him the Audience He Craves” — Adam Schiff Boycotts Trump’s State of the Union

For the first time in his career, Senator Adam Schiff says he will not attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. Schiff argues that refusing to attend is a form of protest, saying he does not want to legitimize what he views as abnormal leadership. Critics, however, say skipping the Constitutionally mandated address is more about optics than principle — and reflects how political theater has increasingly replaced engagement in Washington. As the State of the Union approaches, the boycott raises a larger question: Is refusing to show up a stand for democracy — or a refusal to face it?