WASHINGTON – Convinced that Max Baucus is still the key to his Presidency, President Barack Obama will forego his role in upcoming State of the Union Address, instead allowing the Senator from Montana give it.

In 2009, Baucus gained fame as the only Democrat who found perfect bi-partisanship, as his Senate Finance Committee formed a bill which left both Democrats and Republicans blanching. Obama said he believed that his Baucus-strategy could work once again.

“Let’s face it, I already handed my Presidency over to him on health care, why not give him the State of the Union, as well,” said Obama.

Baucus said that he still believes that bi-partisanship is the secret to a successful Democratic Party.

“We worked very hard to get a bi-partisan bill, and that side of the aisle, they started working with us, then started to bleed politically,” said Baucus. “They would have a better chance in the 2010 elections if they attack, attack, attack.

“But I’m sure the GOP will play ball and be more bi-partisan now,” added Baucus.

In other State of the Union news, Obama also announced that he would let Virginia Gov. Bob McConnell give the Republican response before the State of the Union Address, breaking with history.

“Republicans have framed every debate in the nation, so why not let them frame the State of the Union, too,” said Obama. “I’m more comfortable on the defensive anyway.”

–WKW

Crossposted at William K. Wolfrum Chronicles