Not a crowd to waste a campaign opportunity, the presidential field was busy on Twitter Tuesday night making their personal (or political) stance known on President Barack Obama’s final State of the Union address.
Meanwhile, only two candidates were actually in attendance last night – Senators Marco Rubio and Bernie Sanders, according to CNN. That didn’t stop most candidates from tweeting through the duration of the speech. Unsurprisingly, the White House hopefuls' reactions were divided among party lines.
Seven years of progress. We need to build on it—not go backwards. #SOTU pic.twitter.com/LlLjQi2AS4
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 13, 2016
Tonight’s speech was important. The president reminded us not to be afraid of change, but to wield it to improve the lives of all Americans.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) January 13, 2016
No POTUS in modern times inherited bigger challenges than @POTUS. Blessed for his leadership, thankful for his service. Let's build on it.
The State Of The Union speech was one of the most boring, rambling and non-substantive I have heard in a long time. New leadership fast!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2016
Some Republican candidates seized on the chance to criticize Obama’s speech on TV or video posted to Twitter.
I joined @foxandfriends this morning to share my response to Pres. Obama’s #SOTU & his failed foreign policy. Watch: https://t.co/6GHxFmT5HV
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) January 13, 2016
Bush did like the GOP response by Governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley last night, though.
Proud of my friend @nikkihaley for delivering a positive & uplifting response to Pres. Obama’s #SOTU. Clear vision for a brighter future.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) January 13, 2016
My response to the #SOTU address. https://t.co/sfUk6AsFY3
— Dr. Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 13, 2016
Tonight, President Obama once again proved that he is a politician, not a leader. Instead of talking about solutions, he...
Posted by Carly Fiorina on Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Last night, @POTUS touted his accomplishments while the world laughs at us. It's time to #LeadFromTheFront. My plan: https://t.co/mHv9430c8t
— Dr. Ben Carson (@RealBenCarson) January 13, 2016
Read my full response to @POTUS's final #SOTU: https://t.co/kfs5EiQv3T pic.twitter.com/vxydcwYAuK
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) January 13, 2016
In the full statement on his website, Ohio Governor John Kasich touts his plan for the country, but also makes an effort to cut down the president.
"On-the-job training in this presidency has marched us down a trail of failure and left America weaker, divided, and adrift," his statement read.
This president has been the single most divisive political figure this country has had over the last decade. https://t.co/txV3GMCUof
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 13, 2016