Looking Callous at the SOTU Having covered more State of the Union addresses than I care to count, I know perfectly well that the applause breaks are ritualistic. But during tonight's speech, there were several moments that were emblematic of the partisan divides in this country, and the callous nature of Republican domestic policy. Discussing health insurance reform, Mr. Obama said at one point: "Because of this law, no American can ever again be dropped or denied coverage for a preexisting condition like asthma, back pain, or cancer. Democrats stood and cheered. Republicans sat in stony silence. House Speaker John Boehner grimaced on the podium behind Mr. Obama, as he did several times during the portion of the speech dedicated to the Affordable Care Act. Conservatives felt they had to convey their disapproval of the law - no surprise there - but in the process they seemed uncaring of the very real ways in which it's helping real people. When Mr. Obama pleaded with Republicans not to vote another 40 times to "repeal a law that's already working," and instead offer some ideas to improve it, Democrats cheered and Republicans grimaced. The situation didn't improve when the president moved on to voting rights. "Citizenship means standing up for everyone's right to vote," Mr. Obama said. Same reactions as above on both sides of the aisle. What don't Republicans like? Voting? Citizenship? The Republicans applauded, of course, for our troops. And when Mr. Obama noted that the son of a barkeep (Mr. Boehner) was able to become Speaker of the House. But when the president talked about the Earned Income Tax Credit - long a Republican issue - they were dead silent. It's hard to believe that Republicans would want to come across as stubbornly partisan and coldhearted. But that's how they came across on Tuesday night.