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What’s wrong with a few zingers? Five missed opportunities in Jay Inslee’s State of the State speech

By The News Tribune Editorial Board
Tuesday was a day for polite golf clapping, not edgy joke telling, for Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (shown here with House Speaker Laurie Jinkins) during his annual address to a joint session of the Legislature. What a letdown.
Tuesday was a day for polite golf clapping, not edgy joke telling, for Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (shown here with House Speaker Laurie Jinkins) during his annual address to a joint session of the Legislature. What a letdown. Steve Bloom AP

Five one-liners that were cut from Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s State of the State speech this week.



1. “Please everyone, take a seat. Unless Tim Eyman is here. He only takes his seats from Office Depot.” (Badda bing!)

2. “I believe we can defeat climate change with every bone in my body ... plus the artificial hip doctors gave me last month.” (Badda boom!)

3. “I’m gonna miss UW’s Chris Petersen and WSU’s Mike Leach. The coaches were Washington’s two highest-paid state employees last year. I was No. 2,125. And I’m the one who wants to keep his job?” (No respect, I tell ya! No respect!)

4. “Republicans don’t want to pay for my homelessness plan with the rainy day fund. So today I’m proposing ... a snowy day fund!” (Ahooogahh!)

5. “The state of our union is strong!” Sorry, couldn’t resist. I’ve always wanted to say that. Maybe in 2025?” (Goodnight! You’ve been a wonderful audience! Drive home safely!)

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