The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, and his lovely wife, “Mrs. Mike,” are canceling their annual Christmas soiree for various local warlords and celebrities such as Kid Rock — Because Of The Recession. Curses! We had just purchased our Barry Goldwater costumes, too. Instead, “the Mullens will host a small gathering for wounded service members, their families, and the families of the fallen.” Oh that is so Washington of them, hiding behind the pwecious SOLDIERS. Will Kid Rock be there, though? [Washington Whispers]

• In case you missed the speech last night, here’s a partial transcript. If you look closely, you can see that Hastert and Cheney weren’t even playing their instruments. [Attytood]

• Talking Points Memo’s “Grand Ole Docket” is a handy resource, and will probably make Who’s Who in Washington redundant. [TPM]
• The Joint Chiefs of Staff write letters… [Washingtonian]
• Everyone knows the real action at the SOTU happens in the audience. That place is rowdier than the Apollo! [ThePurpleState]