State of the Union Addresses in inaugural years

[Sir Mohamed]

I always wondered why in inaugural years, sometimes the old prez made the speech and sometimes new one. Is there any rule? In 1961, for example, JFK gave the speech a few weeks after he took office. LBJ and Gerald Ford gave a State of the Union in 1969 and 1977, a few days before leaving office (what makes no sense in my opinion).

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I always wondered why in inaugural years, sometimes the old prez made the speech and sometimes new one. Is there any rule? In 1961, for example, JFK gave the speech a few weeks after he took office. LBJ and Gerald Ford gave a State of the Union in 1969 and 1977, a few days before leaving office (what makes no sense in my opinion).

I disagree. It's the former that doesn't make sense, since incumbent, even if lame duck, President is more entitled to outline the state of the Union than a guy who barely started in the job.

[Sir Mohamed]

I always wondered why in inaugural years, sometimes the old prez made the speech and sometimes new one. Is there any rule? In 1961, for example, JFK gave the speech a few weeks after he took office. LBJ and Gerald Ford gave a State of the Union in 1969 and 1977, a few days before leaving office (what makes no sense in my opinion).

I disagree. It's the former that doesn't make sense, since incumbent, even if lame duck, President is more entitled to outline the state of the Union than a guy who barely started in the job.

But the new guy is at the peak of his/her power. The first year is considered the most important, especially the first hundred days. Someone, who leaves office soon, has no practical power.