State of the Union overshadowed by breaking news

On Twitter, President Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night took a backseat to other news events.

Obama’s address focusing on heady issues of the “Es”—economy, energy, environment, education—was drowned out as media and social media were distracted with other national and international news.

Leading up to the address, the buildup was overshadowed by the Pope’s resignation, North Korea’s nuclear test, and the creepy rocker Ted Nugent sideshow. During the address, the standoff with rogue former police officer Christopher Dorner stole whatever buzz was left.

True to form, about 48 minutes into the address news stations reported that Dorner was dead, burned inside of a cabin. CNN could barely wait to switch coverage from the address to the breaking news. No fewer than three seconds after Obama finished, CNN quickly chimed in with the Dorner news.

Comedian Travis Simmons took note of the media storm, tweeting:

Pope Quitting, Uncle Dorner’s Burning CabinCan a brother just enjoy the State of the Union.Why is everyone… fb.me/1Vaxwa3MI

— Travis Simmons (@thebigfunny) February 13, 2013

Los Angeles Times reporter Jeremiah Dobruck was even awestruck by the competing news:

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