In Washington, D.C. today, both parties were hard at work trying to spin voters and reporters well before President Obama set foor in the House chamber for tonight's State of the Union Address.
In meetings with reporters, on social media and from the Capitol, it wasn't even lunch time and all sides were in full campaign mode.
Several White House officials said the State of the Union would lay out plans for "an economy that's built to last."
"Tonight, Obama will share common-sense ideas to spur manufacturing, create jobs & help small business," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
The White House did not immediately detail what kinds of plans the President would push for tonight, but some of the clues indicated where we are heading.
"Tonight President Obama will offer more details on the Buffett Rule," said White House spokesman Dan Pfeiffer.
You might remember that millionaire Warren Buffett argues the rich should pay more in taxes, as he says it's not fair that he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary.
A few minutes after that note on the Buffett Rule, then the White House announced that the First Lady would have as a guest tonigth - the secretary to Warren Buffett.
"Let the class warfare begin!" was one reaction on Twitter.
Republicans meanwhile accused the President of "running on policies of division and envy," as Speaker John Boehner blasted Mr. Obama.
"It’s hard not to feel a sense of disappointment even before tonight’s speech is delivered," said Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, who argued on the Senate floor that President Obama wants to "conquer Republicans."
"This year, he just wants to win the next campaign," McConnell said.
And so, before lunch was even served on this Tuesday, the battle lines were fairly clear.
And they should be even more clear - in this election year - after tonight's State of the Union Address.
