Question

Who sits behind the president at the state of the union address

Answer 1

Both the Speaker and the Vice President sit behind the President for the duration of the speech.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speaker of the House is the "leader" if you will of congress and is second in succession after the vice president. (Say both President and Vice undergo general anesthesia, the speaker of the House is a stand-in president for the time being).

Answer 2

both the speaker and the vice president sit at the speaker's desk, behind the president for the duration of the speech.