‘What frustrates the American people,” President Obama declared Wednes day, “is a Washington where every day is Election Day,” adding, “We can’t wage a perpetual campaign.”

It was a welcome call to end the partisanship that has gripped the political process — but a prescription rendered utterly meaningless when, just minutes after finishing the speech, Obama’s permanent-campaign organization dispatched a mass e-mail soliciting, yes, campaign funds.

“I just finished delivering my State of the Union address,” was the personal presidential message distributed by Organizing for America. “I set out an urgent plan for restoring economic security for struggling middle-class families.”

What were the president and his perpetual-campaign team asking? “Help fuel our fight for the middle class with a monthly donation of $15 or more.”

About what you’d expect in a Washington where every day is Election Day.