There was a considerable amount of positive and infectious enthusiasm about the future, and some real cheekiness about some of the issues dividing Capitol Hill.
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In his address, President Obama extolled what he believes are the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s accomplishments.
USA president Barack Obama defended his cautious foreign policy in the Middle East and approach to fighting ISIL during his final State of the Union Address, assuring Americans that the extremists “do not threaten our national existence”.
Overall, it was an unorthodox speech that eschewed the typical laundry list of legislative priorities as Obama tried to lift the country’s gaze beyond the next year, and beyond his presidency. Yet relations with China remain strained, terrorism continues to stalk the world, inequality in the United States remains rife and the bitterness and suspicion between the two main political parties is preventing effective policymaking.
During his speech Tuesday night, the president made comments that were directed toward Donald Trump and Sen.
Americans are slightly more likely to want the Republican-led Congress to have more influence over the direction of the country than President Obama ahead of his final year in office.
“Over-the-top claims that this is World War III just play into their hands”, he said. “Changes in our political process – in not just who gets elected but how they get elected – that will only happen when the American people demand it. It will depend on you”. So I hope we can work together this year on bipartisan priorities like criminal justice reform, and helping people who are battling prescription drug abuse. “This isn’t a matter of political correctness”, he added. “It’s bluster. It’s not serious”, the president said to a crowd of about 8,000.
One curious omission was gun control, mentioned only when Mr Obama said the USA must protect “our kids from gun violence”.
Dan Adamini, of the Marquette County Republican Party said, “The things that he’s talking about are things that many of us can agree on”.
Obama finished his State of the Union by revealing the nation’s status as “strong”.
“You hear a bunch of folks right across the river and I don’t know if the TV has drifted over here, but they’re kind of depressing”, he said.
“I’m going to try to make it a little shorter”, he said.
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Senator Ted Cruz wasn’t here for the speech, but telling Megyn Kelly…
