The State of the Union – LIVEBLOG

 
Follow us as we watch President Obama’s State of the Union!
Summary:
Obama’s State of the Union Address was reminiscent of his victory speech on the day he was elected. He appealed to voters on all parts of the political spectrum by focusing on issues that are at the forefront of the minds of most Americans. Obama touched on nearly all of the major issues, and for the most part stated his support for most items on the liberal agenda. However, he placed a special emphasis on the need for bipartisanship in Congress. Republicans will probably feel that Obama stole some of their thunder on subjects such as small businesses and tax cuts, but overall they remained fairly quiet. In State of the Union addresses in the past, booes can be heard from Republicans or Democrats depending on the party of the President . The Republicans were definitely listening carefully. In addition, Obama is not afraid to disagree with his own party. The spending freeze he proposed was met with no support from some of the older Democrats.  He told the Democrats that they should not take the easy way out even if it is an election year, and he told Republicans that “no” is not the answer for everything. While most Americans may be encouraged by the President’s words, the actions of Congress will determine the success of Obama’s vision of bipartisanship. Hopefully Congress will take those words to heart on both sides of the aisle.
10:20 “The spirit that has sustained this nation for 200 years live on in you – the people.”
10:17 Obama is making his appeal to Congress to stop looking at poll numbers and do what is hard.
10:13 This year, Obama declares he plans to end “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”, pass an Equal Pay Law, and begin immigration reform.
10:12: Obama  comments on America’s international duty to protect and support human freedoms.
10:10 Obama discusses nuclear weapons. Wants to secure all nuclear weapons throughout the world through diplomatic efforts, so they never fall into the wrong hands. He briefly mentions a new Arms Control Treaty.  – The administration has received criticism for not creating a new arms control treaty with Russia last year.
10:07 On Iraq – “This war has ended and all of our troops are coming home.”
10:05 Obama discusses national security. Cites improvements in Iraq and Afghanistan. All troops out of Iraq by August and out of Afghanistan in 2011.
Obama’s intentions for bipartisanship is genuine but we will see if Democrats and Republicans in Congress take the message to heart.
10:02 Obama to Republicans: Saying no to everything is not the solution.
10:01 Obama is urging less divisive government and more bipartisan efforts.  I doubt Republicans are listening to any of this.
9:47 Obama expresses his concerns with recent campaign finance ruling in the Supreme Court.
Obama is taking a very strong approach to the deficit. The deficit has been one of the most popular criticisms of the last year and a leading concern for Americans. His proposal will probably scare cash strapped organizations such as NASA.
9:54 Use Executive Order to create fiscal panel to keep checks on spending. – Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress disapproved of the formation of this panel earlier this week.
9:51 Starting in 2011, Obama proposes a spending freeze. Besides national security, medicare, medicaid, and social security, all other discretionary programs will no longer have increased spending. “We will work within a budget to fund what we can.” Obama is willing to support this with veto.
9:50 Obama begins to discuss deficit. Lists two wars, medicare prescription costs, and other pre-Obama spending as the cause. He is trying to shift the criticism recent spending has received.
A quality of Obama that sounds out from other State of the Unions is his personal touch, he wants to be involved in the problem solving process.
9:48 Obama seems determined to continue the efforts for healthcare reform. “I will not walk away from these people and neither should this chamber.”
9:46 Obama is trying to sell healthcare reform to the people watching.
9:45 Obama begins to talk about Healthcare, met with some light and friendly  laughter.
Comment: Obama seems to be focusing on economic progress in the future, with special focus on middle class families. No word on healthcare yet.
9:41 Give families $10,000 tax credit for four years of college education. College debts forgiven after 20 years, or after 10 years if student chooses career in public service.
9:40 Reward schools that improve student performance.  World class education is the best tool against poverty.
9:39 Investing in skills and education of our people.
9:37 Double exports over next 5 years and create 2 million jobs in the process:  National Export Initiative
9:36 Urges for bipartisan effort for a Clean Energy and Climate Bill in Senate. “Nation that leads the clean energy economy will lead the global economy.”
9:35 Begins taking about technological progress: Building new generation of safe clean nuclear power plants. New off shore areas for oil and gas development. Continued investment in clean coal and advanced biofuels. Passing comprehensive Clean Energy and Climate Bill.
9:33 “We need to encourage American innovation.”
9:32 Obama states that other countries have been very aggressive in their attempts to fight the recession.  “I do not accept second place for the United States of America.”
9:29 Urges Senate to create jobs bill like the House has. “I want a jobs bill on my desk with no delay.”
9:28 “Slash tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas.”
9:26 Proposes taking 30 billion that big banks have paid back and use it to help small businesses get loans from community banks.  Create a tax credit for small businesses that create jobs and remove Capital gains taxes on small businesses.
9:25 Obama begins to describe his plan to create jobs. First focus will be on small businesses.
9:24 “Jobs must be our number one focus in 2010.” Applause from both sides.
9:23 Obama states that the Recovery Act saved 2 million jobs and will add 1.5 million more by the end of the year. Democrats applause. Republicans silent.
9:21 Obama states that we have cuts taxes without raising taxes. “We cut taxes for 95% of working families, for small businesses, for first time home buyers, and for 8 million Americans paying for college.”
9:19 Proposes a fee on the biggest banks to make up for money lost during bailouts.
9:18 Issue One: Economy
Obama is met with applause from both parties when he announces that we all hated the bailouts banks received.
9:17 “Despite our hardships, our union is strong. We do not give up. We do not quit. We don’t allow fear or division to break our spirit. In this new decade, it’s time the American people get a government that matches their decency; that embodies their strength. And tonight, I’d like to talk about how together, we can deliver on that promise.”
9:16 “American’s share a stubborn resilience to adversity.”
9:15 Obama asks Republicans and Democrats to work together to improve the lives of common Americans.
9:14 “These struggles are the reason I chose to run for President.”

9:13 Obama describes the recession. “The worst of the storm has passed but the devastation still lasts.”
9:12 “Despite all of our divisions and disagreements .. America prevailed because we chose to move forward as one nation.”
9:11 Obama begins to speak.
9:06 “Madam Speaker, the President of the United States!”
Obama slowly makes his way to the podium shaking hands. He is wearing a navy suit with a classy stripped red tie.