The Online Reflector

“Despite our hardships, our union is strong. We do not give up. We do not quit. We do not allow fear or division to break our spirit,” President Barak Obama said in the annual State of the Union address.

Obama made history as the first African American president to address the nation at the event. Held on Jan. 27, it was only the third time Obama spoke to a joint session of Congress. He delivered his longest public address since his election as president: nearly 70 minutes.

Many were calling this Obama’s chance for redemption, as his approval ratings are less than 50 percent according to the Gallup polls, his health care bill is in serious danger and disapproval is coming from liberals and conservatives alike.

Obama’s address came on the heels of Democratic defeats in statewide races in New Jersey, Virginia and Massachusetts. Many feel that the State of the Union address is a chance for the president to tackle tough issues head-on, clarify positions and propose a plan for the future.

University of Indianapolis political science professor Dr. Carrie Cihasky weighed in with her thoughts on Obama’s address in a recent UIndy news article.

“Presidents often use the State of the Union to go public,” Cihasky said, “taking their agendas directly to citizens in order to shift public opinion and sway Congress.”

The president focused almost exclusively on domestic issues, particularly economic issues such as job creation and federal deficit minimization. He outlined plans to cut taxes for small businesses, freeze government spending starting in 2011 and create jobs for middle class families.

The president also discussed the economic recovery and the stalemate status of health care reform. Obama gave less attention to foreign policy and affairs, though he mentioned advancements and policies in Afghanistan.

He addressed big issues and explained his hopes, his aspirations and the realities of the future. There were moments of ad-lib and humor sprinkled throughout the 70-minute presentation to help offset the dark nature of some of his content.

In the end, President Obama called the American people to action, inciting his reoccurring theme of change:
“I campaigned on the promise of change –- ‘Change we can believe in,’ the slogan went,” he said. “And right now, I know there are many Americans who aren’t sure if they still believe we can change –- or that I can deliver it.

But remember this –- I never suggested that change would be easy, or that I could do it alone.”