Hood Today

Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: News

A Blue and Grey Today Web Exclusive

Referencing a "deficit of trust" in Washington politics by the American people, President Obama's State of the Union address called for Congress' immediate action towards eradicating special interests in order to openly face the nation's dire problems.

In the much anticipated and nationally televised speech on Wednesday January 27th , the president sought to restore American confidence. Obama told the audience that this has been "one of the most difficult years in our history."

The 48 year old president had plenty of reasons to be frustrated on Wednesday night, he channeled all of them in every single one of the 71 minutes he was at the podium. On Wednesday evening, America did not see the poker-faced, calm, collected and even man, but a frustrated, persistent, blunt, and at certain points angry president. His body language, and words almost suggested an entire shift indicating his desire to address the nation from a personal perspective and his need to communicate in a direct manner that conveyed the trials and triumphs of year one in the White House.

The State of the Union was the 487th public remark that Obama has delivered as president. However, this one felt unique. Obama's advisers had opted to flourish his gifts as an orator. None of his previous engagements truly highlighted his talent as the one he delivered on Wednesday night. The president told his audience that he disliked the bank bailout, and even more that he wanted the federal government to "match the public's decency."

The journey to the State of the Union was long and arduous. The process began with senior adviser David Axelrod, speechwriter Jon Favreau and policy adviser Mona Sutphen. Over 20 government agencies were included in the final decision-making process, in addition to the half a dozen edits. It was finally presented to the president early this month, who then made his own additions and edits.

By Wednesday afternoon, as Senators, Congressmen (women), and various law makers entered the House chamber aiming for the best seats, Obama opted to clear his schedule for the day and remained secluded in the White House. He continued to make last minute changes and edits. Ultimately, he departed from the Oval office, walked the few steps into the presidential limousine, rode for six minutes to the capitol and awaited 15 minutes in the halls of the Chambers of the House before he was formally announced.

The State of the Union was seen by Obama as his opportunity to turn the momentum of his presidency around in his favor. The health-care legislation was at the make it or break it point, public confidence was low, and unemployment had risen to its highest level in the past 25 years. Seeking to distance himself from Washington political debacles, Obama declared, "Americans don't understand why it seems like bad behavior on Wall Street is rewarded but hard work on Main Street isn't. Or why Washington has been unable and unwilling to solve any of our problems. They are tired of partisanship and the shouting and the pettiness. They know we can't afford it. Not now."

To effectively counter the financial problems the nation is facing, Obama strongly advocated for the creation of a new political climate that included sensible approaches that invest in the potential of the American people without compounding the national debt. Obama also called for ending the "outsized influence of lobbyists." He also openly and directly scolded the Supreme Court decision that overturned the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. Obama proposed stricter reporting requirements for lobbyists, as well as legislation to re-impose limits on campaign spending by corporations and interests groups that were lifted by the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

To close what he called the "credibility gap," Obama advocated ending the "outsized influence" of lobbyists. He also said the government and Congress should work openly, in order to "give our people the government they deserve."

Senators and U.S. representatives filled the House chamber, joined by members of Obama's Cabinet, the Supreme Court, the military and other branches of government. Obama received repeated standing ovations in the 69-minute speech, including when he said job creation was the top priority of his administration.

Some humorous moments occurred, such as when Obama detailed tax cuts in his first year, prompting an impromptu applause from the Democratic seating area. Nodding at seated and silent Republicans, Obama said: "I thought I'd get some applause on that one."

However, it was not all smiles and applause. The President openly acknowledged errors in his first year in office. He noted, "our administration has had some political setbacks this year, and some of them deserved." Nevertheless, his overall tone and body language were defiant as he described the successes in programs including Recovery Act, and projected new stimulus proposals meant to initiate economic growth.

In addition, the president proposed a three year freeze on discretionary spending to be started in 2011. He also included potential tax credits to be extended for small businesses and middle class Americans. Keeping with the populist theme, the president also called for the creation of a public Web site before a vote concerning earmarks, "so that the American people can see how their money is being spent."

The President addressed the issue of health care 27 minutes into the speech. Republicans, who are virtually unanimous in their opposition to the proposed health care bills, gained more ground with the victory of Senate-elect Scott Brown in last week's Massachusetts special election. His win effectively took away the Democrats' 60-vote Senate supermajority. Since the Massachusetts election, Democrats have been heavily struggling to create a new legislative strategy that would effectively address the situation. Obama accepted full responsibility, "for not explaining it more clearly to the American people" and called for perseverance from Congress. He implored, "do not walk away from reform. Not now. Not when we are so close. Let us find a way."

In other matters, the president also promised to work closely with the military in order to repeal the "don't ask don't tell" policy. His announcement was openly opposed by Senator John McCain (R-AZ) who was not in favor of repealing the policy when the United States military is engaged in two wars.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was notably absent from the address, staying in London, England, to attend several international conferences and meetings regarding Yemen and Afghanistan.

Following the conclusion of the address, the Republicans responded to Obama's speech via newly elected Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell. McDonnell stated the GOP's positions on issues that countered Obama's references to partisan politics. McDonnell pointed out, "the amount of this debt is on pace to double in five years, and triple in ten. The federal debt is already $100,000 per household. This is simply unsustainable. The president's partial freeze on discretionary spending is a laudable step, but a small one. Without reform, the excessive growth of government threatens our very liberty and prosperity."

The newly elected governor also added, "good government policy should spur economic growth, and strengthen the private sector's ability to create new jobs. We must enact policies that promote entrepreneurship and innovations, so Americans can better compete with the world."

Ultimately though, Obama stressed the importance of bipartisanship and the need to get America moving again. As he aptly put it, "just saying 'no' to everything may be good short-term politics, but it's not leadership. We were sent her to serve our citizens, not our ambitions. So let's show the American people that we can do it together."

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