Reaction to the 2013 State of The Union

The State of The Union 2013, the fourth given by President Barack Obama informed citizens of the agenda and methods to be used by the President during his second term. My predictions of what topics President Barack Obama would address the State of The Union was somewhat accurate.

The President began the night giving a summary of what topics were to be covered in his speech. President Obama briefly spoke about bringing troops home, an improving economy and job creation.

President Obamas first topic of the night was about the government working for the people. Obama said a smarter government and not a bigger government is what the people need

President Obama said “The American people don’t expect the government to solve every issue. They don’t expect those of us in this chamber to agree on every issue but they do expect us to put the nation’s interest before party.”

President Obama then turned his focus to the economy and reducing the deficit. I predicted the president to talk about the economy, one of the most important topics concerning the country. Tax cuts were talked about as I predicted they would be discussed. President Obama offered solutions and plans to reduce spending as well as ways to help progress the nation. Obama said nothing he would propose tonight as solutions would increase the deficit by a single dime.

Health care was a topic I did not predict President Obama would address.

President Obama said “We must accept the need of modest reform.”

Health care is still a big issue in our country, President Obama early on in his speech addressed a need for the wealthiest of Americans along with the middle class to work together to support the nation. Reforms from either party were given as alternate solutions as long as they didn’t violate the guarantee of a secure retirement.

President Obama talked about job creation, a topic I predicted he would discuss. Apple making products in the United States and companies investing in broad based growth were ways Obama discussed that things would be different.

President Obama discussed climate change and events that have occurred around the world and told congress that these events probably were not a coincidence. Climate change was a topic that piggy backed into a discussion about a clean energy movement and how us as a nation, should take advantage of the opportunities presented by the use of clean energy. I predicted Obama would speak about clean energy since it has been one of those most talked about issues since the presidential debates.

President Obama said “America’s energy sector is just one part of an aging infrastructure badly in need of repair.”

President Obama touched on a lot of topics during the inauguration some of which I predicted correctly and some I did not touch on. One thing I believe remains consistent about Obama throughout his presidency is a willingness to work and compromise. Change was the slogan of Obama’s campaign 4 years ago and change along with compromise on behalf of both parties is the only way for the nation to succeed.