Here we are, another State of the Union Address. These things usually go on without a hitch, they’re pretty cut and dry, and usually we hear the same promises and administration pushes from the previous year.
Except this year a new fire has been lit.
President Obama hit the ground running with his second term and the vigor and hope of 2009’s Obama has been replaced by a fixed determination and absolute purpose.
While the foes and SOTU formalities will all be the same, other things will be different.
Here are some of those things to watch during the SOTU address. Some serious, some funny, some heartbreaking and some entertaining.
This could easily be the most anticipated SOTU ever…
Guns, Immigration, Jobs and Gays:
No, that’s not the title of a country album. Instead it’s the agenda for Obama’s address to the nation tonight. He’s sure to mention aspects of his legislative agenda, including overhauling immigration, building the middle class from the inside out and a small mention of gay equality, which the President touted tremendously in his inauguration speech.
But most importantly, Obama is sure to mention his comprehensive gun-control plan. A handful of gun victims will be the guests of 30 House Democrats, and Hadiya Pendleton’s parents will accompany First Lady Michelle Obama in an effort to put a face to gun violence.
Seventies rock star turned National Rifle Association darling Ted Nugent is even attending the address…so watch for his sure-to-be funny faces throughout the night when gun-control is mentioned.
Believe me, they’re bringing the figurative guns out for this fight against gun-control.
Nuclear Tests and Warnings:
Obama will certainly mention North Korea’s defiant third nuclear test last night. That conversation is sure to turn into a speech about defending the nation and our allies. If it wasn’t on the agenda already, it’s definitely a talking point now!
The Sequester:
The President will also address the “sequester,” some $85 billion in automatic spending cuts scheduled to take effect March 1. Obama has argued that the cuts, split between defense and domestic programs, will slow economy growth and cost jobs. We’re sure Marco Rubio will have lots to say about that in his rebuttal.
Speaking of which:
Watch for Marco Rubio when he gives the traditional rebuttal at the end of the SOTU address. We’re not sure what the proclaimed “Republican Savior” is going to say, but he’s one to watch – his voter appeal and Cuban-American heritage, combined with his focus on immigration reform and other key issues, have made him a rising star in the Republican Party and maybe even a force to be reckoned with.
Obama’s (almost) Last Chance:
The President just won re-election three months ago but the SOTU marks the critical moment where the President will either push through policy priorities or let them fall.
According to Reuters, analysts say he has roughly a year before Washington turns its attention to the 2014 mid-term elections, which could sweep more Republicans into Congress and accelerate the subsequent “lame duck” status that defines presidents who are not running for office again. Yikes!
In any case, you can tune in tonight with a little knowledge about what to expect. Are any of the issues in tonight’s SOTU important to you?
Let us know and tune in with GlobalGrind tonight at 9:00 PM EST.
