On Tuesday afternoon, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) told USA Today that she wanted President Obama to give an optimistic State of the Union address.
Feinstein got what she – and many Americans like her – wanted, but they also got something else. The nation tuned in on Tuesday night to find a side of Obama that America had previously seen little of. He was aggressive and demanding. Obama not only defended his healthcare plan, but he also went on the attack and threatened Congress to act.
“America does not stand still – and neither will I,” Obama said. “So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Obama knows, despite the faults of the previous year, that making things right with healthcare and the NSA is not nearly enough. This is the president America is desperate for, a man who is willing to push back on a divided Congress.
“I will reform our surveillance systems,” Obama boldly stated. Promising a year of progress with reforms on such things as minimum wage laws, income inequality, womens’ rights, student loans, tax loopholes and immigration, the speech might have just been full of “hot air.”
Yet, isn’t that what the State of the Union is for? Obama outlined his agenda clearly and with such force that if Republicans refuse to compromise, they can kiss 2014 and 2016 goodbye.
The president found not only “hot- button” issues, but also reforms that were popular in both parties. Acknowledging that both parties wanted tax reform, Obama sought to lay the foundation for future compromises.
Obama also congratulated Congress for passing a long-term bipartisan budget, but stressed that there were many important issues that needed that same bipartisan, sacrificial effort. Now the question is: will that momentum continue?
Although arguably having too strong an emphasis on government employed jobs as a sign of economic recovery, he did not forget to mention the importance of his 2009 stimulus package nor the importance of rebuilding America’s infrastructure.
However, the jury is still out on what job growth can be created in the private sector, something Obama only briefly mentioned when talking about the growing wealth of Wall Street. Obama’s State of the Union address also pulled at America’s heartstrings, as usual. However, by putting in bits of humor, Obama was able to make these emotional moments even more dramatic.
In perhaps Obama’s best address yet, he was able to unite the country. When Cory Remsberg, an injured army ranger who is making a determined comeback despite his disabilities, was mentioned, the chamber “almost seemed to shake,” as one political commentator put it. Obama clearly stated that the Afghan War was ending this year for the United States.
However optimistic this may seem, Obama is once again aggressively stating his commitment not only to the troops, but also to his mission. President Obama’s theme of inclusion even stretched far overseas, when he mentioned our European allies and America’s ability to do good across the globe. Rather than dodging a bullet, Obama bit one and took his adversaries’ criticisms head-on.
After coming off from arguably his worst year, Obama is determined to make a difference. If all else fails, Obama at least found the best in a bad situation. He lifted the American people up, and was hoping to get Congress ready to work in the process.
Obama has been ready to work, and on Tuesday night he let Congress know that he is also ready for Congress to work. Indeed, 2014 may be the “break-through year.”