The State of the Union: What the President Said and the Challenges Ahead

Air Date: January 25, 2012

Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio applaud President Barack Obama on Capitol Hill in Washington last night as the president gives his State of the Union address. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Hour 1

All eyes and ears were on Capitol Hill last night as President Barack Obama delivered his third State of the Union address. Before a packed house of Congress, cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, and special guests, he laid out his vision for the coming year focusing mostly on economic initiatives which he described as a “Blueprint for an America built to last”‘. Among his proposals are plans to help grow manufacturing, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and retrain the American workforce. The President also spoke about a return to “American values” and addressed growing income equality, tax reform and the need for wealthier Americans to pay their fair share. In regard to foreign policy, the President reiterated his accomplishments with the killing of Osama bin Laden, the ending of the Iraq war, and the planned withdrawal from Afghanistan. He also talked about future challenges in the Middle East and Asia. Joining us for a morning after conversation are DAVID LEONHARDT, Washington Bureau Chief of the New York Times, and HEATHER HURLBURT of the National Security Network.

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[audio: 012512_100630.mp3]

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