What Should Obama Focus On In His State of the Union?

Some call the State of the Union address little more than a partisan pep rally, but the last three presidents have each garnered more than 45 million TV viewers for the January speech, according to The Nielsen Company, and President Obama’s speech last year attracted 48 million viewers. This week, analysts and pundits are making a flurry of predictions and wish lists for what may be Obama’s focus tomorrow night. In a State of the Union preview video for political supporters, the president said he isn’t quite finished writing his speech, but he plans to focus on the obvious: jobs. He also mentioned he would discuss national security, the budget deficit, reforming government so it is “leaner and smarter for the 21st century,” and other important issues of the day.

U.S. News blogger Mary Kate Cary suggests the budget deficit should be a headlining feature. “The president should endorse all of the recommendations of the bipartisan deficit commission—while acknowledging that no one agrees with all the proposals,” she writes. “And call on lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to work together to solve the problem.”

What do you think? What should Obama’s top focus be in his State of the Union address? Take the poll and post your thoughts below.

Previously: Should the House GOP’s $2.5 trillion suggested cuts become law?

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