By now you have probably watched or read President Obama’s State of the Union address to Congress last night and you’ve read the reports and analysis (CNN, Washington Post, New York Times) of the speech.
As expected, the speech was heavy on domestic issues and light on foreign policy. President Obama hit all the appropriate and necessary points of such a speech: he encouraged his party, challenged the opposition, defended his policies, called for reform, expressed hope, and reaffirmed enduring American values. This is the formula for the speech and although every president can add to the formula, put an individual spin on it, we’ve come to expect some version of this, with the predictable calls to American patriotism, a reminder of our shared history and values, and a commitment to push forward and preserve the American dream for the next generation. CNN has put together this interesting look back at “Notable addresses: From Lincoln to Bush” that provides some nice historical context. From a U.S role perspective, I noted that President Obama mentioned the following actions the U.S. has taken in the word:
- prohibited torture
- strengthened partnerships from the Pacific to South Asia to the Arabian Peninsula
- captured or killed al Qaeda’s fighters and affiliates
- increasing our troops in Afghanistan and training Afghan security forces
- confronting the threat of nuclear weapons
- negotiating a new arms control treaty with Russia
- working on an international agreement securing all vulnerable nuclear materials
- enforcing sanctions on North Korea
- threatens Iran with growing consequences (sanctions?)
- working through the G20 for global economic recovery
- working with Muslim communities to promote science and education and innovation
- fighting climate change
- helping developing countries with food aid and HIV/AIDS programs
- planning responses to bioterrorism or infectious disease outbreaks
- helping Haiti recover and rebuild
President Obama concluded his comments on foreign policy by noting that, “As we have for over 60 years, America takes these actions because our destiny is connected to those beyond our shores. But we also do it because it is right.” Although he described many of the efforts the U.S. is currently making on the world scene, he did not announce any new initiatives. As a follow-up to the State of the Union speech, President Obama will be taking questions next week submitted by citizens on YouTube. The White House sees this as an opportunity to interact with the people and engage them on the issues raised in the speech. You may submit a question here.