Rivertowns: What Would You Like to Hear the President Say in State of the Union Address?

Advance information from various news organizations indicates President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address Tuesday will be different to his inaugural address last month. According to ABC News, it is expected to focus primarily on jobs and the economy and will outline new initiatives.

He is, however, expected to touch on immigration, gun violence and climate change.

ABC News reports new initiatives will call for more spending to get the economy moving, but the spending is expected to be modest and will likely be offset by spending cuts elsewhere.

Mark Garrahan is looking forward to the speech and is holding his second State of the Union party in his Hastings-on-Hudson apartment.

“I believe the future of the country and even the world depends on it,” said Garrahan.

Though only a few attended last year’s party, Garrahan, a management consultant who has lived in Hastings-on-Hudson for the last three years, has had about 25 people R.S.V.P. He attributes this to Obama’s website, which sends an emails to local residents who subscribe to the site advising them of viewing parties in their area that have been organized through the site. Garrahan said though he posted last year’s viewing party on the site, his neighbors who are Obama fans didn’t get an invite to that one.

“This [the guest list] filled to capacity within 24 hours,” said Garrahan.

Though Garrahan said he would like to see Obama’s speech focus more heavily on the environment, climate change and gay rights, he is looking forward to hearing the President’s plans for the economy.

“I think it’s important to bring us likeminded people in the same room,” said Garrahan. “He can’t run again, but it’s great for us to have a network of us liberal Democrats.” 

Greenburgh Republican Town Committee Chairman Tim Hays said he wishes the President the best over the next four years, as his success can only help the entire nation. He too is looking forward to what he hopes is a “meaty” State of the Union address.

"I'm hoping the president will learn to deal more effectively with the House of Representatives and the Senate in fixing our national economy,” said Hays. “The Oval Office affords him great luxury and leeway in convincing members of congress to cooperate with him in accomplishing an economic plan that rewards productivity and benefits all of our citizens."

Hays said the primary concern of Republicans is the need to balance the budget. 

“That return toward solvency is long overdue,” said Hays. “This is not the time for Keynesian nonchalance. Our national currency, the health of American business, and the well-being of our great middle-class all depend on Mr. Obama's fixing the persistent budget crisis.”

Hays said he hopes Obama approaches the rest of his presidency with the unselfish wisdom to keep the best interests of the nation at the forefront.

What are you looking for in the president’s speech and what do you think he could say to help unify the country?

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