Politics
State of Union: Obama expected to launch re-election bid
U.S. President Barack Obama. PHOTO/File
State of the Union speeches allow presidents to command attention before a joint session of Congress, invited guests and, more importantly, a national television audience.
President Barack Obama’s speech tonight will be no different, but instead of aiming most of his remarks to those sitting in the House chamber, the television audience will be the real target.
Expect Obama the campaigner to take the stage and set the tone for his presidential re-election campaign. Don’t look for the usual list of new initiatives many presidents use the State of Union speeches to launch.
Obama is likely to chide Congress for blocking his programs to grow the economy, improve education and restrain the growth of government.