15 significant quotes from Obama’s final State of the Union

He says he wants to enhance education and innovation to help Americans succeed in today’s economy. Our nation does not need abstract calls to hope.

“Let me start with the economy, and a basic fact, The United States of America, right now, has the strongest, most durable economy in the world…” It was also streamed live on whitehouse.gov, and the White House’s new Snapchat account continued posting to its “official story”.

He also spoke of how politics in Washington and around the country has gotten so rancorous.

The President said protecting the American people and going after terrorist networks is his number one priority. “There’s no doubt a president with the gifts of Lincoln or Roosevelt might have better bridged the divide, and I guarantee I’ll keep trying to be better so long as I hold this office”.

In a statement, Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus said rather than signal a much-needed course correction, Mr Obama took a “lonely victory lap before a country that is ready to turn the page”. This is a direct hit at the Republicans who are playing on the fears of the people to get elected.

“Anyone making those claims is peddling fiction”. It’s a matter of understanding what makes us strong. “That may work as a TV sound bite, but it doesn’t pass muster on the world’s stage”, he said.

“We need to reject any politics any politics that targets people because of race or religion”. We must work together, walk together, win together.

Perhaps a bit surprisingly, both Obama and Haley did find some common ground in their speeches. Protecting our kids from gun violence. And there was a Syrian refugee, among the guests. Overall, he tried to make a portrait of his seven years of leadership, as The New York Times states, but he also admitted that he failed to heal the political division, now holding back progress.

Promoted his efforts to fight global warming and said those who doubt it is happening are welcome to “have at it”.

Obama wasn’t the only way who criticised Trump.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s republican response criticized broken promises, but admitted her party contributes to Washington’s dysfunction. During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow the siren call of the angriest voices.

“We must resist the temptation”. But while the speech was underway, the Clinton campaign released a new ad, saying that she was with the president. “As he enters his final year in office, many Americans are still feeling the squeeze of an economy too weak to raise income levels”.

“Many applauded Obama’s speech while several A-listers shared their reactions towards Speaker Paul Ryan’s “poker face” including Zoe Saldana who tweeted, “#PaulRyan your “poker face” is a joke.

And even though Republicans sent a clear signal by picking Haley to calm the voters down after Trump’s hot headed rhetoric, it didn’t seem to matter to him.

NPR’s Tamara Keith continued tracking Trump and other Republicans during and after the State of the Union speech. “Do you ever hear a good story?”