Obama declares in last SOTU: US still most powerful nation

That’s exactly what the United States is doing, he said adding that for more than a year, America has led a coalition of more than 60 countries to cut off ISIL’s financing, disrupt their plots, stop the flow of terrorist fighters, and stamp out their vicious ideology.

The incident in the Persian Gulf, unmentioned in the speech, was a fitting counterpoint to Obama’s optimistic overview of the state of the nation.

U.S. President Barack Obama will voice optimism in a State of the Union speech on Tuesday, his last before he is eclipsed by would-be successors campaigning on concerns about illegal immigration, terrorism and economic inequality.

To be sure, Trump’s words, particularly about immigrants and about refugees fleeing war-torn Syria, have some Republican leaders on edge.

The Republican response to the State of the Union address was delivered by Nikki Haley, the governor of SC.

In comments which also seemed to take aim at Mr Trump, she said: “During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow teh siren call of the angriest voices”. “No one who is willing to work hard, abide by our laws, and love our traditions should ever feel unwelcome in this country”, she will say, according to excerpts of her remarks. “Knowing that we’re in a real toxic environment with the presidential campaign makes it more hard but at least I give him credit for realizing it needs to change”, Manchin added. It’s a bit disappointing that the President never really came out with a strong leadership position on this and made it clear that we’re not going to undermine a free and open internet out of fear – but instead continues to give lip service to the free and open internet, while hinting at a willingness to toss it out the window. The nominees from each party will face off in the general election in November.

US President Barack Obama. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

Obama concluded with a series of platitudes about America’s American-ness, as all presidents do in these speeches.

He is likely to tout last year’s Iran nuclear deal and improved U.S.-Cuba relations as achievements, while addressing the U.S. fight against Islamic State, which has generated criticism from Republicans for being too meagre.

The cancer initiative will build on the US$2 billion increase in funding approved for the National Institutes of Health past year, White House chief economist Jason Furman told reporters before the Obama speech. The Pentagon said the sailors had drifted into Iranian waters after encountering mechanical problems.

This new national mission will be led by Vice President Joe Biden.

Republicans were pressing the president to outline a more comprehensive strategy for defeating the Islamic State and preventing terror attacks in the United States. And I heard some things that frustrated me. Obama acknowledged that economic changes have squeezed workers, and pledged to work with House Speaker Paul Ryan on ways to alleviate poverty.

Overall, 53 percent had a “very positive” reaction to the president’s speech, matching the highest rating of his presidency reached following his 2013 address. Obama was rejecting the perspective of Trump, who has said America is failing and he will restore it to greatness, and candidates in both parties who argue the economy is struggling.

Tuesday night’s address was a reprise of the Obama of Hope and Change to counter the culture of fear that Trump has exploited so successfully. However, the State of the Union has suffered a major drop-off in viewers in recent years.

In a bid to amplify his message, the White House rolled out an array of social media programming geared not only toward those who won’t watch on TV but also those looking for a “second screen” experience.