WASHINGTON, D.C. (WKOW) -- President Obama gives his State of the Union address Monday night, the first of his second term in office.
President Obama is expected to refocus on the issue most crucial to Americans: jobs and the economy. It's expected to be different in substance and tone, though, from his inaugural address last month. Stephanie Cutter, Obama's 2012 deputy campaign manager told ABC's This Week, "The economy will be central to this speech and how we grow the economy so that everybody can participate, a fair shot, pay your fair share."
The President will also push for additional government spending in order to promote manufacturing, education, clean energy and infrastructure. He's also expected to warn Congress to avoid those automatic spending cuts in defense and education that will go into effect March 1st. But both of those together would require Congressional approval, and could put Obama even more at odds with House Republicans. House Speaker John Boehner says, "It is time for Washington to literally get back to the basics. We can't continue to spend money that we don't have."
The President will also touch on some other issues from his inaugural speech, like immigration climate change and gun violence.
Democrats are placing a big emphasis on gun control. Gabby Giffords will be in the House Chamber. The parents of Hadiya Pendleton, a Chicago student killed not long after performing at Obama's inauguration, will be special guests of the First Lady. So will Lieutenant. Brian Murphy and his wife. He's the Oak Creek, Wisconsin police officer shot by the gunman during the Sikh Temple shooting last year.
Rising Republican star, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, will deliver the GOP response to the State of the Union. He will speak in both Spanish and English. Then Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, will offer reaction on behalf of the Tea Party.
You can watch the State of the Union live on WKOW starting at 8:00 p.m.
