VIA: CNN.com
Citing a “deficit of trust” in government by the American people, President Obama’s first State of the Union address urged Congress to erode the influence of special interests and work together to confront the nation’s most pressing problems.
In the nationally televised speech Wednesday night to a joint session of Congress, Obama sought to reassure Americans angry and nervous about the pace of economic recovery that his government understands the challenges and would act boldly to meet them.
Obama called for a new political climate of “common sense” approaches that invest in the American people without building “a mountain of debt.”
“We have to recognize that we face more than a deficit of dollars right now. We face a deficit of trust — deep and corrosive doubts about how Washington works that have been growing for years,” Obama said.
Key areas where Obama wants to build that trust include: the economy, education, energy, health care and national security.
Democrats applauded the remarks of their party’s leader.
“He outlined a road map that, if followed with bipartisan support in Congress, can reduce our deficit, rebuild our economy and create a new foundation of prosperity for American families and businesses,” said Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa.
“It was a serious speech — reached out to Republicans,” said Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, the House majority leader.
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If you missed it, watch President Obama’s entire State of the Union speech below. Video courtesy of the White House:
