President Barack Obama opened his State of the Union address Tuesday night by reflecting on the tragedy in Tucson, Ariz.

This tragedy, he said, reminded the people of the United States that no matter who they are or where they are from, everyone is a part of something great: the American family. This family, Obama said, is what sets the United States apart as a nation.

Though the president touched on many topics in his address, such as health care, tax cuts and foreign policy, the main focus was job creation.

‘At stake right now is not who wins the next election — after all, we just had an election,’ Obama said. ‘At stake is whether new jobs and industries take root in this country or somewhere else.’

The president urged American-based innovations and said he plans to invest in biomedical research, information technology and clean energy technology, which will help open up jobs for Americans.

The unleashing of a wave of innovation will be this generation’s Sputnik moment, the president said, referring to when the Soviets beat the United States into space, causing the United States to invest in better research and education.

Jeff Stonecash, a Syracuse University political science professor, said Obama has one basic thing to do: improve the economy.

‘He needs to get the economy to improve, then he can provide more revenue and get everyone off his back about the deficit, and he has to hope it improves by 2012,’ Stonecash said.

Students need Pell Grants for when they enter college and a job when they get out, he said. Obama’s protection of Pell Grants and promise to create jobs will be very important for students, especially seniors, Stonecash said.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) said in a news release Tuesday night that Obama outlined a strong, transformative and innovative path for the nation.

‘His State of the Union address underscored the need for austerity, innovative thinking and collaboration on both sides of the aisle,’ Cuomo said.

Cuomo brought up Obama’s visit to the General Electric facility in Schenectady, N.Y., last week when Obama announced his new Council on Jobs and Competitiveness. Cuomo said this illustrates the president’s understanding of the state of the economy and what states are trying to do to overcome the deficits. Cuomo said he applauded Obama’s foresight in recognizing that it takes a focused approach to fully open our economy to future development and progress.

‘Promoting private sector job growth through economic development and restrained government spending is the right tactic to put our country on the right track,’ Cuomo said. ‘As President Obama fully understands, New York and many other states are working hard to address multibillion-dollar deficits.’

The governor said he looks forward to working with Obama to tackle the sizable challenges that face not only New York state but the nation as a whole.

‘As a nation, all Americans must refocus their energies to create solutions for future generations,’ Cuomo said. ‘President Obama’s leadership will continue to pave the way for our nation to thrive and prosper.’

medelane@syr.edu

 

 

 

 

Published on January 26, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Contact Meghin: medelane@syr.edu | @meghinwithani