Obama to deliver final State of the Union speech
Updated: 2016-01-12 13:36
(Xinhua)
|
||||||||
US President Barack Obama waves at the start of his State of the Union address to a joint session of the US Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington in this January 20, 2015 file photo. [Photo/Agencies] |
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is expected to deliver his final State of the Union speech Tuesday evening. It is believed that he will sum up the legacy of his mandate and speak of the country's future.
With one year remaining in Obama's second and final term, the president will not present a to-do list of what he'd like to accomplish in the year ahead, unlike in his previous speeches.
Because it would be futile to present a meaningful agenda before a Republican-controlled Congress, Obama will instead set the tone for his successor.
"What I want to focus on in this State of the Union address is not just the remarkable progress we've made, not just what I want to get done in the year ahead, but what we all need to do together in the years to come," said Obama in a video message sent to supporters last week.
Nevertheless, the president's speech will cite achievements made during his mandate, according to Obama's chief of staff, Denis McDonough.
The nuclear deal with Iran, resumed diplomatic relations with Cuba, contributions to the global climate pact and an Asia-Pacific trade deal will be touched upon.
For the widely watched gun-control bids, many expect the president to give a share of his speech to the topic before a captive Congressional audience.
"I think there will be a lot of demagoguery on guns and things like that," said House Speaker Paul Ryan in an interview with Wisconsin radio station WTMJ on Monday.
However, the president doesn't expect his speech to impact his push for stronger firearms controls. "It won' t happen during this Congress. It won' t happen during my presidency," Obama said of comprehensive gun control legislation in a speech Tuesday.
Analysts say that should Obama take executive action on gun control, it would simply be the beginning of what could be more comprehensive reform in the future.
- To cool you off: The fountain in Washington Square Park
- Americans warned about terror risk this summer
- B20 China Second Joint Taskforce Meeting held in Paris
- 129 freed Myanmar fishermen brought back from India
- UN Security Council renews sanctions on South Sudan
- Cuban minister's US visit to highlight organic crops cooperation
- Performers wanted for Shanghai Disney park
- New law protects ancient villages in Southwest China's Lhasa
- Kids with HIV in Shanxi's Red Ribbon School
- Heavy rain turns Wuhan into 'seaside' city
- Photos: Little royals on the Children's Day
- Pure love: Chinese 'little prince'and his fox
- Then and now: Recreating that child-like smile
- Young teacher's heartfelt love for the students
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Anti-graft campaign targets poverty relief |
Cherry blossom signal arrival of spring |
In pictures: Destroying fake and shoddy products |
China's southernmost city to plant 500,000 trees |
Cavers make rare finds in Guangxi expedition |
Cutting hair for Longtaitou Festival |
Today's Top News
Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi to meet Kerry
Chinese stocks surge on back of MSCI rumors
Liang avoids jail in shooting death
China's finance minister addresses ratings downgrade
Duke alumni visit Chinese Embassy
Marriott unlikely to top Anbang offer for Starwood: Observers
Chinese biopharma debuts on Nasdaq
What ends Jeb Bush's White House hopes
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |