Close
Updated:

President’s State of the Union – A passing reference to immigration

President Barack Obama delivered a 61-minute State of the Union address Tuesday, but only a a passing reference to immigration issues.

The president said: “Now, I strongly believe that we should take on, once and for all, the issue of illegal immigration. I am prepared to work with Republicans and Democrats to protect our borders, enforce our laws and address the millions of undocumented workers who are now living in the shadows.”
A passing reference to immigration. I’m glad it was in there, but this is a complicated issue not suited to sound bites — or one paragraph in a 6,000-word speech. Obama has to convince his own party to stop thwarting reform to please organized labor.

President Obama’s best line: “That dream is why I can stand here before you tonight. That dream is why a working class kid from Scranton can stand behind me. That dream is why someone who began by sweeping the floors of his father’s Cincinnati bar can preside as Speaker of the House in the greatest nation on Earth.” What a great line, and a wonderful tribute to a magnificent country. On that point, there is unanimity.

Contact Us