Obama tackles economy in State of the Union

President Obama will deliver his annual State of the Union address on Tuesday. He intends to propose raising taxes on wealthy individuals, an idea Republicans have shot down in favor of trade deals with Asia and Europe.

Obama has indicated a desire to work with Republicans who have supported trade deals his administration has pursued in the past. An argument for fast-track negotiating authority could be featured in the president’s speech.

Senator Orin Hatch made the Republican position clear in a speech to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“If President Obama can be more forward-leaning with members of his party, starting with tonight’s State of the Union address,” remarked the senator, “I think we can get this (fast-track authority) done quickly. That is what I am committed to do.”

Democrats want the president to focus on middle class economics as they look ahead to 2016. They are championing Obama’s plan to boost middle class benefits though taxes on the wealthy and financial institutions. The plan, however, has little hope of passing as Republicans control both houses of Congress.

The president hopes to burnish his legacy in his administration’s final years. He plans to capitalize on the economic revival of his sixth year in office by helping those it has left behind. He has said the trade deals would accomplish this by creating new markets for American goods. The State of the Union will be his best opportunity to make that case.

Obama will also discuss international anti-terror efforts in light of the Charlie Hebdo massacre and mass murders committed by Boko Haram and others. He is expected to highlight American cooperation with other Western nations aimed at eliminating the threat.

Obama will also defend his decision to attempt normalizing diplomatic relations with Cuba. Alan Gross, the U.S. aid worker whose releaseĀ  began the process, will be among Michelle Obama’s guests for the speech.

The president has been on the road, introducing his ideas to the American people. His next stops this week will be Idaho and Kentucky.

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