President Barack Obama’s First State of the Union Address
By J. Whyatt Mondesire – President of the Philadelphia Branch of the NAACP

President Barack Obama’s first State of the Union Address was eloquent and confident. Obama clearly heard the sentiment of the public and declared that job growth was his number one priority. He also stated that as far as the economy was concerned, “The worst of the storm has passed.” However President Obama renewed his commitment to keep fighting for health reform It was good to see the President was not afraid to confront some of his political enemies including Republicans who have stalled his legislative plans in the Senate. Obama also directly confronted the Supreme Court who was sitting right at his feet less than twenty feet away – boldly criticizing their recent decision to allow corporations to spend money directly for political campaigns without having to go through PACs It was good to see Obama has vowed to create tax incentives for people who go to college, more loan programs for small businesses and help for community banks. This was an accomplished speech that refocused the Administrations message toward job creation without backing down on key issues like health reform. At the end the President made a plea for decency and national unity during what has been a divisive period. As the cameras panned across the faces of Congress – you could see the President had their attention on that issue. Whether President Obama can hold it beyond tonight – only time will tell.

J. Whyatt Mondesire is President of the Philadelphia NAACP and host of “Freedom Quest” which airs each Sunday morning live from 7-8 AM. This weekend the conversation will focus on reaction to the President’s State of the Union Address with Congressman Bob Brady. Philadelphia School Superintendant Arlene Ackerman will also be a guest.