Obama stresses recovery in State of the Union address

In an election-year State of the Union address, President Barack Obama outlined steps he wants the country to take on its way to economic recovery.

Obama’s speech outlined what will potentially bolster his reelection campaign, said Jason Roberts, a UNC political science professor.

“He is going to try and draw a contrast between himself and Congress and the rest of the Republican candidates,” he said.

Several UNC student organizations, both in support and against the president’s reelection, held viewing parties Tuesday night in honor of the president’s third State of the Union address.

Tar Heels for Obama, in collaboration with UNC Young Democrats, gathered in Gardner Hall and listened as the president addressed problems and solutions to the nation’s slow-to-recover economy.

“In the last 22 months, businesses have created more than 3 million jobs,” Obama said. “Last year, they created the most jobs since 2005.”

Most college students would rather hear about his plans for higher education, but Obama’s proposed solutions to unemployment are just as important, said Lindsey Rietkerk, press secretary of Tar Heels for Obama.

“It is important that in two or three years when we graduate, there are going to be jobs available.”

During the address, Obama pledged to make higher education more affordable, and proposed that it be mandatory for every student to stay in high school until they graduate or turn 18.

“It’s not enough for us to increase student aid. We can’t just keep subsidizing skyrocketing tuition; we’ll run out of money,” he said. “States also need to do their part by making high education a higher priority in their budgets.”

Greg Steele, chairman of UNC College Republicans, said Obama has failed in his earlier promises to unify the country.

“Obama needs to find some points where we have common ground,” Steele said.

Members of the UNC College Republicans — who held their own viewing party of the State of the Union address — will not endorse a Republican candidate until the nominee has been selected.

But Steele said he hopes to host a mock debate in the coming months between students favoring different candidates.

“It would be a good way to get the issues out there,” he said.

Everett Lozzi, co-president of Youth for Ron Paul, said he paid close attention to State of the Union address.

“We need a president that will look to the future and make hard decisions about cuts in spending,” he said.

Contact the State & National Editor at state@dailytarheel.com.