President Barack Obama: Obama

Obama Dept: WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama's speech Tuesday night on the condition of the United States will likely focus on cajoling recalcitrant lawmakers into bending to his second-term agenda on such issues as immigration reform, reducing gun violence and increasing taxes, according to Winnipeg Free Press. Aware of the continuing partisan gridlock gripping Washington, Obama is banking on his popularity and the political capital from his convincing re-election victory in November to call on Americans to join him in persuading opposition lawmakers to stop stonewalling his vision for what he calls a fairer America with greater opportunity for all and fILE In this Jan. 24, 2012, file photo President Barack Obama reaches out to shake hands after giving his State of the Union address on Capitol Hill in Washington. Obama will center his upcoming Feb. 12, 2013, State of the Union address on boosting job creation and economic growth, underscoring the degree to which the shaky economy threatens his ability to pursue other second-term priorities, including immigration reform and climate change. AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File The annual State of the Union speech, which is closely monitored as the presidential blueprint for his goals for the year, is expected to push again for the ambitious progressive plans Obama outlined in his second inaugural address just three weeks ago. The president's priorities also include easing back on spending cuts and addressing climate change. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.