President of the United States Barack Obama, in his final State of the Union address to the American Congress, emphasised that the fight against the Islamic State was not World War III. “...we don’t need to push away vital allies in this fight by echoing the lie that ISIL is representative of one of the world’s largest religions,” he said.
Obama was referring to the criticism of his approach on fighting the terror group and Donald Trump’s call to stop Muslims from entering the US. Obama added: “If you doubt America’s commitment, or mine, to see that justice is done, just ask Osama bin Laden.”
Contrary to what was expected, Obama mentioned his proposed gun control reforms only once as he summarised them and focused on the economy and climate change instead. However, he had a chair left empty in the box where First Lady Michelle Obama was seated, in honour of those who lost their lives to gun violence.
Obama vowed to work towards finding a cure for cancer, a task he left to Vice-President Joe Biden. He also urged people in the country to see themselves as Americans first, “regardless of race, sexual orientation, immigration status or political affiliation”. His closing remarks, “I believe in change because I believe in you,” generated a standing ovation.
As part of the Republicans' response to Obama's address, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said America will welcome anyone who respects its laws and traditions, in another reference to Trump’s remarks on banning Muslims. Haley, whose parents are Indian immigrants, said, “Some people think you have to be the loudest voice in the room to make a difference. That is just not true...When the sound is quieter, you can actually hear what someone else is saying. And that can make a world of difference.”
Unlike most people tuned in to watch the address, Republican presidential candidate Trump did not think the president’s speech was as riveting. Instead, he thought it was “slow” and “boring”.
Here’s the full text of Obama's State of Union address.
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