Transcript: Obama 2011 State Of The Union Address

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From Denny: Straight from The White House Blog is the full transcript of President Obama's 2011 State Of The Union address. It was generally very well received by the majority of Americans, though, in the light of the Tucson shooting, the speech side-stepped some thorny issues like gun control. No one speech can contain all that needs to be said for such a vast country. This president is well known for his inspirational speeches and will follow up with more since the 2012 reelection season is upon us.


The White House

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
January 25, 2011
Remarks by the President in State of Union Address
United States Capitol, Washington, D.C.

9:12 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans:

Tonight I want to begin by congratulating the men and women of the 112th Congress, as well as your new Speaker, John Boehner. (Applause.) And as we mark this occasion, we’re also mindful of the empty chair in this chamber, and we pray for the health of our colleague -- and our friend -– Gabby Giffords. (Applause.)

It’s no secret that those of us here tonight have had our differences over the last two years. The debates have been contentious; we have fought fiercely for our beliefs. And that’s a good thing. That’s what a robust democracy demands. That’s what helps set us apart as a nation.

But there’s a reason the tragedy in Tucson gave us pause. Amid all the noise and passion and rancor of our public debate, Tucson reminded us that no matter who we are or where we come from, each of us is a part of something greater -– something more consequential than party or political preference.

We are part of the American family. We believe that in a country where every race and faith and point of view can be found, we are still bound together as one people; that we share common hopes and a common creed; that the dreams of a little girl in Tucson are not so different than those of our own children, and that they all deserve the chance to be fulfilled.