How President Bush Made History in His 2007 State of the Union Address

Last night was not the first time President Bush has given a State of the Union Address. It was the first time he has delivered it to a Democratic Congress. But, it was not the first time the address has been delivered during a period in which the government is divided. For the first time in history, the State of the Union Address began with the words "Madam Speaker."

Six years ago, President Bush gave his very first State of the Union Address. During that time, the President had an 82% approval rating. Yesterday evening, President Bush began what would ultimately be his final State of the Union Address. His approval rating had dropped to an all time low of 28%.

With Vice President Dick Cheney and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi sitting behind him, President Bush began his speech.

"Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress, distinguished guests and fellow citizens, the right of custom brings us together at a defining hour when decisions are hard and courage is needed."

In front of a divided government, the President expressed the need for all to have the will to face the challenges before us, and the wisdom to face these challenges together.

The President touched upon the country's growing economy by announcing that this is the 41^st month of uninterrupted growth in which 7.2 million new jobs have been created. He will issue a full report on the state of the economy sometime next week.

Moving on the main points of his speech, President Bush asked members of Congress to support him in his desire to implement the upcoming programs which would ultimately help to spread opportunity and hope to the citizens of this country. His hopeful programs would work to: (1) balance federal budget, (2) reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act, (3) institute new initiative which will help make health care affordable for more Americans currently without, (4) implement an immigration system worthy of America, (5) diversify America's energy supply, and (6) win the war on terror.

Although the President focused greatly on domestic issues, a large majority of the public were awaiting his words on Iraq. He began, "This is not the fight we entered in Iraq, but it's the fight we're in," and ended, "Whatever you voted for, you did not vote for failure."

In the final words of his speech, President Bush honored four individual citizens for their ability to uphold American ideals in their amazing contributions to the world. These citizens were:

1. Dikembe Mutombo, an NBA star who created a hospital in his African hometown. Upon receiving his citizenship, the President announced his pride in referring to Mutombo as a United States citizen.

2. Julie Aigner-Clark, founder of The Baby Einstein Company. President Bush mentioned her ability to embrace the "great enterprising spirit of America."

3. Wesley Autrey, Subway hero. Autrey emphasizes the need for the people of this country to show love to one another.

4. Sergeant Rieman, a wounded member of the U.S. Army. He was awarded the silver star for his bravery.The 2007 State of the Union Address had one common theme, as provided by President Bush. This theme was the establishment of a future of hope and opportunity. Although our government is divided for the first time in the President's span in office, his speech has provided anticipation for the implantation of many new programs.