didn't shy away from a challenge because it was hard. that we weren't timid or got tired. >> the speech will not be longer than usual but it will be shorter. the president doesn't want to use pages and pages of the speech focusing on his past accomplishments. he wants to look into the future, focus on the big things as he put it, affecting the american people. as for tone, the white house says expect passionate and extremely optimistic. telling americans not to let cynicism affect the way they approach problems. remember, that is one way that the white house likes to set up a contrast between the president and how they view the republican presidential candidates. michae michaela? >> it will be interesting to see what he says. the final state of the union address tonight for president obama is at 9:00 eastern. cnn's coverage begins at s at p.m. isis claiming responsibility