Transcripts For KNTV State Of The Union 2014 20140129

When both parties do come together, though both will not show the same reaction tonight to what is the president s fifth state of the union address. He walks into the Chamber Tonight presiding over a better u. S. Economy than when he took over the job, though with millions struggling, youll hear him talk about income inequality tonight as we watch the first lady enter. He will talk about education and immigration and minimum wage, and hell talk about health care now that there has been a leveling off after a rough launch. This night traditionally one part status report on our nation, one part wish list for the future of our nation. Its that second component that has become so tough with our politics so fractured. And were just seeing the entry, as weve been talking, of the first lady into the box on the second floor of the inside of the House Chamber. She passed by dr. Jill biden. All of the various guests arranged there and by invitation. Chuck todd, the last thing we mentioned, and its terrible to have to say this, but our new nbc news wall street journal poll just tonight indicates americans now believe their country has been on the wrong track for a decade. Thats what is amazing here. You know, every month i report about the new nbc wall street journal poll, and weve been saying you know what . People think the country is off on the wrong track, but look at this red line. This goes all the way back to 2004. Were going back ten straight years, 100 different surveys that we conducted. And each one of them going back to 2004, more people have said this country is headed on the wrong track than in the right direction. Right now theyre in a real pessimistic mood. We know the president is going to describe the state of the union as strong. Well, we asked our respondents what do you think the state of the nation is. Only 3 picked strong. Look in this word cloud, the words that were used more often than strong in red here, divided, troubled, deteriorating. As you see there, the positive words in green, its almost hard to read on your screen. And then of course there is the pessimism about the president himself. A lot of folks in our survey, 59 , think that the rest of his term theyre feeling uncertain or pessimistic about it. Only 40 feel optimistic and satisfied about the years that remain in his term. This is the backdrop. Its pretty grim backdrop that the president has. And this state of the union in many ways, brian, i would argue, this is his last one that hes got a chance to truly own the agenda here in washington. Its a tough task hes got ahead. So david gregory, to coin a phrase, this is our country. How much longer do we put up with, you know, a decade of pessimism about our direction . What is going to happen . Well, and its so interesting because the economy is getting better. Thats what this president had to do. He had to make the economy better, yet he is not getting a lot of credit for it. Chuck is exactly right in terms of what he is describing, yet the president has over a thousand days in his term. Because as you mentioned 2013 was such a bad year for him, there is a question about how much persuasive punch he has left. He is doing all these executive orders tonight. Well, republicans in congress are saying youre going to have a real fight if you try to trample on us. So weve got some real difficulties here. And this is an election year, brian. So hes got to frame not just what he is for, but what his party is for. Democrats i talked to today are desperate for him to go on offense, to defend obamacare, stop apologizing, to pivot, to pocketbook issues for the middle class that they want to run on and win with they hope this november. Andrea mitchell, as we see the cabinet come in and await the arrival of the president , last year the president hit a vast wish list. He got very few items on it. Tonight well see the same thing, of course, again, given our fractured politics, this is what happens. And he is going to come in not confrontationally, but he is going to say if we cant Work Together, and i do want to Work Together, and immigration is one thing, he is going to take some actions on his own. He has already signaled that he is going to try to do something about the minimum wage for future federal contractors, perhaps 200,000 people by executive action. But beyond that, he really does need a partnership with congress. And they think they can perhaps do something on immigration, but the republicans have already said that theyre going to keep going at him on obamacare, on health care. They think that he is really vulnerable on that. And truth be told, as much damage as the Health Care Issue has been for him, hes also suffering from what chuck and david have described as this anger and pessimism about washington, which was partially caused by the Government Shutdown that people initially blamed republicans, but the back wash from that is also infecting the general attitude, and its hurting the president as well. I want to let everybody know in addition to our conversation on the air tonight, the conversation will continue all evening long on nbc news. Com where you take part, and youll see the observations and additions of members of our team on the bottom of the screen throughout the evening tonight. And another member of our team, kelly odonnell, we always say this, may have the best seat of all. She is inside the House Chamber there far on the right, using her customized nbc news opera glasses. Kelly, this may be the year that the gallery has changed over to these kind of celebrity invited guests not unlike the white house correspondents dinner. It had a little of that feeling, brian, because one of the reality tv stars of duck dynasty, Willie Robertson is here with his star spangled bandanna, and there has been a parade of members, republican members of the house who have come from the floor up to the second level to shake hands with him. Guests at a night like this often represent big themes. So we also can tell you there are people who are teachers, the unemployed, there are war veterans who are here there is an array of people who represent some of the themes of this night, but there was a definite, especially before the event started to unfold, a real celebrity feeling in the room because i havent seen that in covering a lot of these where members were taking photos from the floor up into the second level to catch this reality star who has been very popular. So pop culture and political life collide here tonight. Youll also notice on especially democrats lapels tonight sort of a blue ribbon. Thats a concern for their raising the minimum wage. So there is a policy idea behind that. Youll also note a lot of the ladies in congress are in red tonight, that tvfriendly color that puts them very visible along the especially the center aisle, where many have waited for hours. They literally have to bring their work to the chamber and wait for hours to get those seats along the aisle where the president is most likely to shake their hands, and maybe theyll be seen in their hometowns on local news and coverage there, which can be beneficial for many who want to have that moment with the president. Some great little scenes, andrea mitchell, here, especially one featuring the attorney general and secretary of state. That is a rare moment when john kerry is in town because he has been traveling nonstop. And one of the criticisms from some that he heard a lot of when he was in switzerland last month that he is focusing too much on israelipalestinian agenda, not enough on syria. Syria talks going nowhere. Were going to hear from the president tonight Strong Defense of the iranian negotiations, and again, that veto threat if Congress Steps in and tries to impose iranian sanctions. There is a lot of bipartisan support for that. And he said hell veto it because he thinks it would blow up the negotiations. And one quick historic note. It was the state of the union back in 2002 when george w. Bush said those three little words, axis of evil, including iran, which was aligned against us with the taliban. And that blew up any hope of diplomacy with iran until now. We keep showing this hinting shot of the door in the back of the chamber. The door was closed, and now its been opened. They keep looking to see if the aisle is clear and people have settled down. Paul irving, the sergeant at arms, will walk through there and make the announcement. We happen to know the president is behind those double doors on the left, and hell come down the aisle. You know, brian, im just sort of three years ago after the shooting with gabby giffords, and for a couple state of the unions in a row, everybody found a bipartisan date. There was more of a dignified feeling about the guests you would invite. Boy, you can tell things are a lot different now when youre inviting duck dynasty stars. Everybody is trying to make a partisan political point. You get the feeling that whatever kumbahyah there had been, at least in the last couple of years. Thats gone with this state of the union. They had a budget deal that was pretty promising. The president will talk about it. Yet this feels like its going to be a base event tonight. Health care versus middle class issues. Mr. Speaker, the president of the United States. Leadership behind him. This has taken varying amounts of time over the years, and depending on the president. You look at old news reels of this event, and some president s have comparatively positively charged down the aisle, but others like to stop. And in the television era, we were talking about the bright colors on some of the female members of the house of representatives in the television era. This is valuable, or at least seen to be valuable on camera time. With the leader of the free world. And yes, our eyes are on congressman eliot engel of new york who is coming up on the right of your screen. For years now, he has made it his business to stand on the aisle and greet the president , except when the president turns the other way. You see cantor right there behind the president. Theyre all getting together on thursday. And one of the early tests, brian, is going to be raising the debt ceiling. And theyre going to be talking about how they might tie some of their wish list to raising the debt ceiling like rolling back some of his executive authorities that the president is going to be asserting tonight. Lets listen in to some of these greetings as all is fair and Everybody Knows our microphones are down on the floor of the house. You know i wont. Good, good. Thank you. How are you . How are you this evening . I hope youre doing well. Good. Good to see you, brother. Good to see you. Good to see you. Good to see you. John kerry, glad you could make it, man. Threw her arms around the president. Not all the Supreme Court justices go. Justice alito, him shaking his head. That looks like a better turnout than weve seen from the sport in the last years. Justice alito does not think its the business of the justices to be here. They dont react to anything partisan the president says. We also saw the chief of staff for the u. S. Army, ray odierno. The president comes up and greets the Vice President and the speaker. Well have another round of this. Lets hope Everybody Knows the microphones are on. A the heartstopping moment. A long day for the house speaker. Thank you. Thank you. You ready . Members of congress, i have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the president of the United States. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. Mr. Speaker, mr. Vice president , members of congress, my fellow americans, today in america a teacher spent extra time with a student who needed it and did her part to lift americas Graduation Rate to its highest levels in more than three dec e decades. An entrepreneur flipped on the lights in her tech startup and did her part to add to the more than eight million new jobs our businesses have created over the past four years. An auto worker finetunes some of the best, most fuel efficient cars in the world and did his part to help america wean itself off foreign oil. A farmer prepared for the spring after the strongest fiveyear stretch of farm exports in our history. A rural doctor gave a young child the first prescription to treat asthma that his mother could afford. A man took the bus home from the graveyard shift, bone tired but dreaming big dreams for his son. And in tightknit communities all across america, fathers and mothers will tuck in their kids, put an arm around their spouse, remember fallen comrades, and give thanks for being home from a war that after 12 long years is finally coming to an end. Tonight this chamber speaks with one voice to the people we represent. It is you, our citizens who make the state of our union strong. And here are the results of your efforts. The lowest Unemployment Rate in over five years, a rebounding housing market, a Manufacturing Sector that is adding jobs for the First Time Since the 1990s, more oil produced, more oil produced at home than we buy from the rest of the world, the first time thats happened in nearly 20 years. Our deficits cut by more than half. And for the first time, for the first time in over a decade, Business Leaders around the world have declared that china is no longer the worlds number one place to invest america is. Thats why i believe this can be a breakthrough year for america. After five years of grit and determined effort, the United States is better positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on earth. The question for everyone in this chamber, running through every decision we make this year is whether we are going to help or hinder this progress. For several years now, this town has been consumed bay rancoress argument over the progress of the federal government. Its an important debate, one that dates back to our very founding. But when that debate prevents us from carrying out even the most basic functions of our democracy, when our differences shut down government or threaten the full faith and credit of the United States, then we are not doing right by the American People. Now as president , im committed to making washington work better and rebuilding the trust of the people who sent us here. And i believe most of you are too. Last month thanks to the work of democrats and republicans, Congress Finally produced a budget that undoes some of last years severe cuts to priorities like education. Nobody got everything they wanted, and we can still do more to invest in this countrys future while bringing down our deficit in a balanced way, but the budget compromise should leave us to focus on creating new jobs, not creating new crises. And in the coming months, in the coming months, lets see where else we can make progress together. Lets make this a year of action. Thats what most americans want, for all of us in this chamber to focus on their lives, their hopes, their aspirations. And what i believe unites the people of this nation, regardless of race or region or party, young or old, rich or poor is the simple, profound belief in opportunity for all, the notion that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead in america. Lets face it. That belief has suffered some serious blows. Over more than three decades, even before the Great Recession hit, massive shifts in technology and global competition had eliminated a lot of good middle class jobs and weakened the economic foundations that families depend on. Today after four years of economic growth, corporate profits and stock prices have rarely been higher, and those at the top have never done better. But average wages have barely budged. Inequality has deepened. Upward mobility has stalled. The cold, hard fact is even in the midst of recovery, too Many Americans are working more than ever just to get by, let alone to get ahead. And too many still arent working at all. So our job is to reverse these trends. It wont happen right away, and we wont agree on everything. But what i offer tonight is a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle class, and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class. Some require congressional action, and i am eager to work with all of you. But america does not stand still and neither will i. So wherever and whenever i can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more american families, thats what im going to do. As usual, our first lady sets a good example. Michelles well. Michelles lets move partnership with schools, businesses, local leaders has helped bring down Childhood Obesity rates for the first time in 30 years. And thats an achievement that will improve lives and reduce Health Care Costs for decades to come. The joining forces alliance that michelle and jill biden launched has already encouraged employers to hire or train nearly 400,000 veterans and military spouses. Taking a page from that playbook, the white house just organized a College Opportunity summit where already 150 universities, businesses, nonprofits have made concrete commitments to reduce inequality and access to Higher Education, and to help every hardworking kid go to college and succeed when they get to campus. And across the country, were partnering with mayors, governors, and state legislatures on issues from homelessness to marriage equality. The point is there are millions of americans outside of washington who are tired of stale political arguments and are moving this country forward. They believe and i believe that here in america our success should depend not on accident, but the strength of our work ethic and the scope of our dreams. Thats what drew our forebearers here. Thats how the daughter of a factory worker is ceo of americas largest automaker. How the son of the bar keep is speaker of the house. How the son of a single mom can be president of the greatest nation on earth. Opportunity is who we are, and the defining project of our generation must be to restore that promise. We know where to start. The best measure of opportunity is access to a good job. With the economy picking up speed, Companies Say they intend to hire more people this year. And over half of big manufacturers say theyre thinking of insourcing jobs from abroad. So lets make that decision easier for more companies. Both democrats and republicans have argued that our tax code is riddled with wasteful, complicated loopholes that punish businesses investing here and reward companies that keep profits abroad. Lets flip that equation. Lets Work Together to close those loopholes and those incentives to ship jobs overseas and lower tax rates for businesses to create jobs right here at home. Moreover, we can take the money we save from this transition to tax reform to create jobs rebuilding our roads, upgrading our ports, unclogging our commutes. Because in todays Global Economy, first class jobs gravitate to first class infrastructure. Well need congress to protect more than three million jobs by finishing transportation and waterways bills this summer. That can happen. But ill act on my own to slash bureaucracy and streamline the permitting process for key projects so we can get more construction work owners the job as fast as possible. We also have the chance right now to beat other countries in the race for the next wave of hightech manufacturing jobs. Now, my administration has launched two hubs for hightech manufacturing in raleigh, North Carolina and youngstown, ohio, where we connected businesses to Research Universities that can help america lead the world in advance technologies. Tonight im announcing well launch six more this year. Bipartisan bills in both houses could double the number of these hubbs and the jobs they create. So get those bills to my desk. Put more americans back to work. Lets do more to help the entrepreneurs and Small Business owners who create most new jobs in america. Over the past five years, my administration has made more loans to Small Business owners than any other. And when 98 of our exporters are Small Businesses, new trade partnerships with europe and the asiapacific will help them create even more jobs. We need to Work Together on tools like Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority to protect our workers, protect our environment, and open new markets to new goods stamped made in the usa. Listen, china and europe arent standing on the sidelines. And neither should we. We know that the nation that goes all in on innovation today will own the Global Economy tomorrow. This is an edge america cannot surrender. Federally funded research helped lead to the ideas and inventions behind google and smartphones, and thats why congress should undo the damage done by last years cuts to basic research, so we can unleash the next Great American discoverer. There are entire industries to be built based on vaccines that stay ahead of drugresistant bacteria, or paperthin material that is stronger than steel. And lets pass a patent reform bill that allows our businesses to stay focused on innovation, not costly and needless litigation. Now, one of the biggest factors in bringing more jobs back is our commitment to american energy. The all of the above Energy Strategy i announced a few years ago is working, and today america is closer to Energy Independence than we have been in decades. One of the reasons why is natural gas. If extracted safely, its the bridge fuel that can power our economy with less of the Carbon Pollution that causes climate change. Businesses plan to invest almost 100 billion in new factories that use natural gas. All cut red tape to help states get those factories built and put folks to work, and this congress can help by putting people to work building fueling stations that shift more cars and trucks from foreign oil to american natural gas. Meanwhile, my administration will keep working with the industry to sustain production and job growths while strengthening protection of our air, our water, our communities. And while were at it, ill use my authority to protect more of our pristine federal lands for future generations. Now, its not just oil and natural Gas Production that is booming. Were becoming a Global Leader in solar too. Every four minutes another American Home or business goes solar. Every panel pounded into place by a worker whose job cannot be outsourced. Lets continue that progress with a smarter tax policy that stops giving 4 billion a year to fossil fuel industries that dont need it so we can invest more in fuels of the future that do. And even as weve increased energy production, we partnered with businesses, builders, and local communities to reduce the energy we consume. When we rescued our automakers, for example, we worked with them to set higher fuel efficiency standards for our cars. In the coming months, ill build on that success by setting new standards for our trucks. So we can keep driving down oil imports and what we pay at the pump. And taken together, our Energy Policy is creating jobs and leading to a cleaner, safer planet. Over the past eight years, the United States has reduced our total Carbon Pollution more than any other nation on earth. But we have to act with more urgency, because the changing climate is already harming western communities struggling with drought and coastal cities dealing with floods. Thats why i directed my administration to work with states, utilities, and others to set new standards on the amount of Carbon Pollution our power plants are allowed to dump into the air. The shift the shift to a cleaner Energy Economy wont happen overnight, and it will require some tough choices along the way. But the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact. And when our childrens children look us in the eye and ask if we did all we could to leave them a safer, more stable world with new sources of energy, i want us to be able to say yes we did. Finally, if were serious about economic growth, it is time to heed the call of Business Leaders, labor leaders, faith leaders, law enforcement, and fix our broken immigration system. Republicans and democrats in the senate have acted, and i know that members of both parties in the house want to do the same. Independent economists say Immigration Reform will grow our economy and shrink our deficits by almost 1 trillion in the next two decades, and for good reason. When people come here to fulfill their dreams, to study, invent, contribute to our culture, they make our country a more attractive place for businesses to locate and create jobs for everybody. So lets get Immigration Reform done this year. Lets get it done. Its time. The ideas ive outlined so far can speed up growth and create more jobs. But in this rapidly changing economy, we have to make sure that every american has the skills to fill those jobs. The good news is we know how to do it. Two years ago, as the Auto Industry came roaring back, andra rush opened up a Manufacturing Firm in detroit. She knew that ford needed parts for the bestselling truck in america, and she knew how to make those parts. She just needed the workforce. So she dialed up what we call an american job center, places where folks can walk in to get the help or training they need to find a new job or a better job. She was flooded with new workers. And today Detroit Manufacturing Systems has more than 700 employees. What andra and her employees experienced is how it should be for every employer and every job seeker. So tonight ive asked Vice President biden to lead an acrosstheboard reform of americas Training Programs to make sure they have one mission, train americans with the skills employers need and match them to good jobs that need to be filled right now. That means more onthejob training and more apprenticeships that send a young worker on an upward trajectory for life. It means connecting companies to Community Colleges that can help Design Training to fill their specific needs. And if Congress Wants to help, you can concentrate funding on proven programs that connect more ready to work americans with ready to be filled jobs. Im also convinced we can help americans return to the workforce faster by reforming Unemployment Insurance so that its more effective in todays economy. But first this Congress Needs to restore the Unemployment Insurance you just let expire for 1. 6 million people. Let me tell you why. Misty demars is a mother of two young boys. She had been steadily employed since she was a teenager, put herself through college. She had never collected unemployment benefits, but she has been paying taxes. In may she and her husband used their life savings to buy their first home. A week later, budget cuts claimed the job she loved. Last month when her Unemployment Insurance was cut off, she sat down and wrote me a letter, the kind i get every day. We are the face of the unemployment crisis, she wrote. Im not depending on the government. Our country depends on People Like Us who build careers, contributes to society, care about our neighbors. Im confident that in time i will find a job, i will pay my taxes, and we will raise our children in our own home in the community we love. Please give us this chance. Congress, give these hardworking responsible americans that chance. Give them that chance. Give them the chance. They need our help right now, but more important, this country needs them in the game. Thats why ive been asking ceos to give more longterm unemployed workers a fair shot at new jobs, a new chance to support their families. And, in fact, this week many will come to the white house to make that commitment real. Tonight i ask every Business Leader in america to join us and do the same, because we are stronger when america fields a full team. Of course its not enough to train todays workforce. We also have to prepare tomorrows workforce by guaranteeing every child access to a world class education. Steven rodriguez couldnt speak a word of english when he moved to new york city at age 9. But last month, thanks to the support of Great Teachers and an innovative tutoring program, he led a march of his classmates. Through a crowd of cheering parents and neighbors from their high school to the post office where they mailed off their college applications. And this son of a factory worker just found out he is going to college this fall. Five years ago we set out to change the odds for all our kids. We worked with lenders to reform student loans. And today more young people are earning College Degrees than ever before. Race to the top, with the help of governors from both parties, has helped states raise expectations and performance. Teachers and principals in schools from tennessee to washington, d. C. Are making big strides in preparing students with the skills for the new economy. Problem solving, critical thinking, science, technology, engineering, math. Now some of this change is hard. It requires everything from more challenging curriculums and more demanding parents to better support for teachers, and new ways to measure how well our kids think, not how well they can fill in a bubble on a test. But it is worth it, and it is working. The problem is were still not reaching enough kids, and were not reaching them in time, and that has to change. Research shows that one of the best investments we can make in a childs life is high quality early education. Last year i asked this congress to help states make high quality prek available to every 4yearold. And as a parent as well as the president , i repeat that request tonight. But in the meantime, 30 states have raised prek funding on their own. They know we cant wait. So just as we worked with states to reform our schools, this year well invest in new partnerships with states and communities across the country in a race to the top for our youngest children. And as congress decides what its going to do, im going to pull together a coalition of elected officials, Business Leaders and philanthropists willing to help more kids access the high quality prek that they need. It is right for america. We need to get this done. Last year i also pledged to connect 99 of our students to highspeed broad band over the next four years. Tonight i can announce that with the support of the fcc and Companies Like apple, microsoft, sprint, and verizon, we have a down payment to Start Connecting more than 15,000 schools and 20 Million Students over the next two years without adding a dime to the deficit. Were working to redesign high schools and partner them with colleges and employers that offer the real World Education and handson training that can lead directly to a job and career. Were shaking up our system of Higher Education to give parents more information and colleges more incentive to offer better value so that no middle class kid is priced out of a college education. Were offering millions the opportunity to cap their monthly student loan payments to 10 of their income. And i want to work with congress to see how we can help even more americans who feel trapped by student loan debt. And im reaching out to some of americas leading foundations and corporations on a new initiative to help more young men of color facing especially tough odds to stay on track and reach their full potential. The bottom line is michelle and i want every child to have the same chance this country gave us. We know our opportunity agenda wont be complete, and too many young people entering the workforce today will see the American Dream as an empty promise unless we also do more to make sure our economy honors the dignity of work, and hard work pays off for every single american. Today women make up about half our workforce, but they still make 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. That is wrong. And in 2014, its an embarrassment. Women deserve equal pay for equal work. She deserves to have a baby without sacrificing her job. A mother deserves a day off to care for a sick child or a sick parent without running into hardship. And you know what . A father does too. It is time to do away with workplace policies that belong in a madmen episode. This year lets all come together, congress, the white house, businesses from wall street to main street to give every woman the opportunity she deserves, because i believe when women succeed, america succeeds. Now, women hold a majority of lower wage jobs, but theyre not the only ones stifled by stagnant wages. Americans understand that some people will earn more money than others, and we dont resent those who by virtue of their efforts achieve incredible success. Thats what america is all about. But americans overwhelmingly agree that no one who works fulltime should ever have to raise a family in poverty. In the year since i asked this congress to raise the minimum wage, five states have passed laws to raise theirs. Many businesses have done it on their own. Nick schute is here today. With his bonn, john. John is the owner in minneapolis and nick helps make the dough. Only now he makes more of it. John just gave his employees a raise to 10 bucks an hour, and thats a decision that has eased their Financial Stress and boosted their morale. Tonight i ask more of americas Business Leaders to follow johns lead. Do what you can to raise your employees wages. Its good for the economy. Its good for america. Every mayor, governor, state legislator in america, i say you dont have to wait for congress to act. Americans will support you if you take this on. And as a chief executive, i intend to lead by example. Profitable corporations like costco see higher wages as the smart way to boost productivity and reduce turnover. We should too. In the coming weeks, i will issue an executive order requiring federal contractors to pay their federally funded employees a fair wage of at least 10. 10 an hour, because if you cook our troops meals or wash their dishes, you should not have to live in poverty. Of course, to reach millions more, congress does need to get on board. Today the federal minimum wage is worth about 20 less than it was when Ronald Reagan first stood here. Tom harkin and George Miller have a bill to fix that by lifting the minimum wage to 10. 10. Its easy to remember, 1010. This will help families. It will give businesses customers with more money to spend. It does not involve any new bureaucratic program. So join the rest of the country, say yes, give america a raise. Give em a raise. There are other steps we can take to help families make ends meet, and fewer are more effective in reducing inequality and helping families pull themselves up through hard work than the earned income tax credit. Right now it helps about half of all parents at some point. Think about that. It helps about half of all parents in america at some point in their lives. But i agree with republicans like senator rubio that it doesnt do enough for single workers who dont have kids. So lets Work Together to strengthen the credit, reward work, help more americans get ahead. Lets do more to help americans save for retirement. Today most workers dont have a pension. A Social Security check often isnt enough on its own. And while the stock market has doubled over the last five years, that doesnt help folks who dont have 401 k s. Thats why tomorrow i will direct the treasury to create a new way for working americans to start their own retirement savings. My ira. Its a new savings bond that encourages folks to build a nest egg. My ira guarantees a decent return with no risk of losing what you put in. And if this Congress Wants to help, work with me to fix an upside down tax code that gives big tax breaks to help the wealthy save, but does little or nothing for middle class americans. Offer every american access to an automatic ira on the job so they can save at work just like everybody in this chamber can. And since the most investment many families make is their home, send me legislation that protects taxpayers from footing the bill for a housing crisis ever again and keeps the dream of Home Ownership alive for future generations. One last point on financial security. For decades few things exposed hardworking families to Economic Hardship more than a broken health care system. And in case you havent heard, were in the process of fixing that. A preexisting condition used to mean that someone like amanda shelley, a physicians assistant and single mom from arizona, couldnt get Health Insurance. But on january 1st, she got covered. On january 3rd, she felt a sharp pain. On january 6th, she had emergency surgery. Just one week earlier, amanda said, and that surgery would have meant bankruptcy. Thats what Health Insurance reform is all about. The peace of mind that if misfortune strikes, you dont have to lose everything. Already because of the Affordable Care act more than three million americans under age 26 have gained coverage under their parents plan. More than nine million americans have signed up for private Health Insurance or medicaid coverage. Nine million. And here is another number. Zero. Because of this law, no american, none, zero can ever again be dropped or denied coverage for a preexisting condition like asthma or back pain or cancer. No woman can ever be charged more just because she is a woman. And we did all this while adding years to medicares finances, keeping medicare premiums flat, and lowering prescription costs for millions of seniors. Now, i do not expect to convince my republican friends on the merits of this law. But i know that the American People are not interested in refighting old battles. So, again, if you have specific plans to cut costs, cover more people, increase choice, tell america what you would do differently. Lets see if the numbers add up. But lets not have another 40 something votes to repeal a law that is already helping millions of americans like amanda. The first 40 were plenty. We all owe to it the American People to say what were for, not just what were against. And if you want to know the real impact this law is having, just talk to Governor Steve Beshear of kentucky who is here tonight. Now kentucky is not the most liberal part of the country. Thats not where i got my highest vote totals. But he is like a man possessed when it comes to covering his commonwealths families. Its our neighbors and our friends, he says. Its people we shop and go to church with. Farmers out on the tractor, grocery clerks. Theyre people who go to work every morning praying they dont get sick. No one deserves to live that way. Steves right. Thats why tonight i ask every american who knows someone without Health Insurance to help them get covered by march 31st. Help them get covered. Moms, get on your kids to sign up. Kids, call your mom and walk her through the application. It will give her some peace of mind, plus shell appreciate hearing from you. After all that, thats the spirit that has always moved this nation forward. Its the spirit of citizenship. The recognition that through hard work and responsibility, we can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American Family to make sure the next generation can pursue its dreams as well. Citizenship means standing up for everyones right to vote. Last year, part of the Voting Rights act was weakened, but conservative republicans and liberal democrats are working together to strengthen it. And the Bipartisan Commission i appointed, chaired by my Campaign Lawyer and governor romneys Campaign Lawyer came together and have offered reforms so that no one has to wait more than a half hour to vote. Lets support these efforts. It should be the power of our vote, not the size of our bank account that drives our democracy. Citizenship means standing up for the lives that gun violence steals from us each day. Ive seen the courage of parents, students, pastors, Police Officers all over this country who say we are not afraid. And i intend to keep trying with or without congress to help stop more tragedies from visiting innocent americans in our movie theaters, in our shopping malls or schools like sandy hook. Citizenship demands a sense of common purpose. Participation in the hard work of selfgovernment. An obligation to serve our communities. And i know this chamber agrees that few americans give more to their country than our diplomats and the men and women of the United States armed forces. Thank you. Tonight because of the extraordinary troops and civilians who risk and lay down their lives to keep us free, the United States is more secure. When i took office, nearly 180,000 americans were serving in iraq and afghanistan. Today all our troops are out of iraq. More than 60,000 of our troops have already come home from afghanistan. With Afghan Forces now in the lead for their own security, our troops have moved to a support role. Together with our allies, we will complete our mission there by the end of this year. And americas longest war will finally be over. After 2014, we will support a unified afghanistan as it takes responsibility for its own future. If the Afghan Government signs a Security Agreement that we have negotiated, a small force of americans could remain in afghanistan with nato allies to carry out two narrow Missions Training and assisting Afghan Forces and Counterterrorism Operations to pursue any remnants of al qaeda. While our relationship with afghanistan will change, one thing will not. Our resolve the terrorists do not launch attacks against our country. The fact is that danger remains. While we put al qaedas core leadership on a path to defeat, the threat has evolved as al qaeda affiliates and other extremists take root in different parts of the world. In yemen, somalia, iraq, mali, we have to keep working with partners to disrupt and disable those networks. In syria, well support the operation that rejects the agenda of terrorist networks. Here at home well keep strengthening our defenses and combat new threats like cyberattacks. And as we reform our defense budget, we will have to keep faith with our men and women in uniform and invest in the capabilities they need to succeed in future missions. We have to remain vigilant. But i strongly believe our leadership and our security cannot depend on our outstanding military alone. As commander in chief, i have used force when needed to protect the American People. And i will never hesitate to do so as long as i hold this office. But i will not send our troops into harms way unless it is truly necessary, nor will i allow our sons and daughters to be mired in openended conflicts. We must might the battles that need to be fought, not those that terrorists prefer from us, large scale deployments that drain our strength and may ultimately feed extremists. So even as we actively and progressively pursue terrorist networks through more targeted efforts and by building the capacity of our foreign partners, america must move off a permanent war footing. Thats why im improsed prudent limit on the use of drones. For we will not be safer if people abroad believe we strike within their countries without regard for the consequence. Thats why working with this congress, i will reform our surveillance programs. Because the vital work of our Intelligence Community depends on Public Confidence here and abroad that privacy of ordinary people is not being violated. And with the afghan war ending, this needs to be the Year Congress lifts the remaining restrictions on detainee transfers, and we close the prison at guantanamo bay. Because we counterterrorism not just through intelligence and military actions, but by remaining true to our constitutional ideals. And setting an example for the rest of the world. You see, in a world of complex threats, our security, our leadership depends on all elements of our power. Including strong and principled diplomacy. American diplomacy has rallied more than 50 countries to prevent Nuclear Materials from falling into the wrong hands, and allowed us to reduce our own reliance on cold war stockpiles. American diplomacy backed by the threat of force is why syrias chemical weapons are being eliminated. And we will continue to work with the International Community to usher in the future the Syrian People deserve, a future free of dictatorship, terror, and fear. As we speak, the american diplomacy is supporting israelis and palestinians as they engage in the difficult but necessary talks to end the conflict there. To achieve dignity and an independent state for palestinians. And lasting peace and security for the state of israel, a jewish state that knows america will always be at their side. And it is american diplomacy backed by pressure that has halted the progress of Irans Nuclear program and rolled back parts of that program for the very first time in a decade. As we gather here tonight, iran has begun to eliminate its stockpile of higher levels of enriched uranium. Its not installing advanced centrifuges. Unprecedented inspections helped the world verify every day that iran is not building a bomb. And with our allies and partners, were engaged in negotiations to see if we can peacefully achieve a goal we all share. Preventing iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. These negotiations will be difficult. They may not succeed. We are cleareyed about irans support for terrorist organizations like hezbollah, which threatens our allies, and were clear about the mistrust between our nations, mistrust that cannot be wished away. But these negotiations dont rely on trust. Any longterm deal we agree to must be based on verifiable action that convinces us and the International Community that iran is not building a nuclear bomb. If john f. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan could negotiate with the soviet union, then surely a strong and confident america can negotiate with less powerful adversaries today. For the sake of our natural security, we must give diplomacy a chance to succeed. But irans leaders do seize the chance, and well know soon enough, then iran could take an important step to rejoin the community of nations, and we will have resolved one of the leading security challenges of our time without the risks of war. Finally, lets remember that our leadership is defined not just by our defense against threats, but by the enormous opportunities to do good and promote understanding around the globe. To forge greater cooperation, to expand new markets, to free people from fear and want. And no one is better positioned to take advantage of those opportunities than america. Our alliance with europe remains the strongest the world has ever known. From tunisia to burma, were supporting those who are willing to do the hard work of building democracy. Governments to double access to electricity and help end extreme poverty. In the americas, were building new ties with commerce, but also expanding cultural and educational exchanges among young people. And we will continue to focus on the Asian Pacific where we support our allies, shape a future of greater security and prosperity, and extend a hand to those devastated by disaster. As we did in the philippines when our marines and civilians rushed to aid those battered by a typhoon. And who were greeted with words like, we will never forget your kindness and god bless america. We do these things because they help promote our longterm security. And we do them because we believe in the inherent dignity and quality of every human being regardless of race or religion, creed or sexual orientation. And next week the world will see one expression of that commitment when team usa marches the red white and blue in the Olympic Stadium and brings home the gold. 3 f1 my fellow americans, no other country in the world does what we do. On every issue, the world turns to us. Not simply because the size of our economy or military might, but because of the ideals we stand for. And the burdens we bear to advance them. No one knows this better than those who serve in uniform. This time of war draws to a close, a new generation of heroes returns to civilian life. Well keep slashes that backlog so our veterans receive the benefits theyve earned and our Wounded Warriors receive the Health Care Including the Mental Health care that they need. 3 f1 well keep working to help all our veterans translate their skills and leadership into jobs here at home. And we will all continue to join forces to honor and support our remarkable military families. Let me tell you about one of those families ive come to know. I first met Cory Remsburg, a proud army ranger, at omaha beach on the 65th anniversary of dday. Along with some of his fellow rangers, he walked me through the program and ceremony. He was a strong, impressive young man. He was sharp as a tack. And we joked around and took pictures and i told him to stay in touch. A few months later on his tenth deployment, cory was nearly killed by a massive roadside bomb in afghanistan. His comrades found him in a canal face down under water, shrapnel in his brain. For months he lay in a coma. The next time i met him in the hospital, he couldnt speak. Could barely move. Over the years hes endured dozens of surgeries and procedures, hours of grueling rehab every day. Even now corys still blind in one eye, still struggles on his left side. But slowly, steadily with the support of caregivers like his dad craig and the Community Around him, cory has grown stronger. Day by day hes learned to speak again and stand again and walk again. Hes working toward the day when he can serve his country again. My recovery has not been easy, he says. Nothing in life thats worth anything is easy. Cory is here tonight. And like the army he loves like the america he serves, Sergeant First Class Cory Remsburg never gives up and he does not quit. My fellow americans, my fellow americans, men and women like cory remind us that america has never come easy. Our freedom, our democracy has never been easy. Sometimes we stumble. We make mistakes. We get frustrated or discouraged. But for more than 200 years, we have put those things aside and placed our collective shoulder to the wheel of progress. To create and build and expand the possibilities of individual achievement, to free other nations from tyranny and fear, to promote justice and fairness and equality under the law so that the word set to paper by our founders are made real for every citizen. The america we want for our kids, a rising america where honest work is plentiful and communities are strong, where prosperity is widely shared, an opportunity that lets us follow our dreams, none of it is easy. But if we Work Together, if we summon what is best in us the way cory summoned what was best for him with our feet firmly planted in today but our eyes cast towards tomorrow, i know it is within our reach. Believe it. God bless you and god bless the United States of america. [ applause ] the president concluding his fifth state of the union address. A lot of things will perhaps be remembered from this speech including the call for the middle class to finally make headway as he president declares war on income inequality and asks for the support of congress. The president spoke about doing away with workplace policies that belong in a mad men episode. The president s quote that we must move off a permanent war footing which brought us to the emotional high point of the evening. A young Army Sergeant Cory Remsburg, sustained applause from the chamber. The vietnam veteran himself had tears in his eyes and so did a good many of us looking on. David gregory, that was a kind of rare altogether moment. And it truly the true high point of the bipartisan high point of the night, i think thats exactly right. And, you know, what a contrast as you just mentioned. The president said that america must move off a permanent war footing. Chuck and i were talking tonight we have moved away from state of the unions dominated by issues of war and peace. Now you heard a feisty president who wants to campaign for his party on the minimum wage, who was much more on offense when it came to health care reform. He wasnt apologizing for the botched rollout. But that moment at the end was a really contrast in an attempt to summon this chamber to Work Together. It took a young guy with a hard earned combat infantry badge on his chest who cant stand without his fathers two arms around his midsection to really make everyone pause and unite this chamber. Again, sustained applause. And andrea, depending on the audience watching tonight, your point of view, the military history in your own family, that quote about how america must move off a permanent war footing as notable as anything else in the speech. And there were a lot of topics in the speech. You know, Cory Remsburg first met the president during the 66th anniversary at omaha beach. And it was the army rangers who took that beach. And he was a proud army ranger. Uninjured at that point. It was later an i. E. D. In afghanistan. So the resonance of his story connecting us to the great war, to past wars, and to this president who campaigned and won his democratic primaries by opposing the iraq war, a signature moment. I didnt want people to think we were being rude or dismissive. When we saw him next to the first lady before the speech, we chose not to tell his story knowing that the president was about to in the text of the speech. Kelly odonnell is in the chamber and while we still have access to her live signal, kelly im assuming it was as much a moment for you as it felt like to be watching as part of the Television Audience for us. Absolutely, brian. There were waves of emotion. And for me it was an opportunity to see the faces of members of both parties as they looked up at that army ranger Cory Remsburg. And you could see that the partisan moments of the evening all washed away and there was a genuine sense of community here in the room and support for what he has sacrificed and what he has given to the country. It was clearly the emotional highlight. There were other notes throughout this speech where people were on their feet. Usually dominated by one party or another. There were times when members of the guest group in the gallery were on their feet, but that was truly the unifying moment. And we had seen him earlier before the cameras were on here in the chamber when he arrived. And he got a lot of attention even then before people knew the full story. And so he really brought people together tonight. The kind of emotional moment that is very influential in a speech like this in reminding people of some of the serious issues the country faces after what had been a predominantly domestic issue throughout the night. Chuck, you covered the president. The speech was the work mostly of a young man named cody keenan although it bore the president s hand in black sharpie as he likes to do every night in the residence to a great degree. You noted while we were watching together, he pulled a punch here and there where he might have taken a light shot at the Supreme Court on Voting Rights. He chose to say that it was diminished and members of both parties are working to fix it. He was strong on education, strong on immigration, and seemed to hit a stride midway through, used humor and feistiness the second half. I thought it was a wellcrafted speech. The president and cody, clearly it was very much had a rhythm to it. But this was not going to be confused with an ambitious state of the union. It is a moderate agenda. You pointed out the politics here. I thought what was interesting about the speech was it was a political speech without being partisan. Heres what i mean about that. He was very careful to make sure every new agenda item that he had was something that the Democratic Party could unite on and run on without dividing the Democratic Party. There was not much he said tonight that was going to offend any democrats. And that was one of the goals that Congressional Democrats wanted the president to meet here. Which was give the Party Something to run on thats not health care. And if you look at it from just the political prism, id argue he succeeded in keeping his party united in a tough election year. Heres another part of the job. These are not citizens at a rope line event. These are all elected members of congress. All of them wanting the president s signature on the official program of the state of the union for this night in the House Chamber. And the president is so close to the back door, he can see it. Right there. By the way, those are sometimes political opponents that want his autograph. It is a little bipartisan. Contrast from a year ago when the president during the state of the union made this impassioned call to end gun violence. Tonight, two sentences about guns in the state of the union. He has decided to move on. And a big theme in appealing to women which is the Democratic Party agenda as well. The wage inequality, something we first reported as part of the shriver report. Maria met with the president. With all the talk about the president entering this period where lame duck has been tossed around, this period in his second term, it was David Remnick in the new yorker magazine, a long article, a long sustained access interview with the president over many stops who put a sentence in the middle of the article to reset everyones expectations and remind us what it took to get here. And im going to quote from it. A president after all who, quote, won two terms as only 17 of 44 president s have and did so as a black man with an african father and a peculiar name. One consonant away from the worlds most notorious terrorist. Something everybody forgets in the game here. I think it was because of that being so unlikely that there was so much projected onto him because he was thinking singular figure. And i think the president is still trying to recover from the leadership deficiencies hes had actually operating in washington given this auroa that surrounde him. Two pictures to show you. The moment when he talked about the first ladys background, his own and how a son of a tavern owner from ohio can grow up to be the speaker of the house. So theres that one. And the other Development Since weve been on the air, for all the politics and back and forth going on under that dome, its almost a frank capra movie. The snow has started falling in the Nations Capital. Motorcades will wind their way through the city streets. The analysis will go on and on. Well get the republican response here in just a few minutes. But we wanted to show you this startlingly beautiful shot. This very active winter so far of 2014. Well take a break. Our coverage will continue on the other side with the official gop response from washington. [ male announcer ] what kind of energy is so abundant, it can help provide the power for all this . Natural gas. More than ever before, americas electricity is generated by it. Exxonmobil uses advanced visualization and Drilling Technologies to produce natural gas. Powering our lives. While reducing emissions by up to 60 . Energy lives here. Welcome back to snowy capitol hill in washington as were getting ready for the gop response. And lets tell you a bit about the speakers offices on the republican side. Fifth term in office. Fourth ranking republican. Highest ranking woman in the house. First in her family to graduate from college. Mother of three children all of whom she gave birth to since she has been in congress. Thats a first. She has been chosen this year to give the response. Here is the congresswoman. What an honor it is for me to be with you after the president s state of the union. Tonight we honor america, a nation that has witnessed the greatest rise of freedom and opportunity our world has ever seen. A nation where we are not defined by our limits but by our potential. And a nation where a girl who worked at the Mcdonalds Drivethru to help pay for college can be with you from the United States capitol. But the most important moments right now arent happening here. Theyre not in the oval office or in the House Chamber. Theyre in your homes. Kissing your kids good night, figuring out how to pay the bills, getting ready for tomorrows doctors visit, waiting to hear from those you love serving in afghanistan, or searching for that big job interview. After all, we the people have been the foundation of america since her earliest days. People from all walks of life and from all corners of the world. People who come to america because here no challenge is too great, and no dream too big. Thats the genius of america. Tonight the president made more promises that sound good, but wont actually solve the problems facing americans. We want you to have a better life. The president wants that too. But we part ways when it comes to how to make that happen. So tonight id like to share a more hopeful republican vision, one that empowers you, not the government. Its one that champions free markets and trusts people to make their own decisions. Not a government that decides for you. It helps working families rise above the limits of poverty and protects our most vulnerable. And its one where washington plays by the same rules that you do. Its a vision that is fair and offers the promise of a Better Future for every american. If you would have told me as a little girl that i would one day put my hand on the bible and be sworn in as the 200th woman to serve in the house of representatives, i wouldnt have thought it possible. I grew up working on my familys orchard in kettle falls. Getting up before dawn to pick apples. My dad drove a school bus and my mother worked as a parttime bookkeeper. They taught me to work hard, help others, and always, always dream for more. So when i showed my 4h animals at the county fair, my parents used to say to me, cathy, you need to save this money so you can go to college one day. And so i did. I saved. I worked hard. And i became the first in my family to graduate from college. The chance to go from my washington to this one was unexpected. I came to congress to help empower people, not politicians. To grow the working middle class, not the government. And to ensure that everyone in this country can find a job. Because a job is so much more than a paycheck. It gives us purpose, dignity, and the foundation to build a future. I was single when i was elected, but it wasnt long before i met brian, a retired Navy Commander and now we have three beautiful children. One who was born just eight weeks ago. Like all parents we have high hopes and dreams for our children, but we also know what its like to face challenges. Three days after our son was born, cole, we got news no parent expects. Cole was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome. The doctors told us he could have endless complications, heart defects, even early alzheimers. They told us all the problems. But when we looked at our son, we saw only possibilities. We saw a gift from god. And today we see a 6yearold boy who dances to bruce springsteen, who reads above grade level, and who is the best big brother in the world. We see all the things he can do, not those he cant. With cole and his sisters have only made me more determined to see the potential in every human life. That whether were born with an extra 21st chromosome or without a dollar to our name, we are not defined by our limits. But by our potential. Because our mission not only as republicans but as americans is to once again ensure that we are not bound by where we come from but empowered by what we can become. That is the gap republicans are working to close. Its the gap we all face between where you are and where you want to be. The president talks a lot about income inequality. But the real gap we face today is one of opportunity inequality. And with this administrations policies, that gap has become far too wide. We see this gap growing every single day. We see it in our neighbors who are struggling to find jobs, a husband whos now working just parttime, a child who drops out of college because she cant afford tuition, or parents who are outliving their life savings. Last month more americans stopped looking for a job than found one. Too many people are falling further and further behind. Because right now the president s policies are making peoples lives harder. Republicans have plans to close the gap. Plans that will focus on jobs first without more spending, government bailouts, and red tape. Every day were working to expand our economy. One manufacturing job, nursing degree, and Small Business at a time. We have plans to improve our education and Training Systems so you have the choice to determine where your kids go to school. So college is affordable, and skills training is modernized. And, yes, its time to honor our history of legal immigration. Were working on a stepbystep solution to Immigration Reform by first securing our borders and making sure america will always attract the best, brightest, and hardest working from around the world. And with too Many Americans living paycheck to paycheck, we have solutions to help you take home more of your pay. Through lower taxes, Cheaper Energy costs, and Affordable Health care. Not long ago i got a letter from betty in spokane who had hoped the president S Health Care law would save her money. But found out instead her premiums were going up nearly 700 a month. Weve all talked to too many people whove received cancellation notices they didnt expect or who can no longer see the doctors they always have. No. We shouldnt go back to the things the way things were, but this law is not working. Republicans believe Health Care Choices should be yours, not the governments. And that whether youre a boy with Downs Syndrome or a woman with breast cancer, you can find coverage and a doctor who will treat you. So we hope the president will join us in a year of real action by empowering people, not by making their lives harder with unprecedented spending, higher taxes, and fewer jobs. As republicans we advance these plans every day. Because we believe in a government that trusts people and doesnt limit where you finish because of where you started. That is what we stand for. Its for an america that is every bit as compassionate as it is exceptional. If were successful, years from now our children will say that we rebuilt the American Dream. We built a working middle class that could take in anyone and aworkforce that could take on the world. Whether youre a girl in kettle falls or a boy from brooklyn, our children should be able to say that we closed the gap. Our plan is one that dreams big for everyone and turns its back on no one. The president said many things tonight, but now i ask him to listen to you. For the true state of the union lies in your heart and in your home. Tomorrow ill watch my son cole get on the school bus. Others will wait in the Doctors Office or interview for that first job. Some of us will celebrate new beginnings. Others will face great challenges. But all of us will wake up and do what is uniquely american. We will look forward to the boundless potential that lies ahead. We will give thanks to the brave men and women who have answered americas call to freedom. Like Sergeant Jacob hess from spokane who recently gave his life to protect all of ours. So tonight i simply offer a prayer. A prayer for Sergeant Hess family, your family, and for our larger American Family that with the guidance of god we may prove ourselves worthy of his blessings of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. For when we embrace these gifts, we are each doing our part to form a more perfect union. May god guide you and our president and may god continue to bless the United States of america. Congresswoman rodgers delivering what is easily the very firstever gop response by a mother of three who gave birth to her third child eight weeks ago. Just about to the day. In the city that has become a modern day snow globe tonight, chuck todd. Lets talk about this. Her rejoinder was close the gap. The president was talking about giving america a raise tonight. The president tells anyone who will listen that these days he thinks the American People move politicians more than the other way around. What are the issues where the people are just going to demand agreement between the two parties we heard from tonight . Well, if you look where they want agreement is simply on some simplifying of job creation, look at the universal prek. I was surprised about the access to universal prekindergarten school funding. But the question is will the public demand it . That i dont see. I think the public has given up on washington. In the obama era, these gop responses have bordered on disaster for some of them. Some of the bad political theater. This was very straightforward. I thought she did a terrific job. It was clear. It was, again, political without being partisan. That seems to be the tone of both the president and republicans. If you sit there, if youre an average american that doesnt follow politics the way we do, youre like the two parties they agree on the problem. Its been a long time since both parties actually agreed on the problem. Now, they disagree on the solutions. One talks about income inequality. She talked about opportunity inequality. I would look at this and say, well, if you agree on the problem, maybe you guys will work on a solution. And i think the way she presented her republican alternative, it wasnt rooted in policy and frankly, neither was the president s in a lot of ways. And she as the mother of three and a child with Downs Syndrome and now a 2monthold infant, just represented an outreach to women which the Republican Party is badly in need of and we should point out she was chosen to give the response before the recent libido comments by huckabee and comments by rand paul. It was not a direct response to that at all. But this is exactly what they need to do. Present a kinder, gentler way of talking about problems that involve health care and men and women. And reproduction, which is what she touched on. But again it also pointed out that they are still the republicans going after the president on health care. They think that is his big vulnerable. David gregory. Well, i think part of it is and Speaker Boehner said it to some of us this morning. They want to get back to a place where the Republican Party is party of ideas and not just opposition. He described the party being in a meat grinder the past few years of the budget fights. Thats why theres willingness to work. Make no mistake. This is a feisty president who was ready to campaign on issues like the minimum wage, and this is still a feisty Republican Party that thinkS Health Care is their ticket to perhaps capturing the senate. So those battle lines are drawn despite some glimmers of hope. S a tradition, the president comes off a big speech to the road to sell it. Four states in two days. Maryland, pittsburgh, pennsylvania thats tomorrow. The next day its milwaukee and tennessee. He was actually going to overnight, but this weather were experiencing here is preventing him from overnighting in milwaukee. He doesnt want to get in the way when a president comes to town, it uses up a local services. They didnt want to do that. With everything including politics that has been said and is often said about this city, i dont know when it has looked more beautiful lately than right now. So from our Nations Capital on behalf of our entire team tonight, that concludes our live coverage. Im brian williams. Nbc news, capitol hill. She fell did you know without a shadow. Paul with a little help from ringo giving fans what they were hoping to see. A paul and ringo beadle reunion at the grammy. February 7 will mark the 50th anniversary of the beadle u. S. Invasion. The arrival gave america muchneeded boost of spirit just over two months after jfk assassination. And now paul ringo and those who were on the scene remember the chaos and hysteria welcome the if boys. We came over not feeling like america but just there at the right time and it was like america wants to party again. Wants to get over that hurdle. We want the beatless. We want the beatles. The beadle disnot intend to heal america sorrow after the assassination of president kennedy. But heal they did. I think you will understand. Reporter by january 1964 beadle mania had conquered europe and america was finally catching the fever. The bandy want to hold your hand which is being rereleased on the beadle new u. S. Album box set hit no. 1 but still aprehension when the beadle flew to new york february 7, 1964 for the first u. S. Appearance. John paul and i had never been to america. George had been to america. When he came 6 months earlier he would go into shock saying. Never heard of them so he when he came back. Its going to be really hard. They dont know us over there. Reporter so america they touched down at jfk airport. When we landed it was just like everywhere else we landed. All on the roof. All crazy. It was fabulous. Reporter 4000 crying and screaming fans awaited the beadle arrival. John lennon then wife cynthia couldnt believe her eye or ears. As soon as we got off i thought it was the sound of jet engine. It wasnt. It was thousands and thousands of these fans. It was freaky. Reporter 4000 fans. Several skeptical reporters. These funny looking guy from liverpool. Fly by night musician. Who was to know. Reporter marvin scott interviewed them throughout 1964 and remembers that first press conference. They went in. They had a News Conference and they were poised and they were funny. We did a press conference and they all shouted at us and we shouted back the new york way and we found out later thats why they loved us because the press actually were coming to bury us. Because we shouted back. Reporter great example ringo reaction to the charge that nothing but a bunch of british elvis presley. Thats true. Unbelievable. Press absolutely amazed joking with the boys and liverpool humor. Totally blew their brains. When they arrived at the plaza hotel thousands more were gathered outside the hotel. Screaming. Screeching. Beatles. It was absolutely l, it was near a riot. How was your reception. Marvelous. The treatment we had at the plaza. There were guards outside the door and women kept coming. All the beautiful model kept being ushered that the room. Nobody got in as far as i know. Not into my room. Reporter not a bad turn of event for band that had a hard time getting a record deal. We started off as ordinary working class kids in liverpool. And we saw this sort of think of like wow you could be in a group. It was quite a little dream at the time. Then the girls it was quite a mainly attraction at that age and came money fame as we got better and better and i must say i have never had a problem with any of that. Reporter tomorrow on access hollywood, more about beadle mania 50th anniversary special. Legendary ed sullivan performance. The night that changed rock and roll history. Girls were hiding up in the air duct in the air conditioning. It was insan. More from mclemore and lewis break out star mary lambert. Girls in the locker room. Revelation about being bullied. Come thursday. Ultimate exit interview with jay leno. Exit interview with jay leno. Only on access hollywood. Is. Time for weekly access style deals where we offer the hottest trend at chick treat treaty. Com and ashley joins me now and what have you brought today. Great deals. Start off with this bracelet. This is a stunning statement bracelet. Merging leather with crystal and tv what i love about this its so versus tile. It wraps around the wrist at least 4 times. You can wear as choker. As bracelet. Accent on handbag. Use your imagination. How much are these. 175 dollars. Style price is 34 dollars. Saving of 81 percent. Punch of color or something. Shoes i think airport travel when i look at these. These are genius idea. 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