as a result, america built the largest middle class the world has ever known. and for the three decades after world war ii, it was the engine of our prosperity. we can't look at the past through rose-colored glasses. the economy didn't always work for everyone. racial discrimination locked millions out of the of poverty -- or out of opportunity. women railroad too often confined to a handful of poorly paid professions. and it was only try pain staking struggles that they began to win the right to -- >> and as the president continues his address live in washington, d.c., we'll watch those remarks. we'll have a full wrap-up of all of the key points being made today. and wolf blitser always has a full wrap up on his program as