Obama: State of the Union Address

President Obama calls for greater partnership working between Democrats and Republicans.

Given the economic mess we are in maybe our government could take a lead from US President Barack Obama who used his annual State of the Union address yesterday, the second since being elected, to call for greater partnership working between rival Democrats and Republicans.

He reached out to Republicans, asking lawmakers of both parties to "overcome the numbing weight of our politics."

Wouldn’t it be something if in times of crisis political parties could work together to resolve crucial issues.

Recent elections in America saw the US Congress move from Democrat to Republican majority leadership. But the recent alleged politically motivated shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Arizona, encouraged rival Democrats and Republicans to cast aside political partisanship and sit together for the address.

Party members usually sit in the chamber according to party affiliation.

Obama began his speech by paying tribute to Giffords, saying the shooting had reminded the US public that they "share common hopes and a common creed". A seat in Congress was left empty in honour of Giffords and family members of some of the other victims were sitting with First Lady Michelle Obama.

Political partnership was a common theme for the President as he told political leaders that the public wanted them to work together to win the future.

Speaking about the economy President Obama said technical advances, the rise of nations like India and China and the export of jobs overseas, meant that for many Americans, "the rules have changed" and it was now essential to encourage "American innovation" to secure jobs.

A better political perspective than the immigration scaremongering we usually hear in this country.

The nationally televised State of the Union speech is historically one of the most watched political events in the US.

The mood yesterday was a far cry from Obama’s address in late 2009 when he was interrupted with the words ‘you lie’ by the South Carolina representative Joe Wilson, and his public approval ratings have soared in recent weeks.

Even in America where dreams come true its probably pie in the sky to imagine any real working together of the parties.  But a genuine invitation from a President like Obama to sit at the same table is a start.

Watch the 2011 State of the Nation Address here.