Obama delivers his first State of the Union address

CNN UPDATES

10:20 Address ends with Obama calling on Americans to "seize this moment -- to start anew, to carry the dream forward and to strengthen our union once more"

10:18 Obama acknowledges that his administration has had political setbacks; says "some of them were deserved"

10:17 On discord in politics: "Democracy in a nation of 300 million people can be noisy and messy and complicated. And when you try to do big things and make big changes, it stirs passions and controversy"

10:13 Obama says he will work with Congress and the military to repeal "the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are"

10:08 Obama says the threat of nuclear weapons is "perhaps the greatest danger to the American people"  

10:06 Obama details the challenges in Afghanistan: "There will be difficult days ahead. But I am confident we will succeed"

10:02 Obama mentions Massachusetts special election: "After last week, it is clear that campaign fever has come even earlier than usual. But we still need to govern." He calls out Republicans, saying, "just saying no to everything may be good short-term politics, but it's not leadership"

9:59 Obama calls on Congress to publish all earmark requests on a single Web site before there's a vote "so that the American people can see how their money is being spent"

9:57 Obama says Washington is facing a "deficit of trust," and calls for action on "both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue" to restore credibility

9:54 "We will not continue tax cuts for oil companies, investment fund managers and those making over $250,000 a year. We just can't afford it"

9:52 Obama proposes steps to "pay for the $1 trillion that it took to rescue the economy last year," including a partial freeze on some government programs. He says he will enforce the freeze by veto if he has to

9:48 On health care, Obama urges Congress not to walk away. "Not now. Not when we are so close. Let us find a way to come together and finish the job for the American people"

9:45 Standing ovation after Obama acknowledges first lady Michelle Obama for her efforts to tackle childhood obesity. With all eyes on the first lady, Obama notes, "She gets embarrassed" as she motions for those in the chambers to sit down

9:44 Obama gets more laughs: "By now it should be fairly obvious that I didn't take on health care because it was good politics"

9:41 CNN's Candy Crowley observes: A call for safe, clean nuclear power plans brings GOP to its feet

9:37 Obama announces goal of doubling exports over the next five years, an increase that he says will support 2 million jobs in America. "To help meet this goal, we're launching a National Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports, and reform export controls consistent with national security" 

9:36 On climate change: "Even if you doubt the evidence, providing incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy are the right thing to do for our future -- because the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation"

9:34 On financial reform: "The lobbyists are already trying to kill it. Well, we cannot let them win this fight. And if the bill that ends up on my desk does not meet the test of real reform, I will send it back"

9:29 Obama urges the Senate follow the House's lead and pass a jobs bill, saying, "I want a jobs bill on my desk without delay"

9:28 Obama says workers in Tampa, Florida, will soon break ground on a new high-speed railroad funded by the Recovery Act

9:27 On stimulating the economy: "I'm proposing that we take $30 billion of the money Wall Street banks have repaid and use it to help community banks give small businesses the credit they need to stay afloat. I am also proposing a new small business tax credit -- one that will go to over one million small businesses who hire new workers or raise wages. While we're at it, let's also eliminate all capital gains taxes on small business investment; and provide a tax incentive for all businesses, large and small, to invest in new plants and equipment."

9:23 Obama credits the creation of 2 million jobs with steps his administration has taken toward economic recovery, adding, "We are on track to add another one and a half million jobs to this total by the end of the year"

9:20 CNN's Candy Crowley observes: Always some good theater at these events. Obama talks about the taxes he has cut. No Republican stands to clap, and the president calls them out, "I thoought I'd get some applause on that one"

9:18 Obama says the bank bailout "was about as popular as a root canal"

9:16 Obama draws first applause after he says he has "never been more hopeful about America's future" than tonight

9:13 On the economy, Obama says "the worst of the storm has passed"

9:12 Obama says America is being tested, but said "we must answer history's call," conjuring up memories of such times of struggle as the Civil War Battle of Bull Run, the storming of Omaha Beach in World War II and the stock market crash of 1929

9:11 Obama begins his State of the Union address

9:10 Vice President Joe Biden lets out a cheer as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi welcomes Obama

9:08 Obama enters chamber, greets members of Congress, his Cabinet and Supreme Court justices

9:05 Wilson Livingood, the House Sergeant of Arms, introduces Obama

9:01 In holding room, Obama was talking with Sens. Lamar Alexander, John Cornyn and John Thune. He turned to the entire congressional welcoming committee and joked, "We just brokered a health care deal right here."

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