Barack Obama in 2010 State of the Union address
On Corporations:
OpEd: Overturn Court's campaign financing ruling in Congress
Sitting right in front of the president--robed in sober black, hands folded in their laps--were six of the justices, including three who had made it possible (in Obama's words) for American elections to be "bankrolled by America's most powerful
interests, or worse, by foreign entities."Even though Obama had ad-libbed "with all due deference to separation of powers" into his prepared text before unloading on the court, this was big-time head-butting between the Executive and Judicial branches
of federal government. Some legal authorities worry about this.
In a way, Obama wasn't speaking directly to the court, but to Congress.
The president and boosters of campaign finance law want lawmakers to pass something that can limit campaign contributions by corporations while also passing constitutional muster with the high court.
Source: Christian Science Monitor on 2010 State of the Union
Jan 30, 2010
On Budget & Economy:
The worst has passed, but the devastation remains
One year ago, I took office amid two wars, an economy rocked by a severe recession, a financial system on the verge of collapse, and a government deeply in debt. Experts from across the political spectrum warned that if we did not act, we might face a
second depression. So we acted--immediately and aggressively. And one year later, the worst of the storm has passed.But the devastation remains. One in 10 Americans still cannot find work. Many businesses have shuttered. Home values have declined.
Small towns and rural communities have been hit especially hard. And for those who'd already known poverty, life has become that much harder.
This recession has also compounded the burdens that America's families have been dealing with for decades--the
burden of working harder and longer for less; of being unable to save enough to retire or help kids with college.
So I know the anxieties that are out there right now. They're not new. These struggles are the reason I ran for President.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Budget & Economy:
We all hated the bank bailout; but it was necessary
Our most urgent task upon taking office was to shore up the same banks that helped cause this crisis. It was not easy to do. And if there's one thing that has unified Democrats and Republicans, and everybody in between, it's that we all hated the bank
bailout. I hated it. You hated it. It was about as popular as a root canal.But when I ran for President, I promised I wouldn't just do what was popular--I would do what was necessary. And if we had allowed the meltdown of the financial system,
unemployment might be double what it is today.
So I supported the last administration's efforts to create the financial rescue program. And when we took that program over, we made it more transparent and more accountable. And as a result, the markets
are now stabilized, and we've recovered most of the money we spent on the banks. Most but not all.
To recover the rest, I've proposed a fee on the biggest banks. I am not interested in punishing banks. I'm interested in protecting our economy.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Budget & Economy:
$1T avoided Depression; but I took office with $8T debt
Let me start the discussion of government spending by setting the record straight. At the beginning of the last decade, the year 2000, America had a budget surplus of over $200 billion. By the time I took office, we had a one-year deficit of over
$1 trillion and projected deficits of $8 trillion over the next decade. Most of this was the result of not paying for two wars, two tax cuts, and an expensive prescription drug program. On top of that, the effects of the recession put a
$3 trillion hole in our budget. All this was before I walked in the door. Just stating the facts. Now, if we had taken office in ordinary times, I would have liked nothing more than to start bringing down the deficit. But we took office amid a crisis.
And our efforts to prevent a second depression have added another $1 trillion to our national debt. That, too, is a fact. I'm absolutely convinced that was the right thing to do.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Budget & Economy:
Restore Pay-As-You-Go law
The Senate should restore the pay-as-you-go law that was a big reason for why we had record surpluses in the 1990s.Now, I know that some in my own party will argue that we can't address the deficit or freeze government spending when so many
are still hurting. And I agree--which is why [the proposed 3-year spending] freeze won't take effect until next year--when the economy is stronger. That's how budgeting works.
But understand, if we don't take meaningful steps to rein in our debt,
it could damage our markets, increase the cost of borrowing, and jeopardize our recovery--all of which would have an even worse effect on our job growth and family incomes.
Rather than fight the same tired battles that have dominated
Washington for decades, it's time to try something new. Let's invest in our people without leaving them a mountain of debt. Let's meet our responsibility to the citizens who sent us here. Let's try common sense. A novel concept.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Budget & Economy:
FactCheck: Obama's estimate of $8T deficit is closer to $3T
Republicans laughed when Obama described the huge deficits he had inherited when he took office. Despite the Republican scoffing, Obama's claims are backed up by the historical record--mostly. [Looking at each fact that Obama cited]:Obama: "In 2000,
America had a budget surplus of over $200 billion."
FactCheck: Fiscal year 2000 ended with a total budget surplus of $237 billion.
Obama: [By 2009] "a one-year deficit of over $1 trillion."
FactCheck: Deficit when Obama took office: CBO projected
the deficit would total $1.2 trillion.
Obama: [By 2009, we had] "projected deficits of $8 trillion over the next decade."
FactCheck: CBO projected only a $3.1 trillion deficit over 10 years.
So the president actually understated matters regarding
annual surpluses and deficits for years past, but he may have strained the facts when he spoke of what was being predicted for future years. His figure is based on a "baseline" projection by Obama's own OMB projecting a 10-year deficit of $8.9 trillion.
Source: FactCheck.org on 2010 State of the Union speech
Jan 27, 2010
On Corporations:
Lend $30B in TARP repayments to small businesses
The true engine of job creation in this country will always be America's businesses. But government can create the conditions necessary for businesses to expand & hire more workers.We should start where most new jobs do--in small businesses, companies
that begin when an entrepreneur takes a chance on a dream, or a worker decides it's time she became her own boss. Through sheer grit and determination, these companies have weathered the recession and they're ready to grow. But even though banks on Wall
Street are lending again, they're mostly lending to bigger companies. Financing remains difficult for small business-owners, even those that are making a profit.
So tonight, 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'm 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.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Corporations:
American elections shouldn't be bankrolled by corporations
With all due deference to separation of powers, last week the Supreme Court reversed a century of law that I believe will open the floodgates for special interests--including foreign corporations--to spend without limit in our elections. I don't think
American elections should be bankrolled by America's most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign entities. They should be decided by the American people. And I'd urge Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps to correct some of these problems
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Corporations:
FactCheck: Many steps until companies can bankroll elections
The president claimed that "foreign corporations" could begin spending big money to influence US elections. A recent Supreme Court decision, Obama claimed, would allow "special interests--including foreign corporations--to spend without limit in our
elections."But it's unclear whether the court's opinion in the case, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, will lead to allowing foreign-based corporations to buy campaign ads and engage in other electioneering activities.
There is still a law barring foreign corporations from spending money in connection with US elections (see 2 USC 441e(b)(3)), and that's a matter likely to be litigated further. The court's most recent decision explicitly didn't deal with that question.
But strictly speaking, Obama couched his claim as something "I believe," making it a statement of opinion and not of fact. So whether his view turns out to be right remains to be seen.
Source: FactCheck.org on 2010 State of the Union speech
Jan 27, 2010
On Education:
Reward successful schools, instead of funding the status quo
We need to invest in the skills and education of our people. Now, this year, we've broken through the stalemate between left and right by launching a national competition to improve our schools. And the idea here is simple: Instead of rewarding failure,
we only reward success. Instead of funding the status quo, we only invest in reform--reform that raises student achievement; inspires students to excel in math and science; and turns around failing schools that steal the future of too many young
Americans, from rural communities to the inner city. In the 21st century, the best anti-poverty program around is a world-class education.
And in this country, the success of our children cannot depend more on where they live than on their potential.
When we renew the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, we will work with Congress to expand these reforms to all 50 states.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Education:
$10K college tax credit; forgive loans for public service
In this economy, a high school diploma no longer guarantees a good job. That's why I urge the Senate to pass a bill that will revitalize our community colleges, which are a career pathway to the children of so many working families.To make college more
affordable, this bill will finally end the unwarranted taxpayer subsidies that go to banks for student loans. Instead, let's take that money and give families a $10,000 tax credit for four years of college & increase Pell Grants.
And let's tell another
one million students that when they graduate, they will be required to pay only 10% of their income on student loans, and all of their debt will be forgiven after 20 years--and forgiven after 10 years if they choose a career in public service, because
in the USA, no one should go broke because they chose to go to college.
And by the way, it's time for colleges and universities to get serious about cutting their own costs--because they, too, have a responsibility to help solve this problem.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Energy & Oil:
More incentives for clean energy, including nuclear
To create more clean energy jobs, we need more production, more efficiency, more incentives. And that means building a new generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants in this country. It means making tough decisions about opening new offshore areas
for oil and gas development. It means continued investment in advanced biofuels and clean coal technologies. And, yes, it means passing a comprehensive energy and climate bill with incentives that will finally make clean energy profitable.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Foreign Policy:
I do not accept 2nd place for the USA
From the day I took office, I've been told that addressing our larger challenges is too ambitious; such an effort would be too contentious. I've been told that our political system is too gridlocked, and that we should just put things on hold for a while
For those who make these claims, I have one simple question: How long should we wait? How long should America put its future on hold?
You see, Washington has been telling us to wait for decades, even as the problems have grown worse. Meanwhile,
China is not waiting to revamp its economy. Germany is not waiting. India is not waiting. These nations--they're not standing still. These nations aren't playing for second place. Well, I do not accept second place for the United States of America.
As hard as it may be, as uncomfortable and contentious as the debates may become, it's time to get serious about fixing the problems that are hampering our growth.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Foreign Policy:
Iran is more isolated and will face growing consequences
Diplomatic efforts have strengthened our hand in dealing with those nations that insist on violating international agreements in pursuit of nuclear weapons. That's why North Korea now faces increased isolation, and stronger sanctions--sanctions that are
being vigorously enforced. That's why the international community is more united, and the Islamic Republic of Iran is more isolated. And as Iran's leaders continue to ignore their obligations: They, too, will face growing consequences.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Free Trade:
More exports means more jobs; double exports for 2M new jobs
We need to export more of our goods. Because the more products we make and sell to other countries, the more jobs we support right here in America. So tonight, we set a new goal: We will double our exports over the next five years, an increase that will
support two 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.We have to seek
new markets aggressively, just as our competitors are. If America sits on the sidelines while other nations sign trade deals, we will lose the chance to create jobs on our shores. But realizing those benefits also means enforcing those agreements so our
trading partners play by the rules. And that's why we'll continue to shape a Doha trade agreement that opens global markets, and why we will strengthen our trade relations in Asia and with key partners like South Korea and Panama and Colombia.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Government Reform:
Post all earmark request online before each vote
I'm calling on Congress to continue down the path of earmark reform. Democrats and Republicans, you've trimmed some of this spending, you've embraced some meaningful change. But restoring the public trust demands more. For example, some members of
Congress post some earmark requests online. Tonight, I'm calling 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.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Government Reform:
Freeze discretionary government spending for 3 years
Families across the country are tightening their belts and making tough decisions. The federal government should do the same. So tonight, I'm proposing specific steps to pay for the trillion dollars that it took to rescue the economy last year.
Starting in 2011, we are prepared to freeze government spending for three years. Spending related to our national security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security will not be affected. But all other discretionary government programs will.
Like any cash-strapped family, we will work within a budget to invest in what we need and sacrifice what we don't. And if I have to enforce this discipline by veto, I will.
We will continue to go through the budget, line by line, page by page, to eliminate programs that we can't afford and don't work. We've already identified $20 billion in savings for next year.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Government Reform:
We face a deficit of trust, not just a budget deficit
we have to recognize that we face more than a deficit of dollars right now. We face a deficit of trust--deep and corrosive doubts about how Washington works that have been growing for years. To close that credibility gap we have to take action on both
ends of Pennsylvania Ave.--to end the outsized influence of lobbyists; to do our work openly; to give our people the government they deserve.That's what I came to Washington to do. That's why--for the first time in history--my administration posts
on our White House visitors online. That's why we've excluded lobbyists from policymaking jobs, or seats on federal boards and commissions.
But we can't stop there.
It's time to require lobbyists to disclose each contact they make on behalf of a client with my administration or with Congress. It's time to put strict limits on the contributions that lobbyists give to candidates for federal office.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Government Reform:
FactCheck: Yes, set up first reverse-revolving door policy
Obama touted his efforts to change Washington's ways, saying, "we've excluded lobbyists from policymaking jobs or seats on federal boards and commissions."Obama, by executive order last January, did put in place the federal government's first-ever
reverse-revolving door policy, which says that anyone who has lobbied within the previous two years can't join a part of the administration that he or she lobbied.
The order allows for waivers, however, and several have been granted. For instance,
former Raytheon lobbyist William Lynn became deputy secretary of defense. Obama might have been trying to leave himself some wiggle room when he specified "policymaking jobs." But Lynn's job sounds to us like it involves policymaking. And it's hard to
claim that Ron Kirk, the United States trade representative, doesn't have a policymaking role. Kirk didn't need a waiver because he was a lobbyist--for Merrill Lynch and others--in Texas, not Washington, but Obama made no such distinction.
Source: FactCheck.org on 2010 State of the Union speech
Jan 27, 2010
On Health Care:
Didn't tackle healthcare for political benefit, it's needed
We still need health insurance reform. I didn't choose to tackle this issue to get some legislative victory under my belt. And by now it should be fairly obvious that I didn't take on health care because it was good politics. I took on health care becaus
of the stories I've heard from Americans with preexisting conditions whose lives depend on getting coverage; patients who've been denied coverage; families--even those with insurance--who are just one illness away from financial ruin.
After nearly a century of trying--Democratic administrations, Republican administrations--we are closer than ever to bringing more security to the lives of so many Americans. The approach we've taken would protect every American from the worst practices
of the insurance industry. It would give small businesses and uninsured Americans a chance to choose an affordable health care plan in a competitive market. It would require every insurance plan to cover preventive care.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Health Care:
End partisanship and get reform done
[Health insurance reform] is a complex issue, and the longer it was debated, the more skeptical people became. I take my share of the blame for not explaining it more clearly to the American people. And I know that with all the lobbying and horse-trading
the process left most Americans wondering, "What's in it for me?"So, as temperatures cool, I want everyone to take another look at the plan we've proposed. There's a reason why many doctors, nurses, and health care experts who know our system best
consider this approach a vast improvement over the status quo. But if anyone from either party has a better approach that will bring down premiums, bring down the deficit, cover the uninsured, strengthen Medicare for seniors, and stop insurance company
abuses, let me know. I'm eager to see it.
Here's what I ask Congress, though: Don't walk away from reform. Not now. Not when we are so close. Let us find a way to come together and finish the job for the American people. Let's get it done.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Health Care:
FactCheck: Obama's estimate of $1T saved is closer to $132B
Obama touted an optimistic--and highly uncertain--estimate on how the Senate health care bill could affect the deficit. Obama said, "our approach would bring down the deficit by as much as $1 trillion over the next two decades."It's true that the
CBO's admittedly rough estimate said the bill could reduce the deficit below its projected level by "as much as" about $1 trillion over 20 years--but it also said the reduction could be half of that amount. And it noted the estimate is subject to a great
deal of uncertainty.
CBO normally gives estimates for 10-year periods, and the nonpartisan entity doesn't like to go beyond that. It said the Senate bill could produce a net deficit reduction of $132 billion over 2010-2019. For the next decade,
CBO said the reduction would be "in a broad range between 1/4% and 1/2% of GDP." Senate Democrats estimated that would mean a reduction of $650 billion to $1.3 trillion. But CBO emphasized how squishy that large range is [while Obama did not].
Source: FactCheck.org on 2010 State of the Union speech
Jan 27, 2010
On Homeland Security:
Hundreds of al Qaeda have been captured last year
We've renewed our focus on the terrorists who threaten our nation. We've made substantial investments in our homeland security and disrupted plots that threatened to take American lives. We are filling unacceptable gaps revealed by the failed
Christmas attack. We've prohibited torture and strengthened partnerships [abroad].. And in the last year, hundreds of al Qaeda's fighters and affiliates, including many senior leaders, have been captured or killed--far more than in 2008.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Homeland Security:
Let gay people serve in military openly
My administration has a Civil Rights Division that is once again prosecuting civil rights violations and employment discrimination. We finally strengthened our laws to protect against crimes driven by hate. This year, I will work with
Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are. It's the right thing to do.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Homeland Security:
Secure all world's nuclear materials by international treaty
Now, even as we prosecute two wars, we're also confronting perhaps the greatest danger to the American people--the threat of nuclear weapons. I've embraced the vision of John F. Kennedy and
Ronald Reagan through a strategy that reverses the spread of these weapons and seeks a world without them. To reduce our stockpiles and launchers, while ensuring our deterrent, the United States and
Russia are completing negotiations on the farthest-reaching arms control treaty in nearly two decades. And at April's Nuclear Security Summit, we will bring 44 nations together here in
Washington, D.C. behind a clear goal: securing all vulnerable nuclear materials around the world in four years, so that they never fall into the hands of terrorists.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Jobs:
Jobs must be our #1 focus in 2010
For every success story, there are other stories, of men and women who wake up with the anguish of not knowing where their next paycheck will come from; who send out resumes week after week and hear nothing in response.
That is why jobs must be our number-one focus in 2010, and that's why I'm calling for a new jobs bill tonight.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Jobs:
FactCheck: Obama's estimate of 2M jobs saved is closer to 1M
The president said the stimulus bill was responsible for "about 2 million" jobs, but other estimates put the total as low as 800,000. Obama said, "Because of the steps we took, there are about 2 million Americans working right now who would otherwise be
unemployed."The 2 million jobs estimate comes from the latest report of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, which said the stimulus bill "has raised employment relative to what it otherwise would have been by 1-1/2 to 2 million." So his own
economic advisers say the number could be as low as 1.5 million, but Obama took the higher number in their range. And the CEA report also cited estimates from others:
- CBO: 800,000 to 2.4 million
- IHS/Global Insight: 1.25 million
- Macroeconomic
Advisers: 1.1 million
- Moody's Economy.com: 1.6 million
Furthermore, it's difficult to say definitively what the employment situation would have been without the legislation, and the CEA report acknowledges that [while Obama did not].
Source: FactCheck.org on 2010 State of the Union speech
Jan 27, 2010
On Principles & Values:
Hard times test us, like we have been tested in the past
It's tempting to look back and assume that our progress was inevitable--that America was always destined to succeed. But when the Union was turned back at Bull Run, and the Allies first landed at Omaha Beach, victory was very much in doubt.
When the market crashed on Black Tuesday, and civil rights marchers were beaten on Bloody Sunday, the future was anything but certain.
These were the times that tested the courage of our convictions, and the strength of our union. And despite all our divisions and disagreements, our hesitations and our fears,
America prevailed because we chose to move forward as one nation, as one people. Again, we are tested. And again, we must answer history's call.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Principles & Values:
Dems still have the largest majority in decades
Washington may think that saying anything about the other side, no matter how false, no matter how malicious, is just part of the game. But I will not give up on trying to change the tone of our politics. I know it's an election year. And after last week
[with the election of Massachusetts Republican Senator Scott Brown], it's clear that campaign fever has come even earlier than usual. But we still need to govern. To Democrats, I would remind you that we still have the largest majority in decades,
and the people expect us to solve problems, not run for the hills. And if the Republican leadership is going to insist that 60 votes in the Senate are required to do any business at all in this town--a supermajority--then the responsibility to govern is
now yours as well. Just saying no to everything may be good short-term politics, but it's not leadership. We were sent here to serve our citizens, not our ambitions. So let's show the American people that we can do it together.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Principles & Values:
Change stirs passion & controversy; but don't play it safe
In the end, it's our ideals, our values that built America --values that allowed us to forge a nation made up of immigrants from every corner of the globe; values that drive our citizens still. Unfortunately, too many of our citizens have lost faith that
our biggest institutions--our corporations, our media, and, yes, our government--still reflect these same values.No wonder there's so much cynicism out there. No wonder there's so much disappointment. I campaigned on the promise of change--change we
can believe in, the slogan went. And right now, I know there are many Americans who aren't sure if they still believe we can change--or that I can deliver it.
But remember this--I never suggested that change would be easy, or that I could do it alone.
And when you try to do big things and make big changes, it stirs passions and controversy. That's just how it is.
Those of us in public office can respond to this reality by playing it safe and avoid telling hard truths and pointing fingers.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Principles & Values:
Despite setbacks, Americans don't quit; & I don't quit
Our administration has had some political setbacks this year, and some of them were deserved. But I wake up every day knowing that they are nothing compared to the setbacks that families all across this country have faced this year.
And what keeps me going--what keeps me fighting--is that despite all these setbacks, that spirit of determination and optimism, that fundamental decency that has always been at the core of the
American people, that lives on.The spirit that has sustained this nation for more than two centuries lives on in you, its people. We have finished a difficult year. We have come through a difficult decade.
But a new year has come. A new decade stretches before us. We don't quit. I don't quit. Let's seize this moment--to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our union once more.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Tax Reform:
We cut taxes 25 times, for 95% of Americans
We passed 25 different tax cuts. Now, let me repeat: We cut taxes. We cut taxes for 95% of working families. We cut taxes for small businesses. We cut taxes for first-time homebuyers. We cut taxes for parents trying to care for their children.
We cut taxes for 8 million Americans paying for college. As a result, millions of Americans had more to spend on gas and food and other necessities, all of which helped businesses keep more workers. And we haven't raised income taxes by a single dime
on a single person. Not a single dime.
Because of the steps we took, there are about two million Americans working right now who would otherwise be unemployed. And we're on track to add another one and a half million jobs to this total by the end
of the year.
The plan that has made all of this possible, from the tax cuts to the jobs, is the Recovery Act, also known as the stimulus bill. Economists on the left and the right say this bill has helped save jobs and avert disaster.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Tax Reform:
Tax cuts for wealthy got us into the current deficit
To help working families, we'll extend our middle-class tax cuts. But at a time of record deficits, we will not continue tax cuts for oil companies, for investment fund managers, and for those making over
$250,000 a year. We just can't afford it. From some on the right, I expect we'll hear a different argument--that if we just make fewer investments in our people, extend tax cuts including those for the wealthier
Americans, eliminate more regulations, maintain the status quo on health care, our deficits will go away. The problem is that's what we did for eight years.
That's what helped us into this crisis. It's what helped lead to these deficits. We can't do it again.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On Technology:
There's no reason Europe & China should have fastest trains
We can put Americans to work today building the infrastructure of tomorrow. From the first railroads to the Interstate Highways, our nation has always been built to compete. There's no reason Europe or China should have the fastest trains.Tomorrow,
I'll visit Tampa FL, where workers will soon break ground on a new high-speed railroad funded by the Recovery Act. There are projects like that all across this country that will create jobs and help move our nation's goods, services, and information.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On War & Peace:
Troops will begin to exit Afghanistan in July 2011
In Afghanistan, we're increasing our troops, and training Afghan security forces so they can begin to take the lead in July of 2011, and our troops can begin to come home. We will reward good governance, work to reduce corruption, and support the
rights of all Afghans--men and women alike. We're joined by allies and partners who have increased their own commitments. There will be difficult days ahead. But I am absolutely confident we will succeed.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
On War & Peace:
Make no mistake: Troops coming home from Iraq by August
We are responsibly leaving Iraq to its people. As a candidate, I promised that I would end this war, and that is what I am doing as President. We will have all of our combat troops out of Iraq by the end of this August. We will support the
Iraqi government--we will support the Iraqi government as they hold elections, and we will continue to partner with the Iraqi people to promote regional peace and prosperity. But make no mistake: This war is ending, and all of our troops are coming home.
Source: 2010 State of the Union Address
Jan 27, 2010
Page last updated: Feb 24, 2019