Obama's last, thwarted state of the union address | National Catholic Reporter

Obama's last, thwarted state of the union address | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This SOTU was essentially the President's swan song - or possibly throwing down the gauntlet to Republican legislators to quit listening to voters who hate him due to his age and race (although he is as much a son of the pilgrim founders as I am - and I am and we are all three equally old in our mid-50s). He cannot force the GOP to behave itself, we are not that kind of country - but maybe Ryan might.



Some things can be done unilaterally, like foreign policy - and if Obama has a grand strategy it is best not to share it - such things are kept close to the vest when negotiating with both adversaries and allies.



One thing that did not get mentioned was what he did mention in his second debate with John McCain - coming to some agreement on all forms of late term abortion, not just partial birth - likely also including trimester limits. I suspect that the whole FOCA effort by the bishops was an attempt to prevent compromise on this, since no Supreme Court will overturn Roe if a compromise is in place on these issues - they would not have to - the compromise would be the law of the land.



I suspect it is the USCCB and the NRLC who resist compromise more than Emily's List, NARAL-Pro Choice America and NOW. This would be the year to do it - and since Obama is a seemless garment of life kind of guy, it would likely include huge aid package for Down's families and higher Child Tax Credits for all. Again, it is the GOP who would resist such things - but maybe Biden and Ryan, both good Catholic boys, can work something out behind the scenes.