Local reaction to State of the Union

APPLETON - People in the area were expecting a lot out of the President Obama's speech on Wednesday.  With so much uncertainty in the economy and helath care reform, they wanted a strong message.

Some felt the address delivered, striking the right balance between acknowledging hardships and setting a solid course forward.  They applauded the President's call for an end to the sharp division between parties. 

While others felt his speech continued partisanship, laying blame for current problems on the previous administration.

Both Democrats and Republicans agreed the surprise reslut of the Senate election in Massachusetts made this speech critical.  Some were left with questions, others hope.

"He said we've created you know two million jobs," Jackie Trudell of Appleton said.  "Well maybe we have, but unemployment is higher than it was a year ago, so maybe we'll have some new jobs we've created, but I'm concerned that he isn't taking a look at the whole picture."

"It's a difficult task to be hopeful with all the challenges that remain in the country and politically to get things done that he may want to do or other people want him to do," Organizing for America volunteer Dave Allen said. 

Allen says he wants the President to make the changes he promised, regardless fo the political consequences.

Both Democrats and Republicans say the President faced a tough crowd with the nation so divided over health reform.  While they differed on many elements of the speech, both sides were pleased to hear Obama stress the importance of getting our country back to work.