U.S. President Barack Obama in his State of the Union address spoke of what unites the country, while laying out his strategy for getting around a divided Congress -- a plan that reflects scaled-back legislative ambitions after a tough year.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:
"In the coming months, let's see where else we can make progress together. Let's make this a year of action. That's what most Americans want - for all of us in this chamber to focus on their lives, their hopes, their aspirations."
He also made it clear that he would bypass lawmakers to get things done.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:
"So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that's what I'm going to do."
He spoke of the growing inequality in the country.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:
"The cold, hard fact is that even in t
